I enjoyed this book. I loved the scenes of family, fun, and nature. The beautiful illustrations added to the story. It could also be a beginner reader. It would be a lovely bedtime story.

I received an ARC through Netgalley and North Star Editions, and this is my unsolicited review.

“In the winter, the world is magical.” ❄️

Oh my heart 🥹🤍. As someone who loves the crispness of the air and the quietness of winter, I adored this children’s book about the beautiful things that make up the winter season. There is great representation of different religions and the illustrations make me want to grab a cup of hot chocolate and snuggle under a fuzzy blanket while a fire roars.

Absolutely precious! This book can certainly be enjoyed by all ages, even if is geared towards ages 4-8.

Thank you to Netgalley, Flux Books, North Star Editions, and the author for the ARC.

In this beautiful picture book author Lauren Kukla illustrates the winter season in all its glory. Her gorgeous pictures and short simple first text portrays the weather. She shows how people bundle up, and how some animals hibernate while others stay active. I love the pictures of animals sleeping in their dens. When she shows people celebrating there are pictures of Kwanza, Hanukkah and Christmas. This Gorgeous book is perfect for cuddling up with the little one on a cold winter day. Although I received a temporary eBook from the publishers, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Delightful book for toddlers and beginning readers. Will be excellent for caregivers to read to/with the youngest readers.

Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC of #IntheWinter . A quiet snowy soft book giving children an idea of how the season progresses and the pleasures they can find. The illustrations are snowy and gentle making the whole story feel like a big warm blanket wrapped around you. Actually that’s how you should read it to your child! And with cozy cups of hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Book Review: In the Winter by Lauren Kukla

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently had the pleasure for reviewing "In the Winter by Lauren Kukla", and it was a delightful escape into a winter wonderland! As someone who loves cozy sessional based reads, this book felt like wrapping myself in a warm blanket while sipping hot cocoa on a chilly evening.

The story takes readers on a journey through the tranquil and enchanting aspects of winter—think snowy woods, glistening frozen lakes, and the mesmerizing northern lights. It beautifully illustrates how winter can bring communities together as families prepare for festive gatherings. The animals in the story, some awake making tracks in the snow while others are snuggled up in their burrows, remind us that even in the coldest months, there’s a certain warmth that comes from connection and togetherness.

Now, what really sets this book apart are the stunning watercolor illustrations. They’re absolutely breathtaking! Each page is a visual treat that captures the essence of winter perfectly—soft hues and cozy scenes that transport you right into that snowy landscape. I found that these illustrations complemented the simple yet captivating narrative, making it accessible and engaging for children.

Kukla's storytelling not only celebrates the beauty of winter but also encourages readers to find joy in the season, even when it feels dark and cold outside. It’s a reminder that there is wonder to be found all around us.

Overall, I would rate this book four stars. It’s a charming read that I would definitely recommend adding to any children's library. Perfect for bedtime stories or family moments, In the Winter is sure to spark imagination and warmth during those long winter nights. If you're looking for a cute read that captures the splendor of winter, look no further!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Reading in the Winter was like a reminder of all the good things we can do in the winter. I appreciated the illustrations, the fire, the frozen lake, and snow on the ground. For children who live in the south, it is a great visualization of how winter is in other places. I have already ordered this tittle and believe it is a perfect length for young listener during story times.

A sweet story, beautifully illustrated for young readers and their parents that share some of the ways that change both inside and outdoors as winter arrives. This is shared in simple ways, as in the activities for both people and animals as the days become colder and the lakes begin to freeze, and the ground begins to be covered with snow, and some animals will hibernate and sleep through the cold nights, while others are busy following the footsteps imprinted in the snow. Meanwhile, there are the people who are gathering with their families, and celebrating with friends and family, sharing food and memories.


Pub Date: 12 Nov 2024


Many thanks for the ARC provided by North Star Editions / Jolly Fish Press

Wonderful picture book that would work for story times! Very cozy and almost makes you long for snow,

This is a quick and adorable read about everything that happens in winter. We get a look around the world at different celebrations of the season, which was a nice touch. The illustrations are delicate and whimsical, perfect for creating a winter wonderland in the reader's mind.

I once read that picture books are some of the only poetry that adults read anymore, and as a parent of two young boys, it is true for this stage of my life. Picture books, when done well, use prose and verse along with illustrations to convey emotions in addition to a story.

This was a lovely poem about winter with gorgeous illustrations. I appreciated the nod to various religious holidays that take place during winter without making Christmas the default holiday. I also really liked the connection to all of the cozy things people like about winter along with animals hi eating. A sweet book that will be enjoyed along with other seasonal selections.

Serendipity. As I started this book last night, a friend messaged me to check the skies. The aurora, or Northern Lights, was not only active but seemed to be practically overhead. What a treat and a lovely, timely reminder of all of winter's gifts. While the aurora may dance every night, it only gets dark enough here in Alaska to see it during winter months.

This beautifully illustrated book captures the sense of wintertime, both the reality and magic. The Lights, of course, are only a bit of that magic but it was nice to see the air of reality, too, as children are reminded that winter is time for warm, cozy clothing such as scarves and gloves. I smiled when I saw the bit about the trees being resting after shedding their leaves, something we've just watched happen here. The colors definitely reflect winter as do the diverse illustrations themselves, which seem to be watercolor in style, allowing children to picture themselves in such scenes. The words are sparse but sufficient to move us along smoothly and show how how people and animals alike prepare for winter. Both the words and illustrations were quite accurate as man and beast prepare for the long nights.

Bottom line, an excellent way to introduce children who've never experienced real winter cold and snow to what winter is like. My thanks to #NorthSouthEditions - #JollyFishPress for allowing me this early peek. Well, not of winter as we've just had our first real dusting of snow yesterday, topped off by the glorious showing of the Northern Light. Yes, winter can be cold but magical. This book captures that and reality nicely.

A simply texted, heavily illustrated picture book talking about what happens when winter comes. There are animal tracks and sleeping animals to identify and talk about activities that even with or especially because of the cold and snow can take place. A wonderful read-a-loud to your the little snow bunnies.

Wonderful graphics, wonderful text. I loved everything about this book. Winter is a season to love and cherish. There is lots of fun and games, specific for this season, so one should not be gloomy during this miracle of the nature.

In the Winter is a breathtaking story so very well created for our little ones to learn all about the beauty and magic of winter. Very simple and easy text combined with stunning illustrations creates a wonderful explanation of what happens in winter, what we see and feel and what the animals do. From nature to family traditions it captures it all. Not only a wonderful story but a creative way to help children learn about winter. I love this book. As a homeschool teacher and early childhood teacher this book has so many endless possibilities. Your child will love the illustrations. I love how it shows us real magic in winter. It will fast become a new family favorite for bedtime and just in time to bring in winter. Enjoy this with your little ones.
A wonderful interactive way to learn. THank you to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing us to share this ebook ARC.

This is a deeply contemplative perspective on wintertime that will, even in its quiet philosophy, appeal to a young audience.

This is a beautiful picture book with darling illustrations. The text is simple yet lyrical and is in perfect sync with the illustrations. It is a book that will be read and re-read many times.

I enjoyed this book. The images, the style of the writing, the mix of people, all seem just right to me. Also, it's not so wordy that it is impossible to use for storytime, which has become my yardstick for picture books. I truly enjoyed it and will be ordering a copy for my library.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for providing this sneak preview.

What a lovely book! The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous! I love the message of embracing Winter and seeing the beauty in it. Overall, I really enjoyed and I think kids and adults would too!

This is a sweet book with beautiful watercolor pictures. It’s a gentle, simple story about the winter season that I would suggest for 3-4 year old children. I would love to read it to my Pre-K students, who I think would enjoy the pictures and easily relate to what is going on. I love that it’s inclusive of different winter holidays as well as including children with different skin tones. Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.