Winter—A Solstice Story

On the longest night of the year, Owl calls on his forest friends to “shine the light” and “share a gift of hope.” Deer leaves nuts on tree branches so that all may have enough to eat. Raccoon hides berries in the snow as “sweet surprises.” As different animals explain how they can contribute (“I can help to shine the light…I can help to spark the light”), they decorate a tree, and their efforts culminate in the completed tree featured in a vertical gatefold. Liwska’s muted digital illustrations, with primarily blue backgrounds, help to set a peaceful wintry mood. MARVA ANNE HINTON – Horn Book * November/December 2023 Issue *
A meditative story set in a snow- covered wood. The prose is careful and smooth, mirroring the peaceful illustrations as the story builds spread by spread to envelope onlookers in a winter forest, colored in cool blues, soft whites, and muted browns. Together, words and images carry readers through the woods with an owl, who meets other woodland creatures, preparing for winter. As they make their preparations, the animals create a solstice tree, where they share tender, collected moments together in the cold but cozy setting. VERDICT This beautiful book offers young readers a way into a world they may not encounter, deep in the woods, in winter – School Library Journal * 10/1/23 *
Woodland creatures celebrate light and winter on the longest night of the year.

Owl calls to friends to help him “shine the light, / and share a gift of hope this night,” the winter solstice. Deer, Squirrel, Mouse, and others have gifts to share. Duck brings feathers as “hope / for warm, cozy beds,” while Racoon places berries in the snow as “hope / for sweet surprises.” When a bear surprises the group as they celebrate around their decorated tree, they welcome their new friend. Though the final decorated tree evokes Christmas imagery, there’s no specific mention of the holiday. Simple text largely follows a pattern, explaining what “gift of hope” each animal brings. A final italicized sentence notes how each will help “spark,” “shine,” or “spread” the light. The illustrations have a soft, brushed quality that, despite the snowy setting, gives the book a comforting feel. The animals are fuzzy and feathery, almost touchable. One large, vertical image requires a tilt of the book to truly take in the decorated tree in all its splendor. Today’s readers, accustomed to producing light with the flip of a switch, may not appreciate the story’s subtext about treasuring light through long, cold winter nights; nevertheless, the charming artwork will stir them.

Warm visuals bring to life a snowy solstice. (Picture book. 3-5) – Kirkus Reviews * 9/15/23 *

Kelsey E. Gross grew up in Wisconsin and lived in New Mexico and California before returning to the Midwest. She now lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with her partner, son, and pup. Kelsey aims to write books that inspire readers of all ages to take care of one another and the natural world. She’s the author of the Solstice & Seasons series picture books Winter, Summer, and Fall.

Renata Liwska grew up in Warsaw, Poland, and now lives in Calgary, Canada. She is the illustrator of The Quiet Book and The Loud Book!, both written by Deborah Underwood and New York Times bestsellers. For The Quiet Book, Renata Liwska was awarded the Society of Illustrators Gold Medal and was named a Governor General’s Award finalist. She is also the illustrator of The Solstice & Seasons Series, written by Kelsey E. Gross.

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