Bears are Sleeping by Yulya & Illus by Nonny Hogragian

This is simply the most charming wee little book I have seen in ages. 

It was in the little book section of the Lake Placid Library. I love the little book section. Every time I go, I check out half the books. 

Delicate and airy illustrations

And this isn't even a story! It is a song. The whole entire book is music notes. 

I played it on the piano, because duh... how else will I know how to sing it? And it is a wandery, slightly minor tune that seems so gentle and yearning. 

And do you see that fancy castle in the background? It is a Russian castle of course. Because look at the words--"I will sing for you my russian lullaby."

How adorable is a tiny little watercolor singing book? 

The lyrics are not too complex--bears and many other animals are sleeping. 

Snow is piling high

And there is the Russian castle again. 

Such a quirky little book! Totally made my week. 

The Night Tree by Eve Bunting & Illus by Ted Rand

I heard of this book a few years ago, but couldn't find it again. Mostly because I didn't know the title or author. Which makes things tricky. But I found it on the Christmas book cart at the library. 

And I like it just as much as I thought I would! 

Eve Bunting has written a bajillion books. Sometimes I find her books a little on the earnest side--a wee bit to serious to thoroughly enjoy. But this one is pretty great!

And Ted Rand is a long time favorite of mine. 

Every year this family bundles up for a nighttime Christmas decorating picnic.

They find the same tree that they have decorated for several years.

And under the watchful eye of some forest creatures, they set to work.

Apple, tangerine, and peanut butter popcorn ball ornaments are topped off with popcorn garlands. 

When they are all done, they admire their work,

and have a picnic. 

Then, with full tummies and sleepy eyes, they head back to the truck. 

And go home to imagine all the forest animals eating at their tree. 

I would love to do this at school and then revisit in a week or so to see what kind of animal tracks we got and have students try to identify what animals came to eat at their Christmas tree. 

The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert & Illus by Per Breiehagen

This book combines a few of my favorite things--northern animals, girls in pigtales, Scandi clothes, and pops of red. 

It is even way cuter than my pictures. Find a copy and read it for yourself.

Anja lived way up north where mothers never pack away hats and mittens. 

And one year, she decided she would find Santa so she could be an elf. 

She had a few things to knock off her to-do list before setting off--namely, helping the kind old woman down the road get ready for Christmas.

Even carrying in the tree, all by herself.

Then she planned her route and informed her friend and family. 

She seems to have those conveniently distant parents that always allow young children to do absurdly independent things in stories. 

As she set off, a friendly red bird came down to help her find her way.

Skiing so fast the bird could hardly keep up.

Then the bird handed her off to her friend the horse

Watching Northern Lights from on top the horse

Then a friendly polar bear enters the picture and she reads him a story.

Before snuggling in for a nap. 

Aren't these photographs cool? Clearly they are digitally collaged together, but so perfectly! 

Apparently this whole story started with a picture of Lori Evert's daughter feeding a caribou. She liked the picture so much she built a story around it. Not sure if this is the specific picture, but if it is, I can see what she meant. 

Adorable! 

Finally, Anja finds Santa.

And Santa tells Anja that what she does at home for the little old woman down the road already makes her one of Santa's important helpers.

He brings her back to the little cabin in the woods, leaving a bell as a momento. 

The next thing Anja knows, she wakes up in bed. 

Was it a dream? But there is a bell....

And the book ends on the open ended question---"What do you think?"

I LOVE THIS PICTURE. It has no bearing on the story, but oh my. All that red and snow and wood and fur. 

The Gold Leaf by Kirsten Hall & Illus by Matthew Forsythe

This book was one I have been wanting to look at for a year or so now, but haven't got my hands on it until I was up in Alaska this summer. 

Interestingly, I always assumed this was a fall book because that is when leaves are gold. BUT it isn't! I am still going to pretend it is a fall book because it is about leaves. 

Winter

Spring! 

Jungle green, laurel green, moss green, mint green, pine green, avocado green, and, of course, sap green. 

So much green! 

A squirrel saw something non-green

A golden leaf. Which does not look golden in this picture. But it is. 

Suddenly everyone wanted the golden leaf.

A bird got to it first.

Then a chipmunk stole it away. 

Then a mousie caught it up...

(Don't you just love the colored backgrounds here?)

Finally, the leaf was in tatters on the ground. 

Finally, the golden bits of leaf floated away on the wind. 

Lost because of greed

I love this fall picture!

Winter wonderland

When spring came around again, the golden leaf was there again. 

But this time, they understood how to leave it alone and so everyone could enjoy it.