Et cetera : Book Review: Winter and Holiday Easy Picture Books

Easy Picture Books
                                             Winter/ Holidays
                                             Reviewed by
                                             Connie Bennett
     What parent or grandparent hasn't heard the plaintive request to "read me a story"?  Especially at this time of year when outside is cold and icy, and Daddy proclaims that "it isn't good snow for making snowballs", children seem to innately crave a warm lap or chair, and a wintry book!  I've gathered three that caught my eye, that were heartily recommended by our Children's Librarian, Kellie Roberts. 
     First up is The Mitten by Jan Brett.  This classic is always a favorite , though it was originally published thirty-three years ago by G.P. Putnam's Sons, NY.  A young fellow named Nicki has his heart set on a pair of pure white mittens.  His Grandmother, Baba, is sure that white mittens will soon be lost in the snow, but Nicki knows what he wants and finally, Baba knits his mittens.  As predicted, a mittens falls into the snow, but Nicki doesn't notice.  Soon, all kinds of creatures come by, wanting a warm place!  What will happen?  Will Nicki find his mitten?  What will Baba say?  You just HAVE to read this one!
     Next in line is Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper.  One day when Lina wakes up, it is very, very quiet.  Even though there has been a blizzard and a lot of snow has fallen, Lina wants to go to Sitti's house to make a very special meal.  Sitti can no longer see very well and Lina will be a big help!  On the way, Lina begins to hear the "sounds" of snow, and she begins to count these sounds.  She has gotten to eight when she gets to her grandma's house.  Later, she and Sitti talk about their day, and talk about all of these different ways.  Can you guess what some of them are?  Published by Penguin, NY, 2020.
     What would you think if you heard  "Santa's Stuck!"?  This book by Rhonda Gowler Green is a very funny tale of what happened when Santa had WAY too many cookies...and fruitcake... and fudge...and needed a LOT of help from a lot of friends!  The excellent artwork is by Henry Cole; published by Penguin Group NY in 2004.