It’s that time of year again: The days are growing shorter, the weather colder, and schools are letting out for the holidays. What better winter gift for your child than a good story?
As always, we’ve got you covered. With this week’s Three to Read Jr. picks, young readers can explore solstice celebrations around the world or embark on a fantastical rescue mission. These books truly capture the spirit — and the magic — of the season.
EARLY READERS
Weiwei’s Winter Solstice: A Dongzhì Story by Michelle Jing Chan
SUMMARY:
Last year, Weiwei spent Dongzhì, the winter solstice, surrounded by hummingbirds and palm trees. But this year, her family has moved somewhere new, where everything is cold and snowy. As the sun sets on the shortest day of the year, will Weiwei find warmth in her new surroundings?
WHY:
Gorgeously illustrated and full of lush, lyrical description, Weiwei’s Winter Solstice is both a window into Chinese culture and a meditation on adapting to change. Any reader who’s ever moved away from home will relate to Weiwei’s melancholy, one that her immigrant grandpa, Yeye, knows well. But they’ll also enjoy the wondrous sights and sounds Weiwei encounters on her winter walk — and the familiar rituals of home. The book even includes a recipe for Yeye’s tang yuan, a Chinese dessert traditionally eaten on Dongzhi!
ELEMENTARY READERS
Monsters in the Moonlight: A Yalda Night Adventure by Sina Merabian
SUMMARY:
It’s Yalda Night, the longest night of the year — and twin divs Choori and Shooli are out to cause havoc. The monsters set out to sabotage a family’s celebration by any means necessary. But Choori and Shooli’s plans go awry as the family proves more resourceful — and resilient — than they realize.
WHY:
Monsters in the Moonlight combines folklore and festivities to introduce readers to Yalda Night, the Iranian commemoration of the winter solstice. Mischievous yet adorable, Choori and Shooli are divs, monsters from Iranian mythology that readers can’t help but root for — especially as their antics never cause the distress they expect. As they learn about Yalda Night customs, young readers will discover that a celebration with friends and family doesn’t have to be perfect to be special.
MIDDLE GRADE READERS
The Beasts of Winter: A Daggers of Ire Novel by J.C. Cervantes
SUMMARY:
Five years ago, the Winter Queen, Celeste, kidnapped Fetch’s sister, Violet, and turned Fetch into a fox. Now, Celeste is hosting a festival at her palace — the perfect opportunity for Fetch to save his sister. Armed with powerful yet untrained magic, Fetch embarks on his dangerous journey with his bone dragon, Beckblade, by his side. The two will encounter new friends and foes alike — but the real threat may just lie within Fetch himself.
WHY:
If your child loves The Snow Queen, they’re sure to enjoy this companion to J.C. Cervantes’ 2024 novel The Daggers of Ire. Returning fans of the series will be delighted to follow Fetch on his adventures and meet more fun characters, from loyal Hawthorn to grouchy Garzo. Newcomers, meanwhile, are sure to fall in love with the excitement, magic, and heart Cervantes brings to her storytelling. Nothing short of spellbinding, The Beasts of Winter will make a welcome addition to young readers’ bookshelves as they head into the thick of winter.
That’s it for this week’s Three to Read Jr.! We’ll be back next time with more recommendations for your little bookworm.
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