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| I read this from a favorite poetry anthology The Year Around – Poems for Children by Hazeltine and Smith |
I spent last Saturday with an intelligent and thoughtful group of adults in Sioux Falls, SD. Melissa and Shannon have been leading a book discussion through Charlotte Mason’s 6-volume series as well as putting her principles into action through a community and their own homeschools. They asked me to come over and present the Small Things seminar and they didn’t need to twist my arm to come! Even though the weather was frigid, the atmosphere inside was warm and inviting.
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| talking about habits |
The afternoon was spent talking about many aspects of a Mason education including Bible lessons, habits, poetry, picture study, scheduling, living books, and more. Conversations and questions took up much time, also. I think some new friends were made.
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| one of many creative display tables showcasing students’ work |
At one point, I shared some of my favorite winter titles. Sometimes, a fresh book is just what is needed to renew hearts and minds. Here are my suggestions, plus a few from the attendees. Please add your own favorite winter titles in the comments – I’d love to keep a list here!
Picture Books –
The Mitten by Jan Brett
Owl Moon by Jan Yolen
The Winter’s Tale by Bruce Coville (a retelling – then do the original for your Shakespeare play!)
A Day on Skates by Hilda van Stockum
Stickeen by John Muir
A Prairie Boy’s Winter by William Kurelek
The Race of the Birkebeiners by Lise Lunge-Larsen
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
The Snow Baby by Katherine Kirkpatrick (almost a chapter book)
Children of the Northlights by Ingri & Edgar Parin d’Aulaire
Mousekin’s Woodland Sleepers by Edna Miller
Brambly Hedge – Winter Story by Jill Barklem
The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen (we like the one illustrated by Miss Clara!)
Chapter Books –
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Calico Captive by Elizabeth Speare
Children’s Blizzard by David Laskin
Winter Holiday by Arthur Ransome
At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald
Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Winter Cottage by Carol Ryrie Brink
Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen
Prairie School by Lois Lenski
Sod-House Winter by Clara Ingram Judson
Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan
Jack and Jill by Louisa May Alcott
I know this post was a year ago, but i would like to add The Winter Room, by Gary Paulsen. I am currently reading this aloud to my children, and so far we really enjoy it. Paulsen's description of life on the farm is so detailed and vivid, you feel like you are there, living the story.
I am going to look that title up, Mindy! You are never too late here – the comments are a great resource, too!
Fondly,
Nancy
If I may add…Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening by Robert Frost, Illustrated by Susan Jeffers. One of my favorites is The Big Snow by Berta and Elmer Hader. My little two like White Snow, Bright Snow by Alvin Tresselt and Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton. We don't get to experience snow here in Los Angeles so they prefer snow books. Thank you for your list.
I'm a bit late with my gratitude but please know I appreciate your ideas!
Fondly,
Nancy
Schoolroom in the Parlor by Rebecca Caudill. We like to read the chapters in Farmer Boy that take place in the winter, too.
Dear Amy,
Oh, yes, I agree with those! Thank you, Amy!
Truly,
Nancy
We JUST recently read that poem and we are reading Winter Cottage right now! 🙂 YAY! 🙂 I think the Little House books are some of my favorite RA's for winter from the past…I actually haven't really ever meditated on favorite reads for SEASONS (as far as STORY books, we have nature books for different seasons) focusing more on holidays. Now I have another way to collect books! 😉 😀
Dear Amy,
Any time I can help someone collect more books I'm more than happy to help!
Truly,
Nancy
Here are a few we like:
Redwall, A Winter's Tale by Brian Jacques
Winter Barn, by Dorothy Ripley
Over and Under the Snow, by Melissa Stewart
Also Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John ( I love watching the movie on cozy winter afternoons!)
I took inspiration from your post and compiled a list as well on my own blog, I hope you don't mind. I tried not duplicate the titles you listed.
http://www.americanadiangirl.com/2014/01/cozy-winter-reading-list.html
Thank you, Heather! That is exactly what I hoped you would do. I enjoyed your list as well!
Comfort and joy,
Nancy
Thank you, Nancy. I'm so glad to be part of this community.
I always love book lists. Thank you.