Winter technically doesn’t start until the end of December, but here in the Pacific Northwest, winter has come.
The grey days of winter can be just as difficult and depressing for children as they can be for grownups – even puddle jumping can start to lose its appeal after about the 14th day of straight rain.
So without further ado, here are a few sunshiney picture books that can help inject a bit of summer fun into your winter story times and school visits.
Duck and Goose Go to the Beach
Duck longs for an adventure, while Goose would prefer to stay at home. When Duck and Goose end up at the seaside, Goose discovers the joys of the beach, while Duck realises that there’s no place like home. This summery story about a sweetly mismatched pair can help fulfil those wintery longings for sand between your toes.
Scaredy Squirrel Goes to the Beach
Canadian content! I love Scaredy Squirrel – being a bit of a worrywart myself, I can readily relate to his charming assortment of miscellaneous neuroses.When Scaredy Squirrel heads to the beach for a summery vacation, will his numerous safeguards and backup plans keep summertime disasters at bay?
Tired of life in the cold Antarctic, Penguin sets off for a warm and sunny vacation, making new friends along the way. Simple text, adorable illustrations and a hot, beachy setting make this a perfect pick-me-up for a wintery day.
Longing for the days of outdoor swimming pools and warm sunshine? Relive your summer memories with the story of a little boy, a giant whale, and a backyard pool that’s not big enough for the both of them.
Few things scream summer to me quite the same way watermelon does. Sitting on a picnic blanket in the park, spitting out little black seeds as sweet juice drips down your chin is my idea of a perfect summer day. The little crocodile in The Watermelon Seed loves watermelon just as much as I do, but when he accidentally swallows a seed, will a giant watermelon grow in his stomach? Turn the page to find out!
Another picture book that captures the sweet taste of summer. Sal and her mother are collecting blueberries to can for winter when they encounter a pair of bears who are preparing for winter, too! A classic picture book that captures the last few days of summer.
Here’s to another six months of rain. We’ll make it to spring eventually!
Where I live it is summer and we are feeling the sand between our toes. Sunshine today but could be rain again in a few days. Hope you get some respite from your rain soon. Love the sound of the Duck and Goose go to the Beach story. So true.
Your first rain image had me chortling. I lived in Northern CA for a time and remember the gray of winter. These books seem to be the perfect antidote. 🙂
No rain these days Jane, although I don’t expect this snow we now have to last. We will probably have another green Christmas? Blueberries for Sal is one of those classics!
I don’t know whether I dislike Winter or Summer more, because we’re getting a massive heatwave at the moment in Australia. These picture books look so cute!