WINTER IS THE WARMEST SEASON

A child rhapsodizes over winter’s warmth. Looking out the window at the falling snow, the young narrator declares, “My world is warmest in winter,” and proceeds to a list of favorite things all depicted along the way. He begins with fuzzy boots and a puffy jacket and woolly sweaters, followed by building snowmen outside, then warming up with hot chocolate (or soup) inside. There, radiators hiss, parties are warmer and the cat sits on your lap instead of a window sill. Extra blankets make the bed snug, winter pajamas have feet and bodies sit closer while reading longer books. And once snuggled down in bed, one might dream of summer. Prolific illustrator Stringer’s first try at text is slight and unexceptional, but the pictures, many on double-page spreads, in gorgeous glowing acrylics on watercolor paper, capture the warmth and vibrancy of her unique premise. (Picture book. 3-8)