About This Book

Twenty-five carefully selected poems (and excerpts of poems) encourage young readers to consider the many moods of the season, as late fall turns into winter and winter gives way to early spring. Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Thomas Hardy, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Carl Sandburg, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Sara Teasdale, Wallace Stevens, Richard Wright, Ogden Nash, and David Kherdian are among the wide variety of poets represented. While just a few of the poems were originally written for children, Rogasky has chosen wisely — young readers will respond well to the mix of concrete images and atmospheres the words evoke. No holidays are mentioned, making this collection a pure celebration of the season itself.

Caldecott Medalist (and three-time Caldecott honoree) Trina Schart Hyman has created exquisite line-and-watercolor paintings that capture the individual essence of each poem. All the poems and pictures are in turn set against another illustrative background made up of scenes from the New Hampshire farm where both compiler and artist live. Interested readers will find notes identifying the relatives and family pets featured in the artwork. A masterful production, this gorgeous volume invites children to come in from the cold and discover the wonders of poetry for themselves.