Winter's Child -- Book Review

Disclosure: Candlewick Press gave me a copy of this book free of charge to review. All opinions in my review are my own, and I did not receive any other compensation. As in all my reviews I am providing links for your ease, but receive no compensation.

December was unusually warm here. In fact my nephew slept outside Christmas night in his new hammock with a couple of quilts. My nephew does not use the air conditioner up here in the summer since he is use to North Carolina weather. However winter began to show itself the week after Christmas and hasn't really stopped. Today's book is perfect for this time of year (and really was perfect for last year with our snow). Winter's Child by Angela McAllister and illustrated by Grahame Baker-Smith is about a young boy named Tom. 

Tom loves the winter and playing in the snow. This winter was perfect for him and he was hoping it would never end. His grandmother however was sick and was hoping the spring sun would arrive soon since she was having trouble staying warm. Every day Tom would go out and play in the snow with his skis, or sled and one day he meets a mysterious boy who wants to play with him. They go and have amazing adventures in the snow. Tom keeps thinking he hears a voice calling, but is never sure about it. Then the wood runs out for a fire and Tom chops his own skis to keep his grandmother warm. Then they spend a night without a fire and his socks and boots do not dry. He is no longer enjoying the cold snow and his friend feels bad and tells him that he will leave so spring can come. He is Winter's son and has been avoiding going home so he could stay and play with Tom. 

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 This beautiful book reminds the reader of the beauty and fun of winter but also the harshness it can be. It shows the good and the bad and brings a modern day fairy tale to life. It shares the struggles of a family who want Tom to be happy and have fun but also want Nana to be healthy. Tom sacrifices his skis and himself to keep Nana warm and begins to realize as much fun as the snow is his Nana matters much more. It is story where even a child decides family is more important than self. It is a beautiful story and it is beautifully illustrated. 

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Each time I pull this book out to read Hazel tells me how much she likes it. It is a sweet tale of choices and choosing priorities as well as the change of seasons. It is added to one of our favorites for winter and it reminds us a bit of How Robin Saved Spring. One of our favorite change of season books ever!!