As the seasons change, it can be tempting to curl up in front of a glorious fireplace with a marshmallow-filled cup of hot chocolate and a lot of books—not that I have a fireplace, but I can dream. However, even in colder and wetter weather, it’s healthy for us to spend time outside. If you need a bit of extra motivation, here are four books that celebrate the fantastic things you can learn while you are out there (and one that helps teach your kids to enjoy the free fun they can find).
Growing up, I loved watching the wildlife that scurried or flew by my window, and I had lots of questions about them. Now, my children are equally inquisitive. I will be the first to admit that I did not retain all the answers I learned in my youth. Fortunately, there are books like Hiders Seekers Finders Keepers: How Animals Adapt in Winter by Jessica Kulekjian and illustrated by Salini Perera (Kids Can Press, 2022) to help with that. This book is jampacked with information about how different animals prepare for and survive the winter. If you enjoy hiking, this book also includes a small collection of animal tracks, so you can turn your next adventure into an animal track scavenger hunt. For ages 4 to 7.
Animals need to prepare for the cold weather, and humans used to do that as well. As Grandfather teaches us in Grandfather’s Reminder by Alberta-Rose Bear and Kathleen O’Reilly and illustrated by Lindsey Bear (Your Nickle’s Worth Publishing, 2022), one way to know the seasons are changing, and different plants are ready to be harvested, is by looking for signs in nature. In this story, Grandfather is trying to encourage his grandchild to be patient and to read nature’s signs. For example, the foxtail, which told him the chokecherries were ready to be harvested. If you’re looking for an activity to try once you’ve read the book, you and your kids can research local natural signs, go for a walk and see if you can spot any. For ages 4 to 7.
If you prefer your plants more manicured than a wild chokecherry bush, you and your kids could read Jennie Butchart: Gardener of Dreams by Haley Healey and illustrated by Kimiko Fraser (Heritage House, 2024) before you go and visit the Butchart Gardens. This non-fiction piece will bring life to the history of the Butchart Gardens, teaching you how Jennie turned the old limestone quarry into a thing of beauty for countless people to enjoy. For ages 4 to 7.
While you are at the Butchart Gardens, why not go skating? If your child hasn’t tried skating before, or if they’re nervous about it, you could read Gordie’s Skate by Bill Waiser and illustrated by Leanne Franson (Thistledown Press, 2023). This delightfully illustrated book is about how the hockey player, Gordie Howe, learned to skate. Something you might not know about him is that Gordie and his sister shared a pair of skates. He was determined to play hockey, so he practiced all the time, and grew up to be a legend. For ages 4 to 7.
Some of the activities above are free and others cost money. If you find yourself deciding which to take part in based on cost, you might want to pick up a copy of A Kids Book About Money by Adam Stramwasser (DK, 2024). This basic finance book for young children teaches them what money is, what it looks like, how you get it and what you can use it for in an age-appropriate manner. While I hope you never find yourself in the same situation as Gordie’s mother (where you can only buy one pair of skates for your children to share), if you want to help your kids make wise financial choices as they grow up, A Kids Book About Money is a good place to start. For ages 5 to 8.
Winter days can seem dreary and cold, but there are ways for us to encourage our children to get out in our communities so they can learn, grow and discover new things. I hope these stories inspire you to do just that.
