Editor’s Note: Good afternoon. If you missed out on the morning post, you can check out Rebecca’s post on Waldorf Kindergarten classrooms HERE. Now, we’ve got four of my favorite books to celebrate the solstice with your kids through stories.

Although we are just short of a week away from celebrating Christmas, one of my favorite celebrations of this season is that of the Winter solstice.

When it comes to stories, especially ones that bring Winter alive for children, books on the actual topic of the solstice are few and far between. But, we found some lovely tales that totally bring this time of darkness alive for kids that the tiny person and I both loved so much that it hurt to return them to the library once we were done.

So, if you are looking to find some great family stories to gather around the holiday fire with during the next couple of weeks, check a few of these out for some early Winter charm.

1. The Snow Angel by Christine Leeson, illustrated by Jane Chapman. This sweet book about a lost trumpeter swan and the mice who keep a bit of an eye on him is both quaint and a great peek into the lives of animals in Winter. Being trumpeter swan lovers of the biggest kind in our house, we totally loved this tale of sharing and caring. A Winter time must.

2. Finding Christmas by Helen Ward, illustrated by Wayne Anderson. Oh how I loved this amazingly illustrated story about a girl out on Christmas Eve searching for the perfect gift for her baby brother. Frustrated by the weather and her trip to a magical toy store that turned up empty, she sulks away. Sadness prevails until the perfect present falls from the sky.

3. Apple Tree Christmas by Trinka Hakes Noble. Back now to more simple times, this story about a family struggling to survive and living in a barn brings us back to an old skool space that is all about handmade. The story focuses around one little girl who is inspired to draw by one apple tree, which is lost in a great blizzard. Sad, she wonders what could ever replace her loss, until her dad creates her a very special Christmas present. This watercolor book that has been out of print for some time is now back on the shelves and I am totally in love with its message of faith and renewal.

4. Merry Christmas, Merry Crow by Kathy Appelt, illustrated by Jon Goodell. This fun story about a crow who spends his time collecting all sorts of bits and pieces of sparkle from around town during the holidays is one that is sure to charm the pre-K and early grades crowd. The tiny person loves all books about birds. So, this one ranked way up there on the holiday-o-meter since it had sparkly bits and birds:) The big spread in the back of the book that reveals what this fun crow has been up to is a great moment. Love it.

Hope you enjoy these last couple days of darkness before the light begins to return and, of course, seasons greetings.