It’s now “snow time” in the colder climates and that means a celebration of blizzard picture books.  Have you ever awakened to a world of white?  The Snowy Day , written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats, is a beautiful story and a 1963 Caldecott winner about a young boy who wakes up to a wonderful white wintry day.  He can hardly wait to explore the exciting adventures waiting in the crisp cold blanket of snow.  The pictures of oil and collage completely cover the pages like snow on the ground.  Here is one of the best picture books written to celebrate a day in the snow.  It’s been recently reissued and repackaged with Mr. Keats’ other famous book, Whistle for Willie. A DVD of each story is included with the book.  Here’s another book about the first snowfall – Danny’s First Snow, written and beautifully illustrated with acrylic and pastels on paper by Leonid Gore, is another celebration of the magic of that first snow.  You can almost feel the sense of the cold air and the change of scenery in this beautiful rendition of being out in a world covered in snow.

And for another wonderful reissue, Hans Brinker , retold perfectly by Bruce Coville, and marvelously painted by Laurel Long, retells the story of a family who stays together through some of the most difficult times.  It’s not only about the difficult ice skating race of Hans but the lessons of love and perseverance that should be read to families of all ages.

Very Hairy Bear , by Alice Schertle, and illustrated with beautiful soft pastels-and-pencil by Matt Phelan, has a rambunctious bear leading the reader through the seasons as he eats and sleeps.  Adorable!

Playful Little Penguins , by Tony Mitten, and brightly illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees, is a toe-tapping story about these polar birds who slip, slide and glide along the ice and snow.  These animated penguins retire at day’s end in the arms of their moms and dads after their fun packed day.  Don’t forget to check out the fun end pages.

And while we’re on the subject of these birds, Penguin , written and adorably illustrated by Polly Dunbar, is about friendship.  Here is story with only a few words about a boy and his new penguin who doesn’t seem to talk.  But at story’s end you learn much more about ways to communicate besides through words.

Are you looking for a funny read-aloud?  Duck at the Door , written and illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic, is a hilarious story about a duck who decides not to fly south for the winter.  Instead he visits a house full of pets who don’t want him taking over their dwelling.  All through his antics, their interest and caring grows until the weather thaws and it’s time for his duck friends to return.  What will he do?  This is a funny story to be enjoyed by all!

Here’s an imaginative tale.  Romeo and Lou Blast Off , written and brightly illustrated by Derek Anderson, is about Romeo, the penguin, and Lou, the polar bear, and how they decide to build a snow sculpture of a rocket ship.  But when it actually blasts into the sky, they realize they’ve entered into a new world.  (Or have they?)

A Perfect Snowman , written and illustrated with tinted hues of sepia by Preston McDaniels, is about a snowman who believes that all there is to a perfect life is having the best of everything.  But, his new friends help him learn about compassion, humility and love and the truly important lessons of life.

Here is a different spin on “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” -  The Three Snow Bears , written and illustrated by Jan Brett, has the typical glorious paintings of Ms. Brett with a story of an Eskimo girl who leaves her sled dogs and comes upon an empty igloo.  The polar bears who live there have just left for a pre-breakfast walk.  She proceeds to try out the food on the table, the boots for her feet and then falls asleep on the bed.  A fun tale rich in pictures throughout!

The Little Seal , by Sue Harris, and illustrated by Stephanie Boey, is a textured story with double paged pictures perfect for little hands.  Little Seal has a baby walrus and polar cub for friends and doesn’t want to migrate with his mother when it’s time to leave.  Will he stay with his friends or leave?  A darling story for all ages.  And while we’re talking about arctic animals, Polar Animals:  Level 1 , by Wade Cooper, will help early readers learn about arctic animals in a format with larger text and colorful photographs.

And for the young toddler, How to Build a Snowman , illustrated by Jo Moon, is a new series for the Little Scholastic.  This board book is filled with different textures to touch and learn.  The snowman has a soft face, furry snowball, and even  a silky carrot.  Great fun!