What do you think?
Rate this book
World Full of...
A World Full of Winter Stories
Get ready for winter with this treasury of 50 frosty stories from around the globe.
Curl up beside the fire and uncover stories from all over the world with this rich resource of wintery folk tales, myths and legends.
Featuring stories of Norse gods; hibernating bears; Christmas feasts and wicked witches, there is something for everyone in this collection of winter inspired stories.
The perfect anthology for Christmas, or any time you want to uncover chilly tales from lands near and far.
Collected and retold by award-winning author Angela McAllister, with enchanting illustrations by Olga Baumert, this is an anthology to be read when the weather turns colder and the nights draw in.
Stories
The Spider and the Christmas Tree (Ukraine)
Mother Holle (Germany)
Shingebiss (Ojibwe, North America)
The First Rabbits (Japan)
The Girl and the Winter Whirlwinds (Bulgaria)
The First Evergreens (Mongolia)
The Snow Man (Denmark)
Why the Bear Sleeps All Winter (North America)
The Wind, the Clouds and the Snow (China)
The World Full of… series is a collection of beautiful hardback story treasuries. Discover folktales from all around the world or be introduced to some of the world’s best-loved writers with these stunning gift books, the perfect addition to any child’s library.
Also available from the A Year Full of Stories, A World Full of Animal Stories, A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories, A World Full of Dickens Stories, A Year Full of Celebrations and Festivals, A Bedtime Full of Stories and A World Full of Spooky Stories.
Curl up beside the fire and uncover stories from all over the world with this rich resource of wintery folk tales, myths and legends.
Featuring stories of Norse gods; hibernating bears; Christmas feasts and wicked witches, there is something for everyone in this collection of winter inspired stories.
The perfect anthology for Christmas, or any time you want to uncover chilly tales from lands near and far.
Collected and retold by award-winning author Angela McAllister, with enchanting illustrations by Olga Baumert, this is an anthology to be read when the weather turns colder and the nights draw in.
Stories
The Spider and the Christmas Tree (Ukraine)
Mother Holle (Germany)
Shingebiss (Ojibwe, North America)
The First Rabbits (Japan)
The Girl and the Winter Whirlwinds (Bulgaria)
The First Evergreens (Mongolia)
The Snow Man (Denmark)
Why the Bear Sleeps All Winter (North America)
The Wind, the Clouds and the Snow (China)
The World Full of… series is a collection of beautiful hardback story treasuries. Discover folktales from all around the world or be introduced to some of the world’s best-loved writers with these stunning gift books, the perfect addition to any child’s library.
Also available from the A Year Full of Stories, A World Full of Animal Stories, A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories, A World Full of Dickens Stories, A Year Full of Celebrations and Festivals, A Bedtime Full of Stories and A World Full of Spooky Stories.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2023
12 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Angela McAllister
124 books49 followersAngela McAllister is an award- winning author of over eighty books for children, including picture books, junior fiction, non-fiction and novels. Her work has been adapted for the stage and is widely used in schools. It has been translated into more than twenty languages. She lives in the south of England.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 9, 2023
In a Nutshell: A charming illustrated anthology of fairy tales and folk tales related to winter, taken from across the world. I continue to be a fan of Angela McAllister’s children’s story collections.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book has fifty stories themed around winter, each ranging from 1-4 pages. The tales have been distributed across six sections: Birds and Beasts, Tricks and Troubles, Ice and Snow, Quests and Journeys, Spirits and Magic, and Christmas.
As this is my fourth collection by Angela McAllister, I knew what I could expect from this themed work. And the book didn’t disappoint! In Mumbai, ‘October heat’ has begun, with the end of the monsoons resulting in the return of clammy days. So reading a bunch of winter stories somewhat helped in cooling me, at least virtually. The writing style reminded me of the storybooks I read in my childhood, so the collection also ended up making me feel quite nostalgic.
Every story is either a folk tale or a local legend from a specific region or culture, which is mentioned next to the title. The stories have been gathered from all over the world. Almost every human-populated continent (Australia being the sole exception!) is represented in the book. The countries are as varied as Argentina and Sweden, Mongolia and even Jamaica. It’s good to see such diverse countries represented in this anthology. There are many stories from the indigenous tribes of North America as well. (I appreciate how the credit for these tales mentions the tribe’s name rather than ‘USA’.)
Each of the tales is delightful as it contains an old-world kind of charm that is so typical of folk tales. The way in which winter plays a role in the plots varies. Some stories are merely set in the cold season, while some others have winter-based characters such as frost fairies and snow witches. The Jamaican and the Finnish stories in the last section had no direct elements of winter except that they were set during Christmas.
A children’s book, no matter how great in content, needs attractive illustrations as well. The sketches in this book match the requirements of the stories perfectly. Each graphic goes well with the region and theme of the tale, and adds the perfect flurry of cold elements to suit the winter theme. Every single story has at least one illustration, and some of the sketches are even full page ones.
Though a few of the tales were already known to me, I still enjoyed rereading them. I must mention the story ‘Alexander Jones’ from Scotland, which was hilariously frustrating. I simultaneously laughed and went ‘Aargh!’ at the end. 😄
Definitely recommend this collection. Almost every story being set either in snowy times or in snowy climes makes it a perfect addition to your winter reads. The official target group is ages 5-8, but I think the language and the writing style makes the book suitable for readers aged 7+.
Not to be read in one go but savoured a few tales at a time.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group and Edelweiss+ for the DRC of “A World Full of Winter Stories”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book has fifty stories themed around winter, each ranging from 1-4 pages. The tales have been distributed across six sections: Birds and Beasts, Tricks and Troubles, Ice and Snow, Quests and Journeys, Spirits and Magic, and Christmas.
As this is my fourth collection by Angela McAllister, I knew what I could expect from this themed work. And the book didn’t disappoint! In Mumbai, ‘October heat’ has begun, with the end of the monsoons resulting in the return of clammy days. So reading a bunch of winter stories somewhat helped in cooling me, at least virtually. The writing style reminded me of the storybooks I read in my childhood, so the collection also ended up making me feel quite nostalgic.
Every story is either a folk tale or a local legend from a specific region or culture, which is mentioned next to the title. The stories have been gathered from all over the world. Almost every human-populated continent (Australia being the sole exception!) is represented in the book. The countries are as varied as Argentina and Sweden, Mongolia and even Jamaica. It’s good to see such diverse countries represented in this anthology. There are many stories from the indigenous tribes of North America as well. (I appreciate how the credit for these tales mentions the tribe’s name rather than ‘USA’.)
Each of the tales is delightful as it contains an old-world kind of charm that is so typical of folk tales. The way in which winter plays a role in the plots varies. Some stories are merely set in the cold season, while some others have winter-based characters such as frost fairies and snow witches. The Jamaican and the Finnish stories in the last section had no direct elements of winter except that they were set during Christmas.
A children’s book, no matter how great in content, needs attractive illustrations as well. The sketches in this book match the requirements of the stories perfectly. Each graphic goes well with the region and theme of the tale, and adds the perfect flurry of cold elements to suit the winter theme. Every single story has at least one illustration, and some of the sketches are even full page ones.
Though a few of the tales were already known to me, I still enjoyed rereading them. I must mention the story ‘Alexander Jones’ from Scotland, which was hilariously frustrating. I simultaneously laughed and went ‘Aargh!’ at the end. 😄
Definitely recommend this collection. Almost every story being set either in snowy times or in snowy climes makes it a perfect addition to your winter reads. The official target group is ages 5-8, but I think the language and the writing style makes the book suitable for readers aged 7+.
Not to be read in one go but savoured a few tales at a time.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group and Edelweiss+ for the DRC of “A World Full of Winter Stories”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
October 11, 2023
4 Stars
The book has several ancient stories from different continents and manages to bring diversity in themes, ideas, and cultures. The stories are categorized into six sections (listed below, with titles of stories I like). Even the non-Christmas stories sometimes have a festive touch.
While there are a few stories from Asia, I didn’t find a single tale from India. Would have been nice to have at least one. It does snow in the Northern part of the land, so I’m sure there must be a few folktales set in winter. Nevertheless, I like that the collection has many stories from Indigenous American tribes (and other native cultures).
• Birds and Beasts: Ant and Grasshopper, Country and Town Mice
• Tricks and Troubles: New Log House, Two Wishes
• Ice and Snow: The Snow Maiden
• Quests and Journeys: Rainbow Crow, The Cheerful Glacier, Babushka
• Spirits and Magic: The Stones of Plouhinec, Slivercap
• Christmas: The spider and the Christmas tree, Jimmy Scarecrow’s Christmas
The stories have a varied length, making it easy to read 2-4 at a time. None of them are too long. A few are quite small (and some not so impressive). The writing is easy to read and retains the old-style charm of folktales.
The illustrations are sweet. Some of them are vibrant and nail the wintery vibes. The facial expressions seem a little off on some pages, but the overall color scheme is good enough.
To summarize, A World Full of Winter Stories is a collection of warm and cozy stories set during the icy cold winters and snowy days. It’s suitable for kids and adults, so grab it this winter and enjoy the stories with a cup of hot chocolate.
Thank you, Edelweiss and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The book has several ancient stories from different continents and manages to bring diversity in themes, ideas, and cultures. The stories are categorized into six sections (listed below, with titles of stories I like). Even the non-Christmas stories sometimes have a festive touch.
While there are a few stories from Asia, I didn’t find a single tale from India. Would have been nice to have at least one. It does snow in the Northern part of the land, so I’m sure there must be a few folktales set in winter. Nevertheless, I like that the collection has many stories from Indigenous American tribes (and other native cultures).
• Birds and Beasts: Ant and Grasshopper, Country and Town Mice
• Tricks and Troubles: New Log House, Two Wishes
• Ice and Snow: The Snow Maiden
• Quests and Journeys: Rainbow Crow, The Cheerful Glacier, Babushka
• Spirits and Magic: The Stones of Plouhinec, Slivercap
• Christmas: The spider and the Christmas tree, Jimmy Scarecrow’s Christmas
The stories have a varied length, making it easy to read 2-4 at a time. None of them are too long. A few are quite small (and some not so impressive). The writing is easy to read and retains the old-style charm of folktales.
The illustrations are sweet. Some of them are vibrant and nail the wintery vibes. The facial expressions seem a little off on some pages, but the overall color scheme is good enough.
To summarize, A World Full of Winter Stories is a collection of warm and cozy stories set during the icy cold winters and snowy days. It’s suitable for kids and adults, so grab it this winter and enjoy the stories with a cup of hot chocolate.
Thank you, Edelweiss and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
arc
August 17, 2023Absolutely delightful! A wonderful collection of folk tales from all over the world. Simple enough for children to enjoy but substantial enough for an adult to peruse. The illustrations are absolutely lovely and create a cozy, whimsical experience. A magical Christmas gift for anyone in your life!
August 18, 2023
Thank you, Quarto Publishing Group/Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for the advance reading copy.
I love everything about this book starting from the cover! The contents at a glimpse will give you everything you need to know what you would expect from the book.
Amazing tales from all around the globe with beginner friendly writing flanked with gorgeous illustrations!
Get yourself ready to be star struck starting from the first story all the way from Japan! I would say most of the stories are limited to only a few countries as they are based on specific themes like “Ice and Snow”. However, you will be amazed and will love the entire book as I do!
I love everything about this book starting from the cover! The contents at a glimpse will give you everything you need to know what you would expect from the book.
Amazing tales from all around the globe with beginner friendly writing flanked with gorgeous illustrations!
Get yourself ready to be star struck starting from the first story all the way from Japan! I would say most of the stories are limited to only a few countries as they are based on specific themes like “Ice and Snow”. However, you will be amazed and will love the entire book as I do!
December 20, 2024
These winter stories are fantastic for a quick read whether it be through the day or for bedtime reading. I really like how this is split into different sections with a great selection of stories. The illustrations are really pretty and the front cover really draws your attention.
These stories are from all over the world and it makes for a very interesting read. I have read a couple of these before but mostly it was all new to me.Great fun.
Many thanks to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
These stories are from all over the world and it makes for a very interesting read. I have read a couple of these before but mostly it was all new to me.Great fun.
Many thanks to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
September 7, 2023
What a great idea for a book.
How wonderfully researched bringing and contributing stories together that cover so many cultures and traditions.
I was delighted to read recurring themes to explain the origin of winter traditions, the season’s elements of frost, cold and snow.
A joy to share a book so full of life and fun, even when touching on the more darker tales. The illustrations are a real compliment to the text and add to the over quality and reading experience of each unique tale.
Split into distinct themes this will be a timeless addition for any children’s library and especially in demand once Summer has ended. The translations into English are free flowing and the text happily journeys on without any difficulties.
My grandchildren were in held in wrapped attention and loved each fresh departure and journey around the globe to find new and interesting stories.
There is a magic and a real sense of joy in these traditional tales that transcend any political boundaries and will unite children across the world.
How wonderfully researched bringing and contributing stories together that cover so many cultures and traditions.
I was delighted to read recurring themes to explain the origin of winter traditions, the season’s elements of frost, cold and snow.
A joy to share a book so full of life and fun, even when touching on the more darker tales. The illustrations are a real compliment to the text and add to the over quality and reading experience of each unique tale.
Split into distinct themes this will be a timeless addition for any children’s library and especially in demand once Summer has ended. The translations into English are free flowing and the text happily journeys on without any difficulties.
My grandchildren were in held in wrapped attention and loved each fresh departure and journey around the globe to find new and interesting stories.
There is a magic and a real sense of joy in these traditional tales that transcend any political boundaries and will unite children across the world.
December 22, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
A World Full of Winter Stories is a beautifully, whimsically illustrated book of fifty legends and folk tales from around the world for children. Each story is short and is a perfect book for bedtime stories over winter and especially leading up to Christmas. The stories are simple and relaxing, making it perfect for bedtime, and with so many to choose from, it makes it a book with something for every child.
A World Full of Winter Stories is a beautifully, whimsically illustrated book of fifty legends and folk tales from around the world for children. Each story is short and is a perfect book for bedtime stories over winter and especially leading up to Christmas. The stories are simple and relaxing, making it perfect for bedtime, and with so many to choose from, it makes it a book with something for every child.
August 19, 2023
I received a free copy of, A World Full of Winter Stories, by Angela McAllister, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Asia, Caribbean, North America, and South America, this book had enjoyable stories from all over the world. I rally wish they had one from Ireland, though they had stories from England, Wales, and Scotland, which is close. A great book for the family to read to by a cozy fire,
December 4, 2023
Gather the kids for a warm snuggle and a wintry bedtime story as you share one of this books' more than four dozen, winter-themed folk tales from around the world. The collection includes neatly told and sweetly illustrated stories from the Native peoples of North and South America, a couple from Asia, and loads from countries all over Europe. (None from Africa, presumably because of the winter theme, which is still a disappointment.) Some of the tales are familiar (like The Ant and the Grasshopper), others you will likely hear for the first time, but most will be new to the target audience of bedtime listeners, in any case. Sweet illustrations, a lovely collection.
July 22, 2025
- piata kniha z edície
- pre deti 5+
- zimná rozprávková atmosféra
- 50 rozprávok
- rozmanitosť príbehov
- krásne ilustrácie
- dobrodrúžstvo aj ponaučenie
Veľká kniha zimných rozprávok, je nádherná zbierka príbehov z celého sveta, ktoré majú niečo spoločné – zimu, sneh a kúzlo ľadových rozprávkových nocí. Toto je v poradí už piata kniha z edície a bude sa určite páčiť všetkým milovníkom zimy.
Kniha ma prekvapila svojou rozmanitosťou, pretože okrem klasických príbehov, ktoré poznáme z detstva, ponúka aj menej známe rozprávky z exotických krajín, ako Mongolsko či Argentína.
Čo sa mi na nej páčilo najviac bol spôsob, akým je napísaná. Obsahuje krátke, ale pútavé príbehy, ktoré sú ideálne na čítanie pred spaním. Ilustrácie sú nádherné a pridávajú knihe tú pravú zimnú atmosféru. Niektoré príbehy boli jemné a upokojujúce, iné tajomné a dobrodružné, takže každé čítanie bolo také malé prekvapenie.
Veľkú knihu zimných rozprávok odporúčam všetkým, ktorí si chcú spríjemniť zimné večery tématickou knihou. Je to kniha, ktorej rozprávky vás zahrejú aj v tej najväčšej fujavici.
- pre deti 5+
- zimná rozprávková atmosféra
- 50 rozprávok
- rozmanitosť príbehov
- krásne ilustrácie
- dobrodrúžstvo aj ponaučenie
Veľká kniha zimných rozprávok, je nádherná zbierka príbehov z celého sveta, ktoré majú niečo spoločné – zimu, sneh a kúzlo ľadových rozprávkových nocí. Toto je v poradí už piata kniha z edície a bude sa určite páčiť všetkým milovníkom zimy.
Kniha ma prekvapila svojou rozmanitosťou, pretože okrem klasických príbehov, ktoré poznáme z detstva, ponúka aj menej známe rozprávky z exotických krajín, ako Mongolsko či Argentína.
Čo sa mi na nej páčilo najviac bol spôsob, akým je napísaná. Obsahuje krátke, ale pútavé príbehy, ktoré sú ideálne na čítanie pred spaním. Ilustrácie sú nádherné a pridávajú knihe tú pravú zimnú atmosféru. Niektoré príbehy boli jemné a upokojujúce, iné tajomné a dobrodružné, takže každé čítanie bolo také malé prekvapenie.
Veľkú knihu zimných rozprávok odporúčam všetkým, ktorí si chcú spríjemniť zimné večery tématickou knihou. Je to kniha, ktorej rozprávky vás zahrejú aj v tej najväčšej fujavici.
December 10, 2025
This is a wonderful compilation of short wintery stories! It’s the perfect collection to read on a cold winters night.
September 26, 2023
I think I have all of the books in this series, and this one is on my pre-order list already.
This book stands out from the rest in the series in terms of writing flair. Winter is a magical season, so I am sure that this will be a hit among my students too.
This book stands out from the rest in the series in terms of writing flair. Winter is a magical season, so I am sure that this will be a hit among my students too.
February 29, 2024
There was only one story that I had never heard before. It was nice to read folk tales from around the world representing winter.
September 13, 2023
This book drew me right in. I think that adults and children also will want to look inside these pages after seeing the appealing cover. Inside are stories from around the world. There are fifty in all.
The tales are organized by topic; to name a few, there are Birds and Beasts; Tricks and Troubles, ; Ice and Snow; and even some stories about Christmas. Each short entry is beautifully illustrated and is identified by the country where the story originated.
This book is one that would make for perfect bedtime story reading. These old fashioned stories can be enjoyed by both adult and child.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group. All opinions are my own.
The tales are organized by topic; to name a few, there are Birds and Beasts; Tricks and Troubles, ; Ice and Snow; and even some stories about Christmas. Each short entry is beautifully illustrated and is identified by the country where the story originated.
This book is one that would make for perfect bedtime story reading. These old fashioned stories can be enjoyed by both adult and child.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group. All opinions are my own.
September 17, 2023
What a beautiful book! Stories from around the world, written in the format of a favored Aesop's Fables book I had as a child, these wonderful short (about a page) stories teach a bit of lore and life lessons as well. Beautiful illustrations! What a joy to look at and read. :)
October 7, 2023
Coming in October is this delightful collection of stories compiled by Angela McAllister. A World Full of Winter Stories is a collection of folk tales, fairy tales, fables and well-known legends as diverse as the countries and cultures where they hail from. Broken down into six sections--Birds and Beasts, Tricks and Troubles, Ice and Snow, Quests and Journeys, Spirits and Magic, and Christmas--these stories all capture the essence of winter.
The artwork provided by Olga Baumert is stunning, with an old world feel that captures the beauty of winter, animals, and human emotion.
You'll have fun sharing A World Full of Winter Stories with the young ones in your life.
The artwork provided by Olga Baumert is stunning, with an old world feel that captures the beauty of winter, animals, and human emotion.
You'll have fun sharing A World Full of Winter Stories with the young ones in your life.
September 8, 2023
If I were to describe this book in a short sentence it would be 'A warm and cozy tales hidden in a well written book'.
I've always been a fan of folktales, and this book did not fail to appease my expectation. Filled with 50 stories collected from different countries, therefore making it richer in terms of culturally-influenced folktales.
Apart from being culturally rich, Im glad that the author chose to visually accompany each tale with vibrant illustrations.
I think it is a worthy read, since we get to learn more about other cultures on top of enjoying a magical yet abundant reading experience.
To be honest, I think it would be a lovable reading material not only for children but also adults who wish to rekindle their mind with light yet heartwarming reading material, and not to forget, sparking their inner child again. Believe me, it does, I myself am a 23 years old girl and truly enjoy this book back to back. Give it a shot, you might like it!
Thank you netgalley for gifting me a chance to read this book in form of an advanced reader copy!
I've always been a fan of folktales, and this book did not fail to appease my expectation. Filled with 50 stories collected from different countries, therefore making it richer in terms of culturally-influenced folktales.
Apart from being culturally rich, Im glad that the author chose to visually accompany each tale with vibrant illustrations.
I think it is a worthy read, since we get to learn more about other cultures on top of enjoying a magical yet abundant reading experience.
To be honest, I think it would be a lovable reading material not only for children but also adults who wish to rekindle their mind with light yet heartwarming reading material, and not to forget, sparking their inner child again. Believe me, it does, I myself am a 23 years old girl and truly enjoy this book back to back. Give it a shot, you might like it!
Thank you netgalley for gifting me a chance to read this book in form of an advanced reader copy!
September 4, 2023
A very enjoyable book of folk tales from around the world all focused on winter. There were some in this collection that I had read before, but many were new. I find the ones from the North American indigenous peoples to be especially interesting as they show how the world around them was explained to the people through stories. I also really enjoyed the illustrations that accompany the stories, it really added to the experience. I read some of these out loud to a friend and she enjoyed them too,
August 28, 2023
This fairytale book was interesting to read as it contained many stories from many nations around the world—around the winter season theme— really great way to expose your children to other cultures! .
The illustrations are nice and have a traditional old fashioned feel to them. The stories teach lessons including but not limited to those of morality, kindness, and generosity. There are stories of varying length and you can pick and choose a story based on your child’s age and focus level great for children age 4-9 . As it can appeal to children of many ages this book could be a great resource for educators and parents alike. A classic book for any families home library !
Thank-you to netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this ARC , this is my honest review.
The illustrations are nice and have a traditional old fashioned feel to them. The stories teach lessons including but not limited to those of morality, kindness, and generosity. There are stories of varying length and you can pick and choose a story based on your child’s age and focus level great for children age 4-9 . As it can appeal to children of many ages this book could be a great resource for educators and parents alike. A classic book for any families home library !
Thank-you to netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this ARC , this is my honest review.
August 30, 2023
A beautifully illustrated collection of wintry tales to cosy up with in the upcoming months. I enjoyed how the stories were split into different sections and each one was headed with where in the world it originated. My absolutely favourite part was the gorgeous drawings to go alongside each story, I would highly recommend.
I read and reviewed this book as an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read and reviewed this book as an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 21, 2023
This is a lovely collection of stories from around the world, beautifully illustrated and the perfect length to read together with young children. Separated into sections on Birds and Beasts, Tricks and Troubles, Ice and Snow, Quests and Journeys, Spirits and Magic, and Christmas, these are all traditional tales retold with colourful and interesting images. A lovely book to share with kids throughout the winter months.I
Thanks to Net Valley for the copy in return for an honest review.
#AWorldFullofWinterStories #NetGalley
Thanks to Net Valley for the copy in return for an honest review.
#AWorldFullofWinterStories #NetGalley
August 21, 2023
A delightful collection of folktales and wintry stories from around the world. The whimsy illustrations are absolutely stunning, and I enjoyed the diversity of the stories from colder climates across the globe.
Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for the advance reading copy. I am eager to snag a hardcover and cozy up for storytime with my daughter this winter.
A World Full of Winter Stories is coming 10/10/2023.
Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for the advance reading copy. I am eager to snag a hardcover and cozy up for storytime with my daughter this winter.
A World Full of Winter Stories is coming 10/10/2023.
August 19, 2023
If you are familiar with Angela McAllister’s work then you already know it’s top notch. We have been a fan of all her other volumes. It’s so nice to see a collection of winter stories that aren’t all holiday themed. This is the perfect book for dark and long January nights to share with your child. My 11 year old daughter also liked reading it on her own.
August 18, 2023
A wonderful book filled with stories from different cultures around the world. This book was a joy to read and the illustrations were beautiful and captivating. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
October 9, 2023
Book Review: A World Full of Winter Stories by Angela McAllister
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars
A World Full of Winter Stories by Angela McAllister is a captivating anthology that takes readers on a journey through enchanting folk tales, myths, and legends from around the world. With its stunning illustrations and diverse collection of stories, this book is a perfect companion for cozy winter nights and a delightful gift for the holiday season.
In A World Full of Winter Stories, Angela McAllister invites readers to embrace the winter season by delving into a treasure trove of 50 frosty stories from various cultures. This anthology, beautifully illustrated by Olga Baumert, is a captivating collection that showcases the magic and wonder of winter through tales of Norse gods, hibernating bears, Christmas feasts, and wicked witches. It is a must-have addition to any child’s library or a thoughtful gift for the upcoming holiday season.
One cannot help but be drawn to this book by its stunning cover. The enchanting artwork immediately captivates the reader, enticing them to explore the magical world within. And once you dive into the stories, you will not be disappointed.
The tales presented in A World Full of Winter Stories come from all corners of the globe, offering a diverse range of cultural perspectives. From North America to Denmark, readers will find themselves immersed in captivating narratives that span continents and generations. Each story is carefully selected and retold by Angela McAllister, an award-winning author known for her ability to breathe new life into traditional tales.
One of the standout features of this anthology is the stunning artwork by Olga Baumert. The illustrations perfectly complement each story, bringing the characters and settings to life in vivid detail. Baumert’s use of color and texture adds an extra layer of visual appeal to the book, making it a truly immersive reading experience.
Among the multitude of captivating stories in this anthology, two favorites stood out for me: “North America (An Iroquois story) The Hidden Waters” and “The Snow Man (Denmark).” These tales captured my imagination with their engaging narratives and unique cultural perspectives. However, every story in this book is equally compelling, ensuring that readers will find something to enchant them on every page.
With its rich storytelling and exquisite illustrations, A World Full of Winter Stories is not only a delightful read but also an ideal gift for the upcoming holiday season. Whether you are looking to introduce young readers to diverse cultural traditions or simply seeking a cozy companion for winter nights, this anthology has something to offer everyone.
In conclusion, A World Full of Winter Stories is a five-star book that deserves a special place on any bookshelf. Angela McAllister’s expert retelling of these folk tales, paired with Olga Baumert’s enchanting illustrations, creates an immersive reading experience that will captivate readers of all ages. This anthology is a true treasure, inviting us to embrace the magic of winter through stories that span continents and cultures. So curl up beside the fire, immerse yourself in the tales of A World Full of Winter Stories, and let your imagination take flight.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars
A World Full of Winter Stories by Angela McAllister is a captivating anthology that takes readers on a journey through enchanting folk tales, myths, and legends from around the world. With its stunning illustrations and diverse collection of stories, this book is a perfect companion for cozy winter nights and a delightful gift for the holiday season.
In A World Full of Winter Stories, Angela McAllister invites readers to embrace the winter season by delving into a treasure trove of 50 frosty stories from various cultures. This anthology, beautifully illustrated by Olga Baumert, is a captivating collection that showcases the magic and wonder of winter through tales of Norse gods, hibernating bears, Christmas feasts, and wicked witches. It is a must-have addition to any child’s library or a thoughtful gift for the upcoming holiday season.
One cannot help but be drawn to this book by its stunning cover. The enchanting artwork immediately captivates the reader, enticing them to explore the magical world within. And once you dive into the stories, you will not be disappointed.
The tales presented in A World Full of Winter Stories come from all corners of the globe, offering a diverse range of cultural perspectives. From North America to Denmark, readers will find themselves immersed in captivating narratives that span continents and generations. Each story is carefully selected and retold by Angela McAllister, an award-winning author known for her ability to breathe new life into traditional tales.
One of the standout features of this anthology is the stunning artwork by Olga Baumert. The illustrations perfectly complement each story, bringing the characters and settings to life in vivid detail. Baumert’s use of color and texture adds an extra layer of visual appeal to the book, making it a truly immersive reading experience.
Among the multitude of captivating stories in this anthology, two favorites stood out for me: “North America (An Iroquois story) The Hidden Waters” and “The Snow Man (Denmark).” These tales captured my imagination with their engaging narratives and unique cultural perspectives. However, every story in this book is equally compelling, ensuring that readers will find something to enchant them on every page.
With its rich storytelling and exquisite illustrations, A World Full of Winter Stories is not only a delightful read but also an ideal gift for the upcoming holiday season. Whether you are looking to introduce young readers to diverse cultural traditions or simply seeking a cozy companion for winter nights, this anthology has something to offer everyone.
In conclusion, A World Full of Winter Stories is a five-star book that deserves a special place on any bookshelf. Angela McAllister’s expert retelling of these folk tales, paired with Olga Baumert’s enchanting illustrations, creates an immersive reading experience that will captivate readers of all ages. This anthology is a true treasure, inviting us to embrace the magic of winter through stories that span continents and cultures. So curl up beside the fire, immerse yourself in the tales of A World Full of Winter Stories, and let your imagination take flight.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
December 10, 2023
Real Rating: 4.5* of five
The Publisher Says: Get ready for winter with this treasury of 50 frosty stories from around the globe.
Curl up beside the fire and uncover stories from all over the world with this rich resource of wintery folk tales, myths and legends. Featuring stories of Norse gods; hibernating bears; Christmas feasts and wicked witches, there is something for everyone in this collection of winter inspired stories.
The perfect anthology for Christmas, or any time you want to uncover chilly tales from lands near and far. Collected and retold by award-winning author Angela McAllister, with enchanting illustrations by Olga Baumert, this is an anthology to be read when the weather turns colder and the nights draw in.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: As usual, a beautiful book filled with lovely art. Frances Lincoln, a UK-based imprint dedicated to aesthetic appreciation of beautiful artwork, gives us here a selection of winter-themed stories that neither focus on nor ignore the Western winter holidays. We're celebrating the season, as usual, with gifting. The need for stories to keep our young readers of school age entertained and challenged in the evening before the big gifts get opened is well served with this book:
I take off a half-star for one thing: I found the stories a bit saccharine, far too unchallenging, for eight-year-olds and certainly older than that. I don't think that does most readers that age a good turn. Better to make them stretch, fo all of me; but many others do not agree. Some readers more challenged by complexity will enjoy the stories. The artwork is technically irreproachable, if uninspiring to my jaded eye; again, perfect for a reader whose preferences aren't served by challenge.
A good gift indeed for the right reader.
The Publisher Says: Get ready for winter with this treasury of 50 frosty stories from around the globe.
Curl up beside the fire and uncover stories from all over the world with this rich resource of wintery folk tales, myths and legends. Featuring stories of Norse gods; hibernating bears; Christmas feasts and wicked witches, there is something for everyone in this collection of winter inspired stories.
The perfect anthology for Christmas, or any time you want to uncover chilly tales from lands near and far. Collected and retold by award-winning author Angela McAllister, with enchanting illustrations by Olga Baumert, this is an anthology to be read when the weather turns colder and the nights draw in.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: As usual, a beautiful book filled with lovely art. Frances Lincoln, a UK-based imprint dedicated to aesthetic appreciation of beautiful artwork, gives us here a selection of winter-themed stories that neither focus on nor ignore the Western winter holidays. We're celebrating the season, as usual, with gifting. The need for stories to keep our young readers of school age entertained and challenged in the evening before the big gifts get opened is well served with this book:
I take off a half-star for one thing: I found the stories a bit saccharine, far too unchallenging, for eight-year-olds and certainly older than that. I don't think that does most readers that age a good turn. Better to make them stretch, fo all of me; but many others do not agree. Some readers more challenged by complexity will enjoy the stories. The artwork is technically irreproachable, if uninspiring to my jaded eye; again, perfect for a reader whose preferences aren't served by challenge.
A good gift indeed for the right reader.
December 27, 2025
This is a book that looks the part of a great children's book and will probably be frequently gifted, but seldom read, and even less often re-read. It's like it was designed to be an appealing bookstore display that an adult would flip through and think looks charming for that child they need to find a gift for, or like a marketing person said they could sell more books that look like they'd be nice to read than books that actually are good to read. It's book decor, not children's literature.
Collecting wintry stories to be warmly read aloud is a winning theme, and it contains a lot of lesser known tales. In that sense it could serve as a useful list of winter stories to seek out in more depth. How closely the tales actually connect to winter can be tenuous, which is the first crack in the shell.
The illustrations are nice which makes it kind of a shame that they don't have better material to support. I don't give extra stars for this here because it's part of the book decor charade, and while they're hand painted and not cheap cgi, they're still not truly remarkable.
The stories themselves are very weak. Most of them are less than a page. Perhaps in seeking variety and novelty, many of the stories that were selected for inclusion are just not good story material. But the retellings of familiar stories have no one but the author to blame, and here we can see that perhaps those unknown tales started out promising but have been pulverized into dust. They have been made brief at the expense of character, detail, and weight. They're made flat, bland, and unenchanting. Stories can be simply and even briefly told without being smothered like this. Some stories are longer, and these are sometimes even stranger, lingering in moments that slow down the story without adding effect but whizzing past key details, frequently wrapping up in a deeply unsatisfying rush -- like if someone arrived for a dinner party, the host offers to give them a tour of the house, and then the tour ends by abruptly pushing them out onto the step and shutting the door behind them with no explanation. If these had been my introduction to some of these stories, I wouldn't have had a clear idea what actually happened.
By the way, if you really want to make a collection of mostly one page stories, it can still be good. Arnold Lobel's Fables are all one page, but they are memorable, vividly written stories, and no one would say the writing lacks for style.
Collecting wintry stories to be warmly read aloud is a winning theme, and it contains a lot of lesser known tales. In that sense it could serve as a useful list of winter stories to seek out in more depth. How closely the tales actually connect to winter can be tenuous, which is the first crack in the shell.
The illustrations are nice which makes it kind of a shame that they don't have better material to support. I don't give extra stars for this here because it's part of the book decor charade, and while they're hand painted and not cheap cgi, they're still not truly remarkable.
The stories themselves are very weak. Most of them are less than a page. Perhaps in seeking variety and novelty, many of the stories that were selected for inclusion are just not good story material. But the retellings of familiar stories have no one but the author to blame, and here we can see that perhaps those unknown tales started out promising but have been pulverized into dust. They have been made brief at the expense of character, detail, and weight. They're made flat, bland, and unenchanting. Stories can be simply and even briefly told without being smothered like this. Some stories are longer, and these are sometimes even stranger, lingering in moments that slow down the story without adding effect but whizzing past key details, frequently wrapping up in a deeply unsatisfying rush -- like if someone arrived for a dinner party, the host offers to give them a tour of the house, and then the tour ends by abruptly pushing them out onto the step and shutting the door behind them with no explanation. If these had been my introduction to some of these stories, I wouldn't have had a clear idea what actually happened.
By the way, if you really want to make a collection of mostly one page stories, it can still be good. Arnold Lobel's Fables are all one page, but they are memorable, vividly written stories, and no one would say the writing lacks for style.
September 4, 2023
This lovely series has always served me well – for entertainment and for pieces of traditional storytelling I've nicked for my own performances. This large-format book conveys to us all the wonders of the world's winter-set stories, in perfect child-friendly fashion. Starting with a chunk of animal-based legends, we see the difference in life of a town mouse and a country mouse, watch critter after critter cram into a discarded mitten, and gain several Just So-styled stories – slight and low-key Just So stories, but always interesting enough to deserve their place.
Next we turn to the idiocies, prankings, and magic trickery of fairytale, with a shepherd gifted a magic flute, some right plonkers in Finland, and more. Best here sees St Peter visit two different homes, and find two very different results, and Father Frost dispense largesse when an innocent man ends up letting three Frosts Jr sleep over. But the merits of this book shine, and even when the stories don't quite all hit their mark there is often proof of the virtues here – the areas these countries come from.
For this is certainly not just a rehash of Grimms and Andersens and a couple of token others. We get stories credited to specific American Indigenous cultures, we sample Siberia, Kazakhstan, Chile, Mongolia – the list is so varied nobody could quibble. Many are the stories here I would never wish to re-read, but they are in someone's traditions, a canon somewhere, and life is never the poorer for sampling them. OK, you could argue a better hit rate would matter more to a young audience than the derivations here, but this is definitely edifying stuff.
So by the time we've seen a Chilean hero hold his breath an inordinate time (or manage to breathe underwater – we're never told), someone fall in love with a man made of ice and rubbish, and a stick lead a fellow to his kidnapped wife, we've certainly learnt a lot about the world's ancient lore – and had enough fun to easily justify the purchase. It's only when we close we see any mention of Christmas, proving this is not exactly a book just for that short season, but with much wider scope. A strong four, even if this was not the most balanced selection I've seen under this branding.
Next we turn to the idiocies, prankings, and magic trickery of fairytale, with a shepherd gifted a magic flute, some right plonkers in Finland, and more. Best here sees St Peter visit two different homes, and find two very different results, and Father Frost dispense largesse when an innocent man ends up letting three Frosts Jr sleep over. But the merits of this book shine, and even when the stories don't quite all hit their mark there is often proof of the virtues here – the areas these countries come from.
For this is certainly not just a rehash of Grimms and Andersens and a couple of token others. We get stories credited to specific American Indigenous cultures, we sample Siberia, Kazakhstan, Chile, Mongolia – the list is so varied nobody could quibble. Many are the stories here I would never wish to re-read, but they are in someone's traditions, a canon somewhere, and life is never the poorer for sampling them. OK, you could argue a better hit rate would matter more to a young audience than the derivations here, but this is definitely edifying stuff.
So by the time we've seen a Chilean hero hold his breath an inordinate time (or manage to breathe underwater – we're never told), someone fall in love with a man made of ice and rubbish, and a stick lead a fellow to his kidnapped wife, we've certainly learnt a lot about the world's ancient lore – and had enough fun to easily justify the purchase. It's only when we close we see any mention of Christmas, proving this is not exactly a book just for that short season, but with much wider scope. A strong four, even if this was not the most balanced selection I've seen under this branding.
January 30, 2024
Now that we’re in the heart of winter, this is what my boys and I have been enjoying reading! Curl up beside the fire and uncover 50 frosty stories from around the globe. Featuring stories of Norse gods; hibernating bears; Christmas feasts (we’re still not over Christmas!), and wicked witches, there is something for everyone in this collection of winter inspired stories. Collected and retold by the brilliant, award-winning Angela McAllister, with enchanting illustrations by the talented Olga Baumert, this anthology makes the perfect bedtime read now that duvets and blankets are working overtime!
And if like me you’re a bit biased towards books which are aesthetically pleasing, The World Full of… series is a gorgeous collection of beautiful hardback story treasuries. Discover folktales from all around the world or be introduced to some of the world’s best-loved writers with these stunning gift books, the perfect addition to any child’s library. Also available from the series: A Year Full of Stories, A World Full of Animal Stories, A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories, A World Full of Dickens Stories, A Year Full of Celebrations and Festivals, A Bedtime Full of Stories and A World Full of Spooky Stories. Librarian approved, happy reading!
Thank you, Frances Lincoln Children's Books, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
And if like me you’re a bit biased towards books which are aesthetically pleasing, The World Full of… series is a gorgeous collection of beautiful hardback story treasuries. Discover folktales from all around the world or be introduced to some of the world’s best-loved writers with these stunning gift books, the perfect addition to any child’s library. Also available from the series: A Year Full of Stories, A World Full of Animal Stories, A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories, A World Full of Dickens Stories, A Year Full of Celebrations and Festivals, A Bedtime Full of Stories and A World Full of Spooky Stories. Librarian approved, happy reading!
Thank you, Frances Lincoln Children's Books, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2023
Given how many feral rabbits have been hanging out in my neighborhood, I had to chuckle when the very first story, from Japan, was how rabbits came to be. Then there was the Siberian story of how a snoopy rabbit/hare got long ears. Somehow, my "rabbit alert dog" wasn't impressed but I was. These stories are delightful, colorfully illustrated and many seemed to focus on the concept of "we are better together".
Separated into sections, this is one of the first cold weather related collections I've read that didn't focus almost entirely on the Christmas or holiday season. But, don't worry. The closing chapter contains several Christmas focused stories. All are traditional stories from various cultures, wonderfully, imaginatively illustrated, and can be easily read to a child in one sitting. You may feel ready to curl up in a mitten, like the creatures of the Ukrainian tale, as you read, however. Fun book.
Thank you #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #FrancesLincolnChildren'sBooks for sharing this wonderful book with me. I'll be recommending it to our library, not to mention thinking of folks who might enjoy some reading material for our long winter nights here in Alaska.
Separated into sections, this is one of the first cold weather related collections I've read that didn't focus almost entirely on the Christmas or holiday season. But, don't worry. The closing chapter contains several Christmas focused stories. All are traditional stories from various cultures, wonderfully, imaginatively illustrated, and can be easily read to a child in one sitting. You may feel ready to curl up in a mitten, like the creatures of the Ukrainian tale, as you read, however. Fun book.
Thank you #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #FrancesLincolnChildren'sBooks for sharing this wonderful book with me. I'll be recommending it to our library, not to mention thinking of folks who might enjoy some reading material for our long winter nights here in Alaska.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews