Counting Winter

by Nancy White Carlstrom, Claudia McGehee (illustrator)

An atmospheric tribute to the beauty of winter and its creatures.

​One red fox walks across the white snow—quietly stalking winter. Two ravens croak and gurgle—raucously talking winter. Three snowshoe hares hop on big paws—silently tracking winter. Four red squirrels feast at their midden full of cones—hungrily cracking winter. Wherever you look, another creature is making its mark on the snow-covered season.

Inspired by the author’s years in Alaska, this lyrical book celebrates the rhythms of the tundra and its inhabitants. Poetic lines and stunning scratchboard art create the perfect read for chilly days—whether winter is just beginning or just starting to melt into spring.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Counting, Nature, Poetry, Childrens, Storytime

44 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

Nancy White Carlstrom has written more than 50 books for children, including the Jesse Bear series with illustrator Bruce Degan.

Born the daughter of steel mill worker William J. and Eva (Lawrence) White, Nancy White Carlstrom was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, on August 4, 1948. She practiced writing poetry, enjoyed reading books like Little Women, and wanted to become a children’s book author at an early age. Carlstrom worked in the children’s department of her local library in Washington during her high school years. She graduated from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, majoring in Elementary Education and earning her B.A. in 1970, also studying at Harvard Extension School and Radcliffe from 1974 to 1976. In September of 1974, she married David R. Carlstrom, later a pilot and a marketing director at Fairbanks International Airport. They had two children—Jesse and Joshua.

She draws inspiration from her 18 years living in Alaska, volunteer experiences in Africa and Haiti, and raising her two sons.

Reviews

[Francisca · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the right age, counting books—as in books where the story is the reader counting objects—are always lots of fun.

One hears/reads the text, and then gets lost in the image counting and observing everything the artist has created for us.

Counting Winter excels in the art side of things. The illustrations are beautiful and bold and they feel alive even if the shapes and colors aren’t exactly those in nature.

Is the thickness of the lines and the richness of the colors that makes this, a book about winter and the wonderful creatures that survive it in the wild, feels so true to the world.

Count to twelve as you peek through twelve wonderful windows into a winter wonderland.

[Neon · Rating 4 out of 5]

We will start of this review by thanking NetGalley and the Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 out of 5 stars.

'Counting Winter' by Nancy White Carlstrom, illustrated by Claudia McGehee is a childrens counting book about winter.

Firstly, I'd like to make a comment about the art and illustrations: The description of the art in this book did nothing to explain the actual depth of the work done. McGehee is extremely talented and with Nancy's prose the book just comes together perfectly.

I would like to make a suggestion, to use world children actually understand, and that parents can actually pronounce without struggling. I think it was number two, I can't quite remember.

But as a while this book it would be fantastic for any beautiful library.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, for the advance reading copy.

The book is gorgeous inside out!

This book will help the you in teaching basic counting, some common animals and birds at Alaska with a few terms used generally to the very young readers.

The illustrations are unique and it is quite appealing with the choice of colours used.

Totally recommended.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very unique illustration style with different woodland animals to count.....under the guise of a winter wonderland.

[Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrations a cool for the most part but the words are kind of odd. It doesn’t really capture the essence of winter at all.

[Pine Reads Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

“One red fox walks across the white snow quietly stalking winter.”

Children typically begin to learn to count at a young age, and it can be helpful for them to be shown visual aids when doing so. Counting Winter is a delightful picture book that helps provide children just what they need through exquisite illustrations of Alaskan wildlife. This book can help kids practice their counting skills by encouraging them to search for the animals on each page, while also teaching children new words that relate to each animal’s movement and the sounds they make. There is even more educational material in the form of animal profiles at the back of the book, which give children information about each of the adorable creatures shown throughout.

Counting Winter caught my attention with its high contrast art style. The thick scratchboard lines on the white and subtle watercolor pages helped make each spread a delight to look at. The animal illustrations jump off the page with adorable creatures like snowshoe hares, red squirrels, chickadees, and musk oxen. The pastel winter palette is a refreshing change in children’s literature and makes the search for each animal even more enjoyable. McGhee does an excellent job creating realistic portraits of Alaskan wildlife, while still managing to create a whimsical and almost Christmas-like magic on each page. I really appreciated how the number of animals mentioned in the text on each page can be found in the detailed drawings, making this book a fun Where’s Waldo?-like activity for your child. This book is advantageous for younger children who are still learning to count, but it still has a lot of rigorous vocabulary for older children who may want to try reading and sounding words out on their own. While this children’s book does not focus on characters, plots, or sharing a moral, it is a great beginner’s book with a diverse array of animals and terminology. This book combines counting, wildlife, vocabulary, and visual learning to create a fun and elegant children’s read that the whole family can enjoy.

Pine Reads Review would like to thank Eerdmans Books for Young Readers for sending us an
ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be
subject to change before final publication.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!

[Richie Partington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richie’s Picks: COUNTING WINTER by Nancy White Carlstrom and Claudia McGehee, ill., Eerdmans, September 2024, 44p., ISBN: 978-0-8028-5570-1

“Have a good time but remember
There is danger in the summer moon above
Will I see you in September
Or lose you to a summer love?”
– The Happenings (1966)

It is still summer here in the San Francisco Bay area. But school has resumed this week for the grandkids, so I guess the countdown toward Winter 2024 has officially commenced.

“One red fox walks
across the white snow
quietly
stalking winter.

Two ravens croak and gurgle
cutting the sounds out of forty below
raucously
talking winter.

Three snowshoe hares
hop on big paws
silently
tracking winter.

Four red squirrels feast
at their midden full of cones
hungrily
cracking winter.”

Children generally learn to count at two- and three-years of age. In addition to memorizing the words, they must also learn the essential concept of one-to-one correspondence. This involves being able to say, for example, “One…two…three…four,” while pointing, in turn, to each of four objects as they recite the number words.

It really helps to have some very fun, attention-grabbing counting books for practicing this basic skill. I can still recall my eldest niece proudly counting and pointing, as she dragged around her then-favorite, the goofy Strawberry counting book, ONE WHITE CROCODILE SMILE, which turns 50 years old this year.

COUNTING WINTER is an utter blast (of cold air and snow). It is also one of the most gorgeous counting books I’ve ever seen. Claudia McGehee’s eye-catching scratchboard-and-watercolor illustrations of animals found in Alaska accompany the rollicking, rhythmic text.

Set in snow and snowy woods, some of the animals to be counted are right there, in your face while, with others (like the subterranean “Six furry voles”), there is a need to look somewhat more closely as you count. (The kids will chuckle over the cat standing guard over the vole hole). I particularly appreciate how the illustrations show many of the animals in motion, and how so many of the critters are striking and individualistic in their appearances. I absolutely adore the varied facial expressions of the “seven shaggy musk oxen,” and the “eight frisky sled dogs.”

The counting concludes with “Twelve excited children.” They are clearly having a ball, playing in the snow while, on the periphery, unseen and below-ground lavender flowers are just starting to push their way up through the ice and snow. One final spread reveals a panorama of trees, mountains, and snow; with kids and animals all having a splendid time.

Containing rich vocabulary words, and some great backmatter to interest the older kids, COUNTING WINTER is a book young children will pore over, both to practice their one-to-one correspondence skills, and to enjoy the text and the stellar animal illustrations.

COUNTING WINTER is the counting book to add this season. So bundle up and join the fun!

Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Counting Winter by Nancy White Carlstrom & Claudia McGehee

Rating: 5 Stars

As winter settles in, there's something truly magical about snuggling up with a good book that captures the essence of the season. Counting Winter by Nancy White Carlstrom, with the exquisite illustrations by Claudia McGehee, has quickly become one of my favorite books I have reviewed so far this year. This book is not just a counting book; it’s a captivating journey through the snowy landscapes of Alaska, celebrating the wildlife that thrives in this frosty wonderland.

In Counting Winter, we follow a delightful array of creatures as they make their presence known against the backdrop of soft, white snow. The story begins with one red fox stealthily traversing the glimmering surface. Then, two chatty ravens burst into the scene, their croaky voices bringing life to the quiet winter air. As we turn the pages, we meet three playful snowshoe hares leaping gracefully, and four red squirrels eagerly munching on their winter stash of cones. Each line is infused with poetic charm, inviting readers to notice how every creature contributes to the tapestry of winter life.

What truly sets this book apart is Claudia McGehee’s stunning illustrations. Her scratchboard art is nothing short of breathtaking, bringing to life the beauty and intricacy of each animal and its environment. You can almost feel the chill in the air and hear the crunch of snow underfoot as you read. It’s a visual feast that perfectly complements Nancy’s rhythmic text, making it a joy to read aloud, especially on those chilly days when you just want to curl up with a warm drink.

In my opinion, COUNTING WINTER is one of the most beautiful counting books I’ve ever seen. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about experiencing the rhythm of winter and appreciating the wonders that come with it. Whether you're a parent looking for a seasonal addition to your child's library or someone who simply loves nature, this book is a must-have. So bundle up, grab a cozy blanket, and dive into the enchanting world of winter with Counting Winter. You won’t regret it!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

As is my usual custom, I flipped through the book initially to get a feel for the illustrations. I was impressed. As I skimmed through again, this time for the words, I was doubly impressed. My immediate take was that the author and illustrator just had to be from my chosen home of Alaska or, at the very least, places north. As it turned out, I was basically right. While the illustrator lives in Iowa City and has visited Alaska, the author is a former resident of Alaska and still has family there. Whether you've ever lived or visited Alaska, of course, if you live where there is snow, many of these scenes will look familiar. And, before you ask why no bears, it's winter. Bears hibernate, thus they're unlikely sightings in winter. Not impossible but rare. Even Alaska's moose don't get a page for themselves albeit can be spotted on, say, the chickadee page.

In any case, by now I'm sure you've figured out that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not only do you get to help your child learn to count via illustrations but they will learn a bit about the wildlife pictured, too. The lyrical text for each is short but manage to convey both a bit about the animal pictured and how they may react to the arrival of winter. There's a chart at the end with each of the animals the child will meet with more information, too, an added bonus.

There's a great deal to look for in the illustrations, too, which are described as sketchbook art. While quite realistic, there's just enough whimsy involved to add a touch of magic and fun. My favorite was the musk ox illustration. Nope. Not telling you why except to say it'll probably draw a smile from even the most serious minded child. Also, although I was reading on my phone and didn't try to check, but my hunch is that each individual snowflake that appears is exactly that, individual in design, just like real snowflakes. In other words, this book seems to have been done with love and care and it shows. It'd make a great gift, too, and just looking at the pictures should inspire the child to make up their own stories at times. Thanks #NetGalley and #Wm.B.EerdmansPublishingCompany for sharing this delightful work of winter reality and magic with me. I love it!

[Josh Olds · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the leaves turn their hue, the temperature softens, and the sun sets earlier and rises water, our thought turn toward fall and beyond that the inevitable winter. While winter is not my favorite season, there is a beauty to a snow-laden forest that is unrivalled. Counting Winter manages to capture that perfectly, all while introducing kids to the various winter wildlife that thrives in the snow and using the concept of counting to do so.

We’ve all seen counting books. I don’t have to explain the concept to you. Nancy White Carlstrom takes readers through numbers one to twelve in an exploration of the winter forest, beginning with one red fox and ending with twelve children excited to play in the snowy wonder. There are a few descriptive lines for each number and the text is beautifully illustrated in scratchboard style by Claudia McGehee.

It’s the unique scratchboard style, with its thick black lines—making it look almost like a colored woodcutting in print—that stood out most to me. In an afterword, McGehee explains the process of illustrating in that style, which is fascinating and makes the book useful for art teachers. There’s also a section at the end that gives more information about each of the animals counted in the book.

In the end, this is a rather simple book but it holds a range of uses. Young pre-readers will benefit from learning to count. Older readers can learn about the animals featured. The illustrations are engaging and draw readers in. It’s altogether a beautifully crafted book.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to find out that the illustrator of this book lives in Iowa, not too far from me. I wasn’t familiar with her but now I’ll be watching for her unique scratchboard style illustrations. Claudia is extremely talented!

The author was inspired by her family’s adventures while living in Alaska. Claudia’s illustrations combined with Nancy’s lyrical writing bring us into the beauty of winter. As we count through the pages starting with one red fox and continuing through eleven chickadees, kids will see the animals surviving winter. From squirrels cracking nuts to sled dogs pulling sleds, all the animals have ways of surviving the cold, below-zero temperatures, and snow.

“Twelve excited children slip and slide on melting ice happily meeting spring.”

The final page shows twelve children playing in the melting snow with crocuses poking through the ground as the first sign of spring. Aside from the reading, kids will be able to count the animals on the pages. I liked that the author used the number words instead of the numbers so kids also learn how the numbers are spelled not just how they look.

The end of the book includes profiles of each of the animals mentioned in the book. Both the author and the illustrator also share personal notes about the inspiration behind writing and illustrating this book. This book will hopefully encourage young readers to head outside and enjoy the beauty of winter in their area.

[Alanna Vane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: A counting book done with unique illustrations, immersed in the wild, snowy outdoors.

Favourite Scene: I loved the animal profiles near the end. I would hang that on my wall.

Enjoyment Rating: FOUR STARS

I enjoyed looking at these illustrations, and the text was fun to read aloud. One of those ‘roll off the tongue’ experiences.

Weak Points: Whenever I come across another counting book, a part of me wonders if it could possibly be worthwhile. It took me a little bit to get into the rhythm of the text (which was easier once I read it aloud).

Ponder Rating: FOUR STARS

The illustrations were fun to look at, which counts as pondering in my definition. Gave me a sense of wonder about the outdoors and made me excited for SNOW!

Conclusion: The scratchboard/watercolour techniques of the illustrator suites the subject matter of snow and cold. The text was fun to read.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good counting/nature book, one perfectly suited to portray the animals of the snowy Alaskan wildernesses. Each animal gets a large double-paged spread, and just a tiny paragraph of poetic writing, giving us an increasing number each time, and a sense of what the critters are doing. This is where it gets more crafted as regards the text – it is almost hard to see how a certain beast is "suddenly taming winter", but we have to take it on board that they are. Principal in my consideration is the visual style, which looks so like a woodcut – but the explanation from the artist proves just how it was all done. You might say it has much less appeal for those not living in or visiting Alaska, and perhaps the text is a touch too hard to immediately spot, so closed-in is it by the artwork at times, but this is still a strong and healthy four stars.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A winter day in Alaska is the premise of this stunningly illustrated counting book. One red fox, two ravens...as readers turn the pages they are treated to a peek at the winter creatures on their winter activities. The final number is 12 excited children as winter turns slowly to spring and then the page-turn shows all the featured creatures.

Each page is captioned with lyrical sentences full of rich vocabulary and enhanced by the illustrations which almost steal the show. Artist Claudia Mcgehee uses scratchboard and watercolors to vivid effect marrying the stark black and white palette of winter with skillful highlights.

Backmatter includes information on the various species shown and fascinating Author and Illustrator's Notes.

We all are yearning for spring right now but this gorgeous book provides a wonderful reminder of winter's glories.

[Dana Jarrard-Lameyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are familiar with the concept of hygge, this books is it. Counting Winter is a gentle, cozy little book that perfectly captures the quiet magic of the season. The text counts from one to ten using simple, poetic language that celebrates winter sights—like falling snow, sleeping animals, and icy ponds. It’s soothing and rhythmic, making it a lovely read-aloud for young kids.

What really makes this book shine are the beautiful illustrations. They’re soft, snowy, and full of warmth, with little details that invite you to linger on each page. The art captures that peaceful feeling of winter without being too cold or stark—it’s actually kind of comforting. This would be a great pick for a winter-themed storytime or to help little ones start learning their numbers in a quiet, reflective way

[Martha Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gorgeous book is a counting book, but also an affectionate introduction to Alaska's wildlife filled with stunning pictures created by Claudia McGhee, brilliant illustrator of Creekfinding and Begin with a Bee. The backmatter is excellent -- an animal profiles section on each animal in the book, plus author and illustrator notes. There's a reason this one has a starred review from Kirkus; it is destined to be a preschool and early elementary classic, sharing the joy of the Alaskan wilderness with generations of kids. The Alaskan focus is due to Ms. Carlstom's years living there. The language is full of interest, the final wordless spread puts all the celebrated creatures together in a snowy landscape. Masterful.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review will be live on my blog - donnasbookblog on 24 September 2024 - Publication day!

Oh my goodness the illustrations in this book are wonderful!

The book is well written and it has a lovely poetry to the verses but the illustrations for me are stand out and what makes the book so good, I read the book with my daughter who has just turned 7 and she really enjoyed it. There are some fairly developed words in it and she loved learning new words too from the book and their meanings.

It was a complete pleasure to read and I can see the book being one that becomes a firm favourite and a welcome addition to any bookcase.

It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combining gorgeous scratchboard and watercolor art with creative poems, Counting Winter presents readers with a lovely, informative look at how some animals live during the winter. Enjoyable as both a poetry or counting book, the book is also perfect for inspiring young writers to use poetry to describe some of their own natural encounters. The author's note at the end of the book provides interesting background information about the author's experiences with wildlife in Alaska. The illustrator's note shares details about the research done to get the animals and habitats right as well as how the illustrations were created. A beautiful and enjoyable book, especially useful for teachers who need mentor texts for their students.

[Isabella Walp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Counting Winter is a lovely picture book that helps kids count while learning about winter and animals. Written by Nancy White Carlstrom and illustrated by Claudia McGehee, the book takes readers through a snowy Alaskan winter, showing different animals and what they do during the cold months. Each page shows a number of animals doing something special, like a fox hunting or ravens calling. The book’s words are fun and easy to read, and the pictures are full of beautiful details of snow and animals. This book is great for kids who are learning to count and also want to learn more about nature and animals in winter. It’s a perfect read for kids ages 4 to 8, and the back of the book even has extra facts about each animal.

[Dawn Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book, both in story and illustrations! The story is poetic in counting wintry animals in their native environments, created using 'scratchboard' art. There is a depth to the illustrations that is so engaging for the reader. The creative use of language and the powerful words that describe the action ("whipping heartily racing winter") make this story perfect for a literature/writing lesson not to mention science, math, and more! BONUS: the "Animal Profiles" at the end of the book further highlights the animals in the book, and notes from the author and illustrator provide additional learning for readers.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

From one red fox through twelve excited children, this delightful counting book looks like woodcuts from the Far North. There is even a fine page of animal profiles. Wonderful!
The deceptively simple illustrations by Claudia McGehee are brilliantly colored, and fun.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school, or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary digital advance review copy on Adobe Digital Editions from
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Abbigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cozy picture book counts up to 12 wintery animals in a wooden block print-style of illustrations. I am obsessed with the illustrations, but several of the "[verb] winter" phrases felt awkward to me (ex. squirrels "cracking winter", voles "hiding winter", etc.). There is an extra spread to give a few more facts about each animal noted throughout the book. Because our nature picture book section is so popular and these illustrations are so great, I will probably purchase it despite that one quirk.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy!

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this simple winter-themed picture book with linocut-style illustrations, however the text tries to take flight...and fails. Here's an example:

Two ravens croak and gurgle
cutting the sounds out of forty below
raucously
talking winter

Too wordy to be effective for littles, but even for older kids or adults, these lines fall flat. Perhaps the book could be used to point out various animals in their habitats doing winter activities.

Themes: winter, nature, animals
Ages: preK-2nd grade
Pub year: 2024

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author lived or lives in Alaska and she has seen many of these animals. She made a counting book out of her experiences.

She counts up to 12 animals, many like crows, owls and chick-a-dees, but big ones like musk oxen.

The artwork is amazing. It's so stylized. I love it. It was created using scratchboard and watercolor. A real sense of winter and snow comes through the artwork. It's amazing.

A great book for young children learning to count. Nancy wraps counting into the story nicely.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful tribute to winter and a clever way to count the weeks to spring! The poetic text introduces ten animals going about their wintertime lives, plus the children enjoying the last of the melting snow. The scratchboard and watercolor illustrations evoke the frosty habitats of the snow-loving animals. The notes by author and illustrator describe their respective sources of inspiration for the wintery wonderland depicted in the story.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Count your way into winter with this beautiful picture book. COUNTING WINTER counts up from 1 to twelve as you weave through the forest and see how different animals react to winter arriving. Written as a poem, the lyrical language is active and has a love repetition to it. The illustrations have sturdy lines and a rustic boldness to them created with the illustrator’s scratchboard technique.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poetic animal counting picture book set in the snowy woods! The gorgeous scratchboard and watercolor illustrations and the lyrical text work beautifully to depict the animals thriving in their winter environment. Don't miss the animal profiles, and author and illustrator notes at the back! A wonderful book to add to units about the winter season.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Counting Winter is a visually stunning winter-themed counting book featuring animals seen in Alaska. The text is creative and follows the pattern one sees in many counting books (# of animals engaging in a distinct activity). The predictability makes for comfortable read-alouds, while the novelty of animals being counted and the winter-theme set it apart for a seasonal read.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book teaches counting up 1-to-12 using animals found in northern North America.

The illustrations were done using scratchboard and watercolor.

Animals featured: red fox, raven, snowshoe hare, red squirrel, golden eagle, vole, musk ox, sled dog, owl, woodpecker, chickadee. A short description of each animal is included at the back of the book.

[Charlotte Gunnufson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully wintery counting book that kids of all ages will love! The illustrations are energetic and delightfully detailed--the kind that kids enjoy exploring again and again. The text is spare yet full of evocative, action-oriented and noisy words as well as unexpected rhymes. Story counts up to twelve and backmatter includes information about each animal.