Hello Winter!

Hello Seasons!

by Shelley Rotner

Vivid photographs of frozen wonderlands and cold-weather fun come together in a lively tribute to winter by an acclaimed author-photographer.

In crystal clear photographs and a spare text, Shelley Rotner notes changes in the physical earth as winter approaches as well as animal and plant adaptations. Rotner's acclaimed photography beautifully captures the curiosity and engery of a diverse group of youngsters as they explore and learn about the natural world.

This third book in the celebrated, STEM-focused Hello Seasons! series is the perfect guide to take children from the shortest day of the year to the arrival of spring. A glossary is included.

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Nonfiction, Childrens, Photography, Nature, Science

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 16, 2018

About the author

When I was five, I refused to go to kindergarten. I declared it was for babies. I already knew how to read, but what really bothered me the most was that the kids mixed up the paintbrushes and colors at the easel so there was never true blue, red, yellow or green. Every time my teacher turned her back, I left the room and headed to the first grade class diagonally across the hall. Luckily, I had a friend there who happily shared her desk with me until the teacher noticed and sent me back to kindergarten. After many successful escapes, a trip to the principal and some testing, I was officially moved to that first grade class with beautiful autumn leaves painted on the door.

Reviews

[Vannessa Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello Winter is geared towards non-readers. I liked how author Shelly Rotner used the colorful pictures to help tell the story. I also liked her use of kids because none of them looked like models so kids reading Hello Winter might see themselves.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this one a 3.5 and will gladly add it alongside the other two books greeting the seasons by this author. The handsome photographs, some spreading over the gutter into a second page and some sharing the page with another photograph, feature nature dressed up in her best whites as well as smiling youngsters enjoying their time in the great outdoors. The colorful clothing worn to fend off the cold makes a vivid contrast to the winter wonderland in which they are playing. Rottner provides a solid introduction to what happens during this time of the year, even describing how animals cope with lower temperatures and discussing some of the festivals that brighten up some of those bleak days. For those who long for warmer times, her concluding pages offer the hope of spring's arrival. A glossary of terms associated with winter is provided in the back matter.

[Pug · Rating 3 out of 5]

"We can't wait for snow!"

Seriously? Nice try, book. Your fake enthusiasm is tiresome, as are the many, MANY pictures of children.

The spread of animal photos (including a dog in a sweater) redeemed it somewhat.

[Elizabeth Moreau Nicolai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great non fiction book with simple easy text, beautiful diverse photos, fantastic snow storytime book.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

HelloWinter! by Shelley Rotner. PICTURE BOOK. Holiday House. 2018. $17.00. 9780823439768

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This book presents simple facts about what happens during this winter along with large color photographs.

This book does a great job pointing out things that children will relate to, like snow forts, snowboarding, hot chocolate as well as some interesting things I haven’t seen in other winter fact books like tracks in freshly fallen snow, winter celebrations, and long shadows.
It could be shared with a large group and be easily understood by kindergarten students.
I must admit though, I prefer Wonderful Winter by Bruce Goldstone, it has more cover appeal and is laid out to look more fun and modern.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

[Katelyn Stapleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this nonfiction book about winter was a great introduction to students to learn about the season of winter. I liked that in the holiday section of this story it talked about lights and warmth, rather than just focusing on Christmas. I also enjoyed that the author talked about what to wear in the winter and how the world around us changes. AND the introduction to the winter solstice. I thought that was a really cool vocabulary term to tie in. Finally, I liked that these photos were actually taken by the author, who is a photographer.
I would use this story as a read aloud in my classroom, and have it on the shelves in my room so that students could go back and read it. Its a great way to introduce this season and can bring in a lot of background knowledge. This story can also hit on science AND ELA standards.

[Carissa]

It's interesting that the winter solstice is mentioned, especially with the added knowledge of people burning fires and singing songs. I felt wistfulness of being a kid in winter and how fun it was with the large amounts of snow. I'd come inside and take off my snowsuit or thick coveralls and hang them up to drip dry. The cast iron stove would be hot from the fire. I'd have hot chocolate. If it were close to Christmas, the real live tree would have bubble lights and ornaments and it would look so pretty in the dark of the early winter evening. It would smell nice.. the fire, the tree, the hot cocoa.

[Teresa Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of a seasons series, joining Spring and Autumn. All the books in the series are beautiful, with crisp, bright photographs showing aspects of the highlighted season, and happy children from many ethnic backgrounds. This entry focuses on winter. It highlights the clothing and activities children might enjoy with snow and cold. How animals and plants adapt to winter is also highlighted. Winter holidays receive mention, and the ending pages lead into Spring. The entire series merits a place in libraries serving children. Hurry on Summer!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young readers will enjoy the stellar photos of kids and animals in winter. This is also a great introduction to new vocabulary like "solstice," "hibernate," and "mammal." A perfect nonfiction title to teach kids about the change of seasons.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, straightforward text about the season of winter, including natural changes as well as how people and animals adapt. This is a great one for the classroom! Simply written, but in a lovely way, with lots of photographs.

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nonfiction children’s books aren’t my favorite but seasonality is definitely a value I look for in kids books. A good one for looking at pictures and comparing to our winter experiences even if we aren’t reading the text.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for a unit on winter! My three year olds loved it and especially enjoyed the pictures, which were a great springboard for discussion about winter changes. It was informative and age-appropriate for little guys. I’d definitely read it again!

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs enhance brief text to tell about winter.

I received this book as an ARC

[mg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very basic intro to winter; great for toddlers to 4-year-olds. Diverse cast of children; many aspects of winter explored.

[Erin Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy non fiction book that talks about what winter is and what you can do in the winter.

[Joan Arbogast · Rating 3 out of 5]

Photos speak of the joys of winter.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nonfiction book about winter with excellent photos. Could be used for preschool storytime on winter or possibly K-2 program.

[Kris Dersch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple, but nicely conveys the sense of the season.

[Danielle Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for a classroom library! The photographs and easy text make this accessible to first graders and above.

[Alyssa Mandell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great informational book about winter. It is very informative with information about the weather, animals, and winter activities. I really loved the variety of children in the photos.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple non-fiction text that works well in a winter-themed storytime. It touches on shortening days, cold weather, snowy activities, and what plants and animals do in the winter.

[Miss Janis the Storytime Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh.