When Winter Comes: Discovering Wildlife in Our Snowy Woods

by Aimée M. Bissonette, Erin Hourigan (Illustrations)

A sweet poetic children's book celebrating the vibrancy of life in winter.

Though a forest may be blanketed in snow or a lake frozen over, families who enjoy the outdoors in winter, happily bundled up to play in the energizing weather, know that wildlife is still teeming there.

When winter comes,
and deep snow blankets the woods,
and ice forms cold and smooth on the lakes,
thick enough for us to skate on,
some people think our woods are empty.
But we know better.

The fallen log that is used to hide behind in a snowball fight is a shelter for tree frogs, caterpillars, ladybugs, and slugs. The drifts of fallen snow that families snowshoe across have winding tunnels made by meadow mice in search of seeds and bark. The towering trees families ski among shield birds from winter winds.

When Winter Comes celebrates the joy of playing and exploring in the outdoors during the winter months.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Nature, Childrens, Science, Nonfiction, Environment

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 13, 2020

About the author

Aimée Bissonette was born the sixth of seven children. She grew up with her suitcase never fully unpacked - her family moved many times and she attended 8 different schools before graduating from high school. Aimée earned her Bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and her Law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School. She has worked as an occupational therapist, teacher, lawyer, and small business owner. In addition to her books for children, Aimée has published a book for K-12 teachers and administrators on the legal issues associated with technology in the schools. She lives with her husband, family, and dogs in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Reviews

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Winter Comes is an absolutely gorgeous tale about the forest in winter.

I think it'd made a great bedtime story or fun story time read. It has gorgeous illustrations and has a lovely little tale about all the reasons why the forest can be fun for families in winter, as well as advocate for all of the little animals hanging around.

I really enjoyed this book and I think it's a great read to add to your children's fiction and picture book shelf.

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sasquatch Books for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, yes, this is a lot like Over and Under the Snow, which we've read several times over the past few years. My son picked it out from the library again this year. The Over and Under books are popular for good reason and worth checking out if you haven't already.
However, personally, I kind of liked When Winter Comes: Discovering Wildlife in Our Snowy Woods just a tad more simply for way it makes me feel. The aesthetic is more to my taste than those in Over/Under and just feels so soft and lovely and... cozy (!) even though it's all about exploring and playing in the cold winter woods. I so feel the love this family has for one another and the reverence and joy they feel for the natural world. It's such a celebration of being together -- with your family, with animals, all part of nature. Never forgetting that we share this earth with many other creatures.
"We know the fallen log we duck behind as we toss snowballs back and forth... is a subzero shelter for tree frogs, caterpillars, snails and slugs, hibernating mosquitos, and ladybugs."
"We know the windswept drifts we snowshoe across cover tangles of tunnels beneath the snow, made by meadow mice in search of seeds and bark, and hiding places after dark when the owls hunt." I especially enjoy the illustration of the deer watching the family as they head home after a day of sledding, reminding us that animals see us as much (or more!) than we see them. "We know we share this wild and wonderful wintry world." While educational in terms of discussing some of the animals one sees in the winter woods, and brief mention of those one does not (hibernating), there is no back matter so it's more a story to share with young children to help them appreciate the animals of winter.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

When winter comes is a beautiful children's picture book with a poetic story about the woods in winter.
The children and their parents have fun exploring the forest in winter and learning about the different animals and nature happenings that occur in the winter.
Children will learn a great deal from this book such as about nocturnal animals, hibernation, nature, activities to do in winter and food sources.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lovely little children's book that shows how animals are still around even when it seems that they're all gone in the snowy landscape. I loved the illustrations of the field mice in tunnels under the snow as they walked and the fish swimming under the frozen lake where they were ice fishing, among others. Each spread shows how birds, bugs, fish, etc. are still around and we see them in their habitats amongst the human family. Right in the middle of it, though, it shows the children tucking in sleeping (hibernating) animals in their own (the children's) beds, though, which struck me as so bizarre. Why are the skunks and badgers and such sleeping on the children's pillows and in their arms, when every other creature is shown in a real way? It was odd. Also, as lovely as this is, it's been done better by a couple of other authors. I really did like the sweet illustrations and fun feel to this one, though. It's definitely a book I'll read with my youngest daughter, though not one I'd probably purchase.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

[Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated book about how the world is alive around us, even in winter. With winter approaching, this is a great time to share this with kids of all ages. It made me look forward to the coming changes in seasons.

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a family enjoys the pleasures offered by chilly temperatures, the reader gets to learn all about how animals, both seen and unseen by passersby, cope with the wintry weather. The illustrations by Erin Hourigan are lovely, and really capture the feel of the season.

This would make a very nice addition to a school library.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sasquatch Books for the educational shivers.

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

It should come as no surprise that as the first real snow of the winter begins to fall on my beloved adopted state's mountains that I'd be drawn to this charming, poetic children's book. It's a good reminder to those of us who live in snow globe settings much of the year that the pristine, silent white expanse we view isn't empty or, for that matter, silent. Far from it.

The author's writing is simple and easy to read and follow while the illustrations are, and I live in Alaska, a lovely rendition of reality with a smidgen of fantasy winter tossed in there. (I've never tucked any wild creatures into my own bed, not to mention a mix of them). Having been stunned to learn about an Alaska frog that freezes in the winter and thaws out, very much alive, as it warms, I found the mention of how many small creatures survive the frigid temperatures a nice touch, as was the mention of all the life going on under the snow and frozen bodies of water.

In other words, the book is not only delightful but, dare I say it, teaches, too, but gently. It'll make you look more closely at wandering tracks in the snow. You'll learn to pay more attention to the trees and how they work to shelter birds and small climbing critters like those pesky squirrels that amaze no matter the season. You'll learn and maybe, shh, come to appreciate poetic musings, too, as you enjoy this gentle visit to the woods on a snowy day.

Thanks #NetGalley and #SasquatchBooks - #LittleBigfoot for reminding me of the wonders of the season that grips my adopted home state for so many months of the year. It's cold but, yes, magical. This book does a wonderful job capturing that sense of wonder.

[Abby Johnson]

Think the woods are empty when everything's still and quiet and covered in winter snow? Think again! This picture book presents a family hiking in the woods and pointing out all the places they know that animals are still hiding and existing and doing animal things, even though the woods are quiet. From hollow logs where frogs hibernate to the bottoms of the ponds to foxes pouncing on prey through the snow. Pair this with Winter Bees or Under the Snow for more nonfiction picture books about what animals do in winter.

[AnneKR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a wonderful book that illustrates what winter is like in the woods. A family explains what is tucked away beneath the snow covered ground, trees and frozen lakes. My six year old daughter enjoyed the colorful illustrations and loved learning about all the animals that are alive in the winter woods, even if you can't see them. An enjoyable book to read, perfect in the winter time.

Thank you Netgalley and Sasquatch Books/Little Bigfoot for the opportunity to read this book.

[... Lost Bookland... · Rating 4 out of 5]

An old Indian saying goes, "Treat the Earth well, you did not inherit it from your parents, instead you borrowed it from your children." In fact, we are borrowing from future generations. The future of society depends on the wisdom that we will pass on to our children today. That is why it is important that parents will introduce their children to all those aspects of life, environment and nature.

In order to be able to influence the development of children from an early age, we need props, flash cards, poems, picture books, children's books. The choice of children's literature is huge nowadays, but to find the perfect book that will keep the children's attention and at the same time convey the wisdom to them is a real rarity. When Winter Comes- Discovering Wildlife in Our Snowy Woods by Aimée M. Bissonettee is such a book. Interesting, rhyming verses that describe the wonderful illustrations are the first thing that will attract the children's attention, and will entice them to embark on a whistling journey through the woods. All the animals that inhabit the forest are shown masterfully, with small details that help the children to easily memorize them. Winter as a concept is presented in detail, with mesmerizing illustrations and singing verses. Images and verses of winter activities subtly run through all the pages of the book, reminding the children of all those fun moments, playing in the snow that simply make them turn the pages, back and forth to keep that mental picture as long as possible.

The writing style is very solid, with simple language structures that are easy to follow, read and understand. The rhyming verses make the children sing with joy, and the pictures and illustrations are simply amazing.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Erin Hourigan's beautiful 'postcard' illustrations, Aimee M. Bissonette lets one family member share knowledge about winter animals as they hike to their cabin on a very snowy day. Learning what's underground (on land or lake), what's sleeping, and what are hunters or prey makes a book that will inspire more research. How do those birds sheltering in the trees find their food and keep warm? Who does sleep all winter and where? The end covers, too, are lovely snowy swirls with animals camouflaged. It's a nice book for introducing young readers to winter's wonders.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've got toddlers and pre-readers, then you know that you may be reading the same few books over and over and over for extended periods of time, or even reading the same book back to back in one sitting. We thoroughly enjoyed reading this repeatedly. When Winter Comes is a story told in poem about a family's adventure in the mountains and all of the hidden life in the snow. It's a delightful winter tale that is not Christmas themed, so it's a good one to leave out for fall and the winter. I read this aloud to my 3.5 and 1.5 yr old sons.

We live in a desert area that does not get snow, so this was a satisfying and especially magical read for all of us! The poetry is stunning, pleasant to read aloud, and beautiful. It's not just pretty words, but it teaches wonderful lessons of family fun and to observe the nature around us. The illustration is beautiful and realistic but still inspiring and imaginative. There was so much to look at and talk about on each page.

This is a wonderful seasonal book that is appropriate for little guys like my 1.5 yr old and one that I'm sure my 3.5 yr old will enjoy for years to come.

Thank you Sasquatch Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[R.A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet! Lovely little book about the lovely things of Winter!

**I reviewed When Winter Comes by Aimée M. Bissonette for free in exchange for my honest review. #WhenWinterComes #NetGalley**

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book for early elementary about how active life is in winter woods. Lovely illustrations.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant look at life in the wild places in the depths of winter. The humans are OK playing, throwing snowballs or skiing all over the place, but there is also a selection of hibernating animals, chilling birds and hungry carnivores in this northern territory. The artwork is great, with a very realistic style, even when showing a cutaway of some subterranean mouse tunnels. The short script has some poetic qualities, as well – some unforced, almost internal rhymes highlighting that. It's North America-centric, so wouldn't travel worldwide, but is enjoyable, especially for those who live near the kind of place it features. Four stars for those lucky ones, then.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Winter Comes is a charming picture book with some amazing artwork. The story is easy enough for kids to follow and I liked the writing style. This one might be a bit North-American centric, so I don't think everyone would find it relevant, but it's a sweet book nontheless.

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Winter Comes is a beautifully illustrated picture book that both children and adults will enjoy.  The parents and children in the story enjoy spending time outside as they acknowledge the teeming life that is just out of sight, perhaps in a log, maybe underground, possibly underwater.  With a text that shows an appreciation for all that nature provides, the book explores a winter habitat.  Encourage a nature lover that you know by getting them this book.


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title.  All opinions are my own.

[Amanda Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

"When Winter Comes" is a sweet story that reminds you that even when winter comes and you think the world has stopped, there is still so much going on in nature. Some examples are the fish that lie below the ice on the surface, the animals hibernating, the snowy trees protecting the birds, etc. Overall, it is a nice story and could see it being a read aloud, but not unique enough that I would purchase.

I received an ARC of "When Winter Comes" by Aimee M. Bissonette from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read and review.

This beautifully illustrated book is a delight to read and look at it. Although we often think of winter as a 'dead' season that is bare, this book proves otherwise. It connects popular winter activities (like skiing, sledding) to what is happening under the surface (hibernating).

This will be a wonderful addition to any classroom or school library.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book to read and review from NetGalley.

I read this to my 6yo and be really enjoyed it. The illustrations were beautiful and the story is simple and easy for a child to follow. The book shows children how animals behave in the winter and how things are happening all around even if we can’t see them.

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

With lovely illustrations and a great message about how the world is not as it seems on first glance, this book teaches children about animal behaviors in the winter. Very sweet and beautiful.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sasquatch Books, Little Bigfoot for a free digital copy for my review.

[Ashley Dang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated story about the joys of winter. The artwork was absolutely charming and I loved the interweaving aspects of winter from the woodland creatures, to the fun activities of winter in this book! I think this would make a wonderful winter read for kids!

[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5/5. An ode to winter. Nice, but there isn't much to it, I would have like a bit more meat around that bone, solid bone, but too few meat.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for School Library Journal 9/2020.

PreS-Gr 2-As one intrepid human family goes to the woods to play on a snowy day, readers are privy to all the ingenious and hidden shelters that animals create during the harsh, cold months. The family, whose members are white, ducks behind a fallen log during a playful snowball fight, where readers see a group of tree frogs sheltering within. When they snowshoe through the woods, intricate tunnels are shown below them, made by mice who are looking for seeds and bark. The frozen lake, where they ice fish, is actually hosting a "slushy slumber party of sleepily swimming rainbow trout." Though it may look as if the woods are empty in winter, Bissonette (North Woods Girl) creatively displays how they are not. Hourigan's joyful illustrations will encourage children to take a closer look at the world around them. VERDICT A wonderful purchase to add to collections on nature and the seasons.

[Pine Reads Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We know we share this wild and wonderful wintery world.”

Although the woods appear empty after the snow falls, the young narrators in When Winter Comes: Discovering Wildlife in Our Snowy Woods know better. The story follows a family enjoying fun winter activities such as sledding, skiing, and having a snowball fight, all while learning about the habits of forest animals along the way. Each forest animal is celebrated for its unique features, and the children explain where they go during the winter, touching on the full animal kingdom circle of life. Bissonette helps readers understand ecosystems’ complex, seemingly invisible elements in an engrossing manner.

My favorite aspects of When Winter Comes: Discovering Wildlife in Our Snowy Woods are the immersive landscape drawings and rich descriptions that transport the reader straight into a snowy and frozen forest. Readers from warmer locations like Arizona may not be familiar with the impact cold weather has on the environment and animals. Personally, despite growing up in the Midwest, I never considered how active winter ecosystems are, even when you can’t directly see many animals. However, When Winter Comes: Discovering Wildlife in Our Snowy Woods teaches readers about different animals’ hibernation patterns during winter and where they can be found. Bissonette interweaves the relatable narrative of a family enjoying common wintertime activities with the educational aspects of animal behavior during winter to keep readers entertained while they learn. Children will love the accompanying animal illustrations that display the animals in their natural ecosystems. A fun way to make the story even more engaging for children could be to have them try to locate and identify all of the wildlife pictured and select their favorite to learn more about. When Winter Comes: Discovering Wildlife in Our Snowy Woods is an immersive read that celebrates winter and the spectacular wildlife we get to share our snowy environment with.

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[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful book is a celebration of winter surprises. To many humans, when the winter land is surveyed, conclude that the world is covered in cold, white, uninviting snow and frozen lakes and definitely not for them to pursue. These images foster a desire to stay tucked inside their cozy homes and curled up beside their warm blazing fireplaces. This book is designed for those families who love to experience the great outdoors. They bravely ( and happily ) take on the challenges of the cold weather and see beyond the blankets of snow and ice. They simply love to dance with winter!

They bundle up and head outdoors to explore and partake in winter adventures. Parents want their little ones to know that this season is not a dormant period in which you retreat, but one for indulging in so many fun winter activities. They also discover that many forms of wildlife are embracing the winter in the snowy woods.

"When winter comes,
and deep snow blankets the woods,
and ice forms cold and smooth on the lakes,
thick enough for us to skate on,
some people think our woods are empty.
But we know better."

"The fallen log that is used to hide behind in a snowball fight is a shelter for tree frogs, caterpillars, ladybugs, and slugs. The drifts of fallen snow that families snowshoe across have winding tunnels made by meadow mice in search of seeds and bark. The towering trees families ski among shield birds from winter winds. "



The poetic text is lovely to read aloud and teaches kids to observe nature around them. It highlights the importance of quality time spent together as a family. The illustrations greatly enrich the text and are very realistic. The message proclaims the joys of engaging in the season that we call winter. I highly recommend this book.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Winter Comes by Aimée M. Bissonette is a beautifully illustrated children's picture book with a poetic story about the woods in winter. When the family goes out for a walk and winter fun, the children don't know where all the animals from the summer have gone. What they learn and us along with them is what happens in the winter in the woods. We learn about nocturnal animals, hibernation, nature, activities to do in winter and food sources. I loved the illustrations. They showed a cross section under the snow of the field mice in tunnels as they walked over them, and the fish swimming under the frozen lake where they were ice fishing, among others. Each two-page spread shows how birds, bugs, fish, etc. are still around even though we can't see them. My big complaint about this book is when they show other animals sleeping in the children's beds? A nice winter bedtime story as the children go to sleep at the end. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Brittney Hafner · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I'd recommend this book to parents wanting a fun way to explain to their children where critters go when winter comes. I personally loved reading this to my 1-year old daughter.***

This cute children’s book goes through talking about all the critters who are hiding in logs, under the ground in tunnels, and staying warm inside the trees.

I had fun reading this poetic child’s book out loud to my daughter, and from what I could tell she really enjoyed the fun illustrations showing kids and animals in the snow. I found this book to be very insightful when it comes to explaining where all the animals go when it gets cold outside. Like how the bugs go in logs, along with all other warm places little critters go.

***I received and voluntarily read an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***

[Dotdala_reads (Sam R) · Rating 5 out of 5]

100000/10 would recommend.
Grab a cup of cocoa, coffee or hot chocolate and snuggle up like a bug in a rug and enjoy the winter scenes in this cozy lil book!

DISCLAIMER: I LOVE the snow, I LOVE the winter- the smells, the animals, the cold, the cozy fires- every. single. thing!

When Winter Comes is the sweetest winter story that gives me alllll the vibes! The illustrations were beautiful- simple, yet elegant and heart-warming. This is a book that would make even the summer jealous and wish it were winter! The atmosphere is exactly the way the art depicts, I could almost feel the snow in my shoes and smell the crisp air. I LOVED the description of the fish under the slushy water, it brought me right to that lake.

This would be a fun gift for a kiddo who doesn't live in an area that experiences snow so they can get a glimpse of other climates and weather.

[Joey Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Sasquatch Books and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

This is a really sweet rhyming picture book all about the winter, sharing the secrets of the animals all around even when everything is covered in blankets of snow. I really liked how sweet it was that it was still sharing the fun of the family, but also sharing all about the critters and the hibernating and non hibernating animals.

It was a really beautiful story, with pretty hand drawn illustrations to look at on each page. It makes you feel really cosy and ready for the season. It’s a perfect read on a cold day with your family it will set a perfect place for winter time.

If you love reading sweet winter based stories to your family during the colder wintery months then I suggest to add this one in too, it’s really simple, quick but gets you all cosy for the season.