What do you think?
Rate this book
La berceuse de l'hiver
See below for English description.
Le vent froid commence à souffler dans le ciel gris: il est l'heure d'aller se coucher pour petit ours. Mais comment peut-il s'endormir alors que ses amis de la forêt, la souris, la mouffette et le blaireau se promènent pas loin? Maman ourse explique à petit ours qu'eux aussi, bientôt, vont se retrancher dans le creux d'une bûche, dans un nid ou un terrier pour échapper au froid de l'hiver. Mais petit ours ne veut toujours pas rentrer dans son repaire. Maman ourse parviendra-t-elle à le convaincre?
Cet album en rimes, à la prose lyrique et aux illustrations tendres est parfait pour l'heure du conte des tout-petits.
When cool winds start blowing through gray skies, it's time for Small Bear to retire. But how can he sleep when he sees his forest friends, like Mouse, Skunk, and Badger, roaming around? Mama Bear explains that they too will soon head to their hollowed logs, nests, and burrows to escape the winter weather. But Small Bear still doesn't want to retreat to his den, that is until Mama Bear explains hibernation in the most beautiful way.
This rhyming picture book with lyrical prose and sweet illustrations is the perfect bedtime story for little ones.
Le vent froid commence à souffler dans le ciel gris: il est l'heure d'aller se coucher pour petit ours. Mais comment peut-il s'endormir alors que ses amis de la forêt, la souris, la mouffette et le blaireau se promènent pas loin? Maman ourse explique à petit ours qu'eux aussi, bientôt, vont se retrancher dans le creux d'une bûche, dans un nid ou un terrier pour échapper au froid de l'hiver. Mais petit ours ne veut toujours pas rentrer dans son repaire. Maman ourse parviendra-t-elle à le convaincre?
Cet album en rimes, à la prose lyrique et aux illustrations tendres est parfait pour l'heure du conte des tout-petits.
When cool winds start blowing through gray skies, it's time for Small Bear to retire. But how can he sleep when he sees his forest friends, like Mouse, Skunk, and Badger, roaming around? Mama Bear explains that they too will soon head to their hollowed logs, nests, and burrows to escape the winter weather. But Small Bear still doesn't want to retreat to his den, that is until Mama Bear explains hibernation in the most beautiful way.
This rhyming picture book with lyrical prose and sweet illustrations is the perfect bedtime story for little ones.
Hardcover
First published October 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
111 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 13, 2022
Ce livre est tout simplement magnifique 🥺❤️
January 25, 2022
Like much of the country, it's bitter cold in NYC today so what better time than now to re-read Winter Lullaby with my young readers, especially since we are all basically hibernating anyway. Told in rhyming couplets (a favorite of my kiddos), the story begins just as winter is arriving in the forest. With cold winds and graying skies, Mama Bear tells Small Bear it's time for them to go to bed for the winter. As the pair head to their den, Small Bear wants to know why he must sleep when he spots first a scurrying mouse and the a wide awake chipmunk gathering nuts, to which Mama Bear explains: "Mouse is rushing to her nest./ In soft, dry grasses she will rest./ Chipmunk stores his cache below/ before he curls beneath the snow."
Moving on, Small Bear sees a skunk and a Hare romping in the snow and fallen leaves.
Why can't he stay up and play, too? But Mama Bear explains that they too will soon be sleeping away the winter.
Continuing on to their own den, Small Bear notices a busy badger and a raccoon. Thinking they are playing and not getting ready to sleep, Small Bear begins to protest going to bed because he wants to stay outside and play, too.
Mama Bear patiently explains to Small Bear that all the animals he has seen will soon be hibernating, too. And she promises that when they wake up, the world will be green and warm again, and Small Bear can go out and play. Meanwhile: "It's time, my cub, to close your eyes. / The night sings soothing lullabies./ We'll snuggle close all winter through./ I love you, Mama,/ I love you, too."
This is such a wonderful bedtime story for kids who are resistant to going to bed, and ending with am often needed reassurance that morning (spring) will come and they can play with friends again. It is also useful for introducing young readers to animals who hibernate and why. Lots of good conversation can result from both of these discussions. Dovetailing with the text are soft, digitally created illustrations that take readers from an autumn palette to a silvery white palette.
My young kiddos love this story and we have read it many times and what better endorsement than kids who keep asking for a story to be read to them again and again.
After you and your kiddos enjoy reading Winter Lullaby, you can download an activity kit HERE along with a doorknob hanger that can be printed out to let everyone know whether they are awake or hibernating HERE, and you can also find a fingerplay page called HERE-IS-A-CAVE. All fun indoor activities to get through the winter.
While this book was originally read as an eARC gratefully received from Edelweiss+, I ended up getting a hard copy for our little library of favorites.
Moving on, Small Bear sees a skunk and a Hare romping in the snow and fallen leaves.
Why can't he stay up and play, too? But Mama Bear explains that they too will soon be sleeping away the winter.
Continuing on to their own den, Small Bear notices a busy badger and a raccoon. Thinking they are playing and not getting ready to sleep, Small Bear begins to protest going to bed because he wants to stay outside and play, too.
Mama Bear patiently explains to Small Bear that all the animals he has seen will soon be hibernating, too. And she promises that when they wake up, the world will be green and warm again, and Small Bear can go out and play. Meanwhile: "It's time, my cub, to close your eyes. / The night sings soothing lullabies./ We'll snuggle close all winter through./ I love you, Mama,/ I love you, too."
This is such a wonderful bedtime story for kids who are resistant to going to bed, and ending with am often needed reassurance that morning (spring) will come and they can play with friends again. It is also useful for introducing young readers to animals who hibernate and why. Lots of good conversation can result from both of these discussions. Dovetailing with the text are soft, digitally created illustrations that take readers from an autumn palette to a silvery white palette.
My young kiddos love this story and we have read it many times and what better endorsement than kids who keep asking for a story to be read to them again and again.
After you and your kiddos enjoy reading Winter Lullaby, you can download an activity kit HERE along with a doorknob hanger that can be printed out to let everyone know whether they are awake or hibernating HERE, and you can also find a fingerplay page called HERE-IS-A-CAVE. All fun indoor activities to get through the winter.
While this book was originally read as an eARC gratefully received from Edelweiss+, I ended up getting a hard copy for our little library of favorites.
January 16, 2022
A very sweet book about mama bear and her questioning baby cub bear. The illustrations are beautifully drawn using the colors of fall and winter that tend to help the mind sense the urgency of mama bear's getting little bear to their hibernation den.
Baby bear questions "why" as so many toddlers tend to do. Why do I have to sleep when rabbit or mouse, etc. don't?
Still meandering along the way, without hesitation mama answers baby but doesn't neglect to continue to pursue putting the toddler to bed. It is a rather lengthy traipse through the woods but they do arrive at their destination and baby is tucked away snuggled beside mama for the long winter sleep.
A sweet book to treasure.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given
Baby bear questions "why" as so many toddlers tend to do. Why do I have to sleep when rabbit or mouse, etc. don't?
Still meandering along the way, without hesitation mama answers baby but doesn't neglect to continue to pursue putting the toddler to bed. It is a rather lengthy traipse through the woods but they do arrive at their destination and baby is tucked away snuggled beside mama for the long winter sleep.
A sweet book to treasure.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given
March 19, 2021
The art is absolutely gorgeous, the story rhymes and is very cute in the preparing for hibernation story. Overall a good choice.
December 17, 2022
Petit Ours doit se préparer pour hiberner tout l’hiver avec sa mère. Mais ce dernier ne comprends pas pourquoi, il ne se sent pas fatigué et a envie de jouer. Il voit les autres animaux s’amuser alors que la neige arrive et souhaite faire comme eux. Maman Ours lui explique qu’ils se réveilleront quand le sol sera de nouveau vert et que les arbres auront des feuilles, et là il pourra jouer.
December 23, 2021
As the sun drops below the horizon and the light of day fades, darkness deepens. For many, animals and humans, it signals a slowing and eventual rest. This daily slowing and rest happen on a grander scale for much longer when autumn shifts to winter. For months, the time of light is shorter and nights are longer. It is nature asking the world to pause and replenish.
Northern Michigan was coated in at least five inches of snow Sunday and Sunday evening. It is currently snowing in spurts between bursts of sunshine with another three to four inches expected by tomorrow morning. It would seem that winter has finally arrived. Our morning walks have been quieter except for the crows, chickadees, and cardinals. Rabbits and the neighborhood fox leave tracks we can now see.
The changing of the seasons and the response of our animal residents is a constant source of fascination. Winter Lullaby (Candlewick Press, December 7, 2021) written by Dianne White with artwork by Ramona Kaulitzki allows us to see how a variety of animals prepare for winter. It follows one little bear who is not quite ready for slumber. Let's join this youngster and his mother on a stroll through the forest.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
Northern Michigan was coated in at least five inches of snow Sunday and Sunday evening. It is currently snowing in spurts between bursts of sunshine with another three to four inches expected by tomorrow morning. It would seem that winter has finally arrived. Our morning walks have been quieter except for the crows, chickadees, and cardinals. Rabbits and the neighborhood fox leave tracks we can now see.
The changing of the seasons and the response of our animal residents is a constant source of fascination. Winter Lullaby (Candlewick Press, December 7, 2021) written by Dianne White with artwork by Ramona Kaulitzki allows us to see how a variety of animals prepare for winter. It follows one little bear who is not quite ready for slumber. Let's join this youngster and his mother on a stroll through the forest.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
January 12, 2022
Dianne White has a wonderful way with words -- the lyrical rhyming text makes this for a perfect bedtime read aloud. The story follows Mama and Small Bear as they prepare for winter sleep. Small Bear pays attention to all the other forest animals and what they do to prepare for winter. It's a beautiful way to tell a sweet story but actually pair it with scientific information about animal adaptations. The illustrations pair nicely with the text. I love the cool wintery palette partnered with a few warm tones used for the animals and sun. There's a nice texture and depth to the scenes as well. Overall this makes for a nice read aloud and one I think young children will want to revisit.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Candlewick Press. Opinions are my own.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Candlewick Press. Opinions are my own.
December 9, 2021
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Winter Lullaby, written by Dianne White and illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki, a sweet tale of a bear family and the approach of winter.
The autumn in coming to a close and the air is crisp and cold, so Mama Bear calls for her little one to prepare for sleep. Seeing other animals like mouse, raccoon, skunk, and others scurrying about on the fallen snow, Small Bear asks why they must go to sleep if the others are all staying up. Mama Bear patiently explains that all the other animals are making their own last-minute preparations before going into hibernation themselves, just like bears do. She promises that when spring comes and the world is green again, they will wake and play. Until then, Mama Bear and Small Bear snuggle in tight and let the warmth of their den and the winter night’s lullabies soothe them to sleep.
A delightful wintertime bedtime tale. Caregivers will easily see the parallels between Small Bear bemoaning the fact that others get to stay up later, and White uses this as a nice way to counteract childhood bedtime FOMO as well as to explore how different animals hibernate over the winter. Kaulitzki’s illustrations are precious, using long lines and a contrast of warmth and cold to create cozy spaces, brisk landscapes, and charming animals, especially the bear families. The switch between regular and bolded text for the dialogue can be a little confusing at times, and two different fonts may have been a better choice. However, everything else works beautifully, and the length is great for a elementary-age storytime. JJ loved the all animals, especially the bond between Mama Bear and Small Bear. Overall, this is a winter bedtime treat that’s perfect for curling up with on cold nights. Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
December 23, 2021
Nature's peace, serenity, and calmness flow from every page and invite to snuggled dreams.
It's time to go into hibernation as the cold days approach, but little bear isn't so sure he's ready, yet. As mommy bear and little bear head toward their den, the little bear asks about the various animals, hoping that one will stay up...so he can, too.
This is a beautifully created book, which looks at nature's slumber during the cold, white days. The text is kept short and sweet, and still flows with a poetic rhyme very fitting to the atmosphere of the book. Each scene invites with a lovely calm and serenity, which makes it fun just to flip through and gaze at each one.
Various animals are introduced as little bear heads through the forest, and with few words, it's shown what each one does and where they hibernate. It's very educational and captures everything with a true-to-life impression. Still, little bear's excitement is hard to miss and keeps everything a little light-hearted, too.
As a goodnight read, this one is fits as well. After watching each animal snuggle into their burrows, the bears do the same. A secure warmth with family love is portrayed and sets the scene for sweet dreams.
I received an ARC and found it simply beautiful.
It's time to go into hibernation as the cold days approach, but little bear isn't so sure he's ready, yet. As mommy bear and little bear head toward their den, the little bear asks about the various animals, hoping that one will stay up...so he can, too.
This is a beautifully created book, which looks at nature's slumber during the cold, white days. The text is kept short and sweet, and still flows with a poetic rhyme very fitting to the atmosphere of the book. Each scene invites with a lovely calm and serenity, which makes it fun just to flip through and gaze at each one.
Various animals are introduced as little bear heads through the forest, and with few words, it's shown what each one does and where they hibernate. It's very educational and captures everything with a true-to-life impression. Still, little bear's excitement is hard to miss and keeps everything a little light-hearted, too.
As a goodnight read, this one is fits as well. After watching each animal snuggle into their burrows, the bears do the same. A secure warmth with family love is portrayed and sets the scene for sweet dreams.
I received an ARC and found it simply beautiful.
November 22, 2021
Momma Bear and her cub make their way home, to sleep! As the jacket flap reads, "Geese are calling, a chilly wind is blowing, and the sky is turning gray." They make their way through the woods as Dianne White lets Momma speaks about the need to go to sleep and Baby asks again and again "Why?" In brief rhyming couplets, the story unfolds. Baby sees Mouse scurrying by, Chipmunk gathering nuts, Skunk and Hare romping through the leaves and wonders why he has to go to bed. Here's one example of Mama's replies: In just a while, deep underground,/Skunk will slumber, safe and sound." Ramona Kaulitzki's illustrations show the animals of the wintry landscape in soft grays with a touch of color nestling in their nests, tunnels, or tree hollows. Finally, Mama Bear and cub, too, reach their place for the winter hideaway. It's a lovely tale of introduction to what many animals do in winter. Wouldn't it be nice if children wrote their own couplet for what they do?
Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!
Thanks to Candlewick Press for this copy!
December 1, 2021
The weather is changing, gray sky and cold winds have begun. Mama Bear is trying to convince Small Bear that it is time to prepare for a long winter's sleep. Small Bear isn't convinced and still wants to play with chipmunk, hare, raccoon, skunk and badger. Patient and reassuring Mama Bear show Small Bear how each are preparing for a long cold winter's sleep as they prepare their cozy, sheltered nests. At last Small Bear understands that when spring comes and the days are brighter, he will be able to play with his old friends once again.
A lovely story of a mama's love. This book has the perfectly detailed nature scenes which show the slight color changes as winter turns to spring. I loved the gentle story told in rhyme; a beautiful book.
A lovely story of a mama's love. This book has the perfectly detailed nature scenes which show the slight color changes as winter turns to spring. I loved the gentle story told in rhyme; a beautiful book.
January 1, 2022
RATING: 5 STARS
2021; Candwick Press
I love this book!!! The illustrations are amazing. I could look at them for a long time. In fact, this picture book took me three times the average time to read as I really inspected it. And the story? It is sweet as the cover looks. A young cub asks his mother about other animals being outside, why do they need to hibernate during the winter. I highly recommend for any home library!
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2021; Candwick Press
I love this book!!! The illustrations are amazing. I could look at them for a long time. In fact, this picture book took me three times the average time to read as I really inspected it. And the story? It is sweet as the cover looks. A young cub asks his mother about other animals being outside, why do they need to hibernate during the winter. I highly recommend for any home library!
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
January 18, 2022
This was very warm and snuggly. Baby bear is pouting that they have to go to sleep for winter, and mama bear reassures him that many other forest animals are hibernating as well, and that when they wake up it will be springtime. The illustrations are lush with warm autumn oranges and greyish turquoise, but even with a not-as-bright color scheme the pictures are very kid-friendly. The text has a rhyming lilt. Definitely a good opporunity for snuggles with grownups at the end, too.
October 8, 2023
A cute little bear cub asks his mom if he can stay awake like the other forest animals around them. Slowly but surely, each creature in the story beds down in its home. After being assured that he will wake up next to mom in the spring, our bear cub friend is convinced to take his own winter nap.
Adorable illustrations, a great introduction to animal homes and hibernation, and it kept my two-year-old’s attention for the whole story (that’s a win!)
Adorable illustrations, a great introduction to animal homes and hibernation, and it kept my two-year-old’s attention for the whole story (that’s a win!)
November 29, 2023
Mama Bear tells Small Bear that it's time to go to bed for the winter. Small Bear doesn't want to go to bed and points out all the other animals that aren't currently heading for hibernation. Mama Bear patiently explains that the other animals will all sleep eventually, too and that she'll be there with Small Bear all winter long.
Told in rhyming couplets with muted illustrations, this is a nice group read aloud on bears, winter, hibernation, sleep, seasons, or animals.
Told in rhyming couplets with muted illustrations, this is a nice group read aloud on bears, winter, hibernation, sleep, seasons, or animals.
September 5, 2021
A little bear cub is reluctant to hibernate for the winter, and points out that all their animal friends are still out and about. Mama bear explains they'll soon be sleeping too, in their various cozy critter homes. Winter Lullaby is a soft, sweet rhyme of rest that makes the reader look forward to the warmer spring days to come.
February 22, 2022
Sweet story of a mother and baby bear getting ready to hibernate. Baby asks why other animals get to stay up and the mother explains what each is doing to prepare for winter. The rhyming text moves readers through a situation they will connect with - wanting to stay awake rather than go to bed. The mother bear is gentle and firm about what they have to do.
September 2, 2022
A sweet story of an inquisitive young bear cub who's mother is herding it off to hibernate for the winter. The cub sees many other animals not as yet in hibernation and complains about being made to do something not everyone has to do. Mother bear wisely instructs her cub that soon most animals will be sleeping.
A good one for winter storytimes.
A good one for winter storytimes.
December 21, 2022
A gentle story about inquisitive young bear getting for its first winter sleep with its mother. The cub wonders about the other animals and why they aren’t already sleeping. The listeners of this book will learn about hibernation and how and where animals spend the winter. A good late fall or early winter book.
The colors in the illustrations are magnificent.
The colors in the illustrations are magnificent.
November 21, 2025
We read this for our Sleepytime story time. It's an adorable story of Mama and Baby Bear heading home to hibernate as Baby Bear asks why the other animals are out and about. The illustrations showing how the other forest creatures bed down are so cute and the story is nice and quietly rhythmic. Perfect for bedtime in winter!
November 25, 2025
A young bear doesn’t want to hibernate and questions why winter brings so many changes. With gentle storytelling, the book guides children through accepting transitions and understanding the natural world. Its calming tone makes it a soothing choice for discussing patience, growth, and seasonal change.
December 30, 2021
Rhyming text, different fonts for Mama and Small Bear, soothing walk through the woods as the bears get ready for their winter sleep. Greenish, grayish, bluish palette for lovely illustrations. Good addition to hibernation units.
January 20, 2022
Illustrations magnifiques et histoires touchantes ❤
Je me vois bien l'utiliser en classe avec les plus petits pour aborder l'hibernation des animaux et les saisons.
J'ai aussi déjà hâte de l'inclure dans la routine dodo de mon garçon ❤ surtout avec la fin pleine d'amour.
Je me vois bien l'utiliser en classe avec les plus petits pour aborder l'hibernation des animaux et les saisons.
J'ai aussi déjà hâte de l'inclure dans la routine dodo de mon garçon ❤ surtout avec la fin pleine d'amour.
January 3, 2024
A charming picture beautiful with lovely illustrations and great rhymes. Bear Cub keeps seeing his friends out in the forest as he and Mama Bear walk to their den. Mama Bear explains that soon everyone in the forest will sleep.
December 23, 2025
A young bear doesn't want to go to sleep when other animals are still up. The cub's mother patiently explains how the other animals will spend winter and how they will. The illustrations are gorgeous!!
Read
December 14, 2021School Library Journal recommends this book for pre-school - 2nd grade.
Read
December 16, 2021I like the illustrations.
January 2, 2022
On the way to their den to hibernate for the winter, a bear cub questions his mother about why he must sleep when he sees so many their animal friends still out and about. Lovely bedtime reading.
January 7, 2022
Toddlers or preschool
January 7, 2022
Wonderful book for a fall themed or hibernation story time. Beautiful illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews