What do you think?
Rate this book
It Must Be Seasons #2
It Must Be Winter
It must be winter…and our favourite high-energy family is back to revel in the signs of a brand new season. Follow along as they stack and rhyme their way to a snowy wonderland that celebrates all there is to love about this magical time of year. And yes, our comedy duo of backyard squirrels are still here to keep the page-turning fast and furious, with more pun-derful riddles that will leave you rolling on the ice, chortling out loud.
- GenresChildrens
39 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2021
About the author
Michelle Wang
22 books22 followersMichelle Wang is the author of an award-winning series of picture books about a fun-loving family discovering the beauty of the changing seasons: It Must Be Autumn (winner of the 2021 Royal Dragonfly Book Award and the Southern California Book Festival Award), It Must Be Winter (2021 Wishing Shelf Book Awards finalist), It Must Be Spring (2023 Educators Choice Awards finalist), and It Must Be Summer (available December 2023).
Michelle lives in Toronto, Ontario, where she was born and raised on Saturday mornings at the library with her two sisters, borrowing ten books each. The rest of the week, she lived in the worlds of heroes whose names were spelled with an e and wore paper bags and ate alligator pies at Macdonald Hall, alongside chums aged two plus two plus two who owned the wrong hockey sweater and told tales of strange things done.
When Michelle grew up and got married, her mother-in-law came to stay one day. Things went missing, and the events that ensued inspired Michelle to write Oma’s Bag as a love letter to her husband and their four children, as well as for all those families who have loved ones living with dementia.
Unlike Oma, Michelle doesn’t usually carry around a purse or a bag, but please don’t ask to look in her pockets.
For more information visit:
www.itmustbebooks.com
Michelle lives in Toronto, Ontario, where she was born and raised on Saturday mornings at the library with her two sisters, borrowing ten books each. The rest of the week, she lived in the worlds of heroes whose names were spelled with an e and wore paper bags and ate alligator pies at Macdonald Hall, alongside chums aged two plus two plus two who owned the wrong hockey sweater and told tales of strange things done.
When Michelle grew up and got married, her mother-in-law came to stay one day. Things went missing, and the events that ensued inspired Michelle to write Oma’s Bag as a love letter to her husband and their four children, as well as for all those families who have loved ones living with dementia.
Unlike Oma, Michelle doesn’t usually carry around a purse or a bag, but please don’t ask to look in her pockets.
For more information visit:
www.itmustbebooks.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 24, 2022
What Winter fun! A great way to share the season with young readers.
I read this to my 4 and 6 year old. They LOVE this series! The repetition helps them to read along with me and they get a kick out of the silly squirrel jokes on each turn of the page. Just a cute little read with your young readers, highly recommend it.
I read this to my 4 and 6 year old. They LOVE this series! The repetition helps them to read along with me and they get a kick out of the silly squirrel jokes on each turn of the page. Just a cute little read with your young readers, highly recommend it.
March 13, 2024
Read this with my son, he loved it! We live in Texas so we rarely get snow, so it's fun to see stories that include it to live vicariously through them! I thought it was cute how the snowmen looked like the characters who made them. My son's favorite part was when they all went outside to make a snowballs instead of snowmen! Cute illustrations, repetitive story but helps kids learn what to do to get ready to go out in the snow and how to build a snowman! Super cute!
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book with my son.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book with my son.
May 31, 2022
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: It Must Be Winter
Author: Michelle Wang, ill. by Uliana Barabash
Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 17 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
14 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting the story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘making it fun for the young reader’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
17 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This is a fun book to read at Christmas. I liked how Grandmother looked the most. When I read this book, I started to wish it would snow so I could play in it.” Male reader, aged 7 – with a little help from his teacher
“The snowman was very funny looking and made me laugh. I thought the person who did the drawings was very talented. The squirrels were very sweet and funny too.” Female reader, aged 7 – with a little help from mum
“This is an excellent book to have in a school library. It´s funny and very accessible. The writing style is simple with a repetitive element to it, which helps children to learn. The illustrations look fab! A perfect read for a snowy day!” Male reader (primary school teacher), aged 59
“I liked the squirrels the best. It was fun to see what they were going to say next. They were very silly.” Male reader, aged 7 – with a little help from her mum
To Sum It Up:
‘A humorous picture book young children will love – particularly the naughty squirrels! A FINALIST and highly recommended to young children’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: It Must Be Winter
Author: Michelle Wang, ill. by Uliana Barabash
Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 17 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
14 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting the story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘making it fun for the young reader’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
17 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This is a fun book to read at Christmas. I liked how Grandmother looked the most. When I read this book, I started to wish it would snow so I could play in it.” Male reader, aged 7 – with a little help from his teacher
“The snowman was very funny looking and made me laugh. I thought the person who did the drawings was very talented. The squirrels were very sweet and funny too.” Female reader, aged 7 – with a little help from mum
“This is an excellent book to have in a school library. It´s funny and very accessible. The writing style is simple with a repetitive element to it, which helps children to learn. The illustrations look fab! A perfect read for a snowy day!” Male reader (primary school teacher), aged 59
“I liked the squirrels the best. It was fun to see what they were going to say next. They were very silly.” Male reader, aged 7 – with a little help from her mum
To Sum It Up:
‘A humorous picture book young children will love – particularly the naughty squirrels! A FINALIST and highly recommended to young children’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
February 14, 2026
A Quiet Celebration of Winter’s Arrival
There’s something magical about the quiet arrival of winter, and It Must Be Winter captures that hush with lyrical simplicity and visual warmth. In this gentle seasonal story, subtle signs begin to appear—bare branches, frosty mornings, heavier coats—and a child slowly pieces together the clues. It’s not announced with fanfare. Instead, winter tiptoes in, just as it does in real life.
Michelle Wang’s storytelling is observant and tender. The text feels almost like a whispered conversation between parent and child, encouraging readers to notice the small details around them. The pacing is unhurried, allowing space for curiosity and reflection. Young readers are invited to look closely, to think, and to draw connections between what they see and what they know.
The illustrations are soft and atmospheric, filled with cool blues, muted whites, and cozy indoor contrasts. Light plays an important role—glowing windows against chilly landscapes, warm scarves wrapped snugly around rosy cheeks. Wang’s art balances stillness with life, creating spreads that feel both calm and alive.
It Must Be Winter is a beautiful choice for classrooms, bedtime reading, or seasonal storytime. It gently encourages observation, patience, and appreciation for nature’s rhythms. A perfect winter read that celebrates the quiet wonder of noticing change.
There’s something magical about the quiet arrival of winter, and It Must Be Winter captures that hush with lyrical simplicity and visual warmth. In this gentle seasonal story, subtle signs begin to appear—bare branches, frosty mornings, heavier coats—and a child slowly pieces together the clues. It’s not announced with fanfare. Instead, winter tiptoes in, just as it does in real life.
Michelle Wang’s storytelling is observant and tender. The text feels almost like a whispered conversation between parent and child, encouraging readers to notice the small details around them. The pacing is unhurried, allowing space for curiosity and reflection. Young readers are invited to look closely, to think, and to draw connections between what they see and what they know.
The illustrations are soft and atmospheric, filled with cool blues, muted whites, and cozy indoor contrasts. Light plays an important role—glowing windows against chilly landscapes, warm scarves wrapped snugly around rosy cheeks. Wang’s art balances stillness with life, creating spreads that feel both calm and alive.
It Must Be Winter is a beautiful choice for classrooms, bedtime reading, or seasonal storytime. It gently encourages observation, patience, and appreciation for nature’s rhythms. A perfect winter read that celebrates the quiet wonder of noticing change.
July 22, 2022
Cute winter fun!
Thank you to Goodreads for this advanced copy! This book is all about a family who looks out their windows, sees winter and has a blast! Each member runs out to make a snowman and it ends in a whole family snowball fight! I love the colorful pages and the repetition of the words. This makes it easy for even younger kids to really get into the book! The pages with the words and pictures also pops for younger kids. Very cute and wholesome story of winter time family fun!
Thank you to Goodreads for this advanced copy! This book is all about a family who looks out their windows, sees winter and has a blast! Each member runs out to make a snowman and it ends in a whole family snowball fight! I love the colorful pages and the repetition of the words. This makes it easy for even younger kids to really get into the book! The pages with the words and pictures also pops for younger kids. Very cute and wholesome story of winter time family fun!
December 22, 2021
A joy to read aloud with children. The repetitive phrases about making a snowman are both lyrical and fun to say out loud together with your kids, like a song. As we read about each member of the family's perception of winter we learn another fun fact about the season. The continuous jokes told by the squirrels help make the book even more enjoyable as you read through the story. Lovely illustrations complete this delightful, adorable book!
December 22, 2021
Winter With Family and Animal Friends
Fun in Winter? YES!! This is an amazing picture story about getting ready for winter. It is an easier to read book with repeating words and picture clues. Exciting. The story comes with jokes. The illustrations show the family having fun in the snow. Smiles and enjoyment will be in your future when you are surrounded by these characters. I highly recommend this book for all.
Fun in Winter? YES!! This is an amazing picture story about getting ready for winter. It is an easier to read book with repeating words and picture clues. Exciting. The story comes with jokes. The illustrations show the family having fun in the snow. Smiles and enjoyment will be in your future when you are surrounded by these characters. I highly recommend this book for all.
February 11, 2022
It Must Be Winter has become a new holiday classic in our family – right up there with ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. It’s the perfect companion to the first book in the series, “It Must Be Autumn”.
My 6 YO and I loved it so much, we decided to gift several copies of these for Christmas! It's a warm family story filled with punny jokes and cute illustrations. Can’t wait to see the next book in the series!
My 6 YO and I loved it so much, we decided to gift several copies of these for Christmas! It's a warm family story filled with punny jokes and cute illustrations. Can’t wait to see the next book in the series!
February 14, 2022
A Witty, Wonderful, Winter Story
“It Must Be Winter” is a worthy follow-up to “It Must Be Autumn”. There are the same trademarks that worked so brilliantly in the first book. The memorable verses, the witty squirrels are back to entertain you and make you laugh. And the illustrations that paints the vivid pictures that Michelle Wang wants you to see, feel and imagine. I’m definitely looking forward to Spring.
“It Must Be Winter” is a worthy follow-up to “It Must Be Autumn”. There are the same trademarks that worked so brilliantly in the first book. The memorable verses, the witty squirrels are back to entertain you and make you laugh. And the illustrations that paints the vivid pictures that Michelle Wang wants you to see, feel and imagine. I’m definitely looking forward to Spring.
March 20, 2022
What an adorable book! I have been a first grade teacher for many years and I know that primary students will love it as much as I did!
The repetition will engage children and they will be joining in with you to read it from the first few pages. Cuddle up together and enjoy this loveable family and the very funny squirrels who share jokes on every page. Both the author and illustrator have created a keeper.
Thank you for sharing such a delightful story with us all.
The repetition will engage children and they will be joining in with you to read it from the first few pages. Cuddle up together and enjoy this loveable family and the very funny squirrels who share jokes on every page. Both the author and illustrator have created a keeper.
Thank you for sharing such a delightful story with us all.
May 8, 2022
Winter Time!
This book is a great addition to every child’s bookshelf; children who experience winter for the first time but also those who know it but need to be reminded how to dress up for that weather and have fun. The story gives concrete examples of what you will likely see or experience during winter time and it is a great reminder to always enjoy the simple things this life has to offer. The illustrations are so beautiful too.
This book is a great addition to every child’s bookshelf; children who experience winter for the first time but also those who know it but need to be reminded how to dress up for that weather and have fun. The story gives concrete examples of what you will likely see or experience during winter time and it is a great reminder to always enjoy the simple things this life has to offer. The illustrations are so beautiful too.
February 4, 2025
I want the thank Michelle Wang, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the eBook Kindle copy of It Must Be Winter ~ It Must Be Seasons ~ Book 2 that I won in the Giveaway.
It Must Be Winter ~ In Must Be Seasons ~ Book 2, by Michelle Wang, author is a children's book about what it looks like in winter and activities people do in the snow, mostly building snowmen, making and throwing snowballs and sledding. It also mentioned animals hibernating.
It Must Be Winter ~ In Must Be Seasons ~ Book 2, by Michelle Wang, author is a children's book about what it looks like in winter and activities people do in the snow, mostly building snowmen, making and throwing snowballs and sledding. It also mentioned animals hibernating.
November 25, 2021
All of my favourite things about the first seasons book of autumn, are in “It Must Be Winter” but Michelle Wang has given us another storybook, somehow even more gorgeous and delightful and warm and fun. Every page is snowpiled with rhyme and wit. I just LOVE this family and their antics. Kind of wish they lived in my neighbourhood💙❄️☃️
Read
February 3, 2022Another great story by the author! I’m always hesitant of ‘sequels’, but the second book in her series was even more fun than the first! Same formula that engages participation, with the addition of picture cues in the story text to help little ones ‘read’ along. And of course, the squirrelly little jokes do not disappoint :) Cant wait for the next in the series!
March 5, 2022
What a fun book and great gift for all young readers, or babies who enjoy being read to. I gave this as a gift for my young nephew who is just starting to read and he loves it. It will stay in the family once he outgrows it as I'm sure his parents will read this many times over to his baby brother and I'm sure the baby will be engaged by all the wonderful illustrations.
March 22, 2025
❄️ A Magical Winter Wonderland! ❄️ "It Must Be Winter" by Michelle Wang is an absolute delight that captures the magic of the season with charm and creativity. This beautifully written book invites readers to revel in the joys of winter, from snowy adventures to cozy moments at home. The playful rhymes and engaging narrative make it a perfect read for children and families alike.
March 22, 2025
This gem of a book is packed with snowflakes, snow fun and and sneaky learning. The simple, rhythmic text is just right for early readers, without making it feel like a lesson. Kids love spotting the winter details, repeating the text and hearing what the squirrels have to say now! My students love the “It Must Be…” series of books no matter what the season actually is.
December 27, 2021
Winter fun!
A fun and simple story showing a family's winter traditions. :) If you love puns, then you will love this book! The illustrations are cute and I like how it shows an inter-racial family. The world needs more diverse books and media!
A fun and simple story showing a family's winter traditions. :) If you love puns, then you will love this book! The illustrations are cute and I like how it shows an inter-racial family. The world needs more diverse books and media!
January 14, 2022
What a fun way to turn winter blues into winter wonderland. I love all the jokes sprinkled in as bonus material. We had fun sharing the jokes at dinner. Michelle's writing is playful, and the illustrations are eye-candy. Recommended!
Read
August 5, 2022It Must Be Winter is the 2nd of what is assumed to be 4 children’s books celebrating the oncoming new season and all the good things that winter has to offer. Complete with the squirrels and all their “dad” puns, this is a wonderful positive and whimsical story for kids of all ages.
December 9, 2023
A lovely fun wintry book
Lovely illustrated book with a light hearted fun story about what winter looks like.
Encourages children to get outside and enjoy the winter weather and to get creative and enjoy building a snowman.
A must have winter read.
Lovely illustrated book with a light hearted fun story about what winter looks like.
Encourages children to get outside and enjoy the winter weather and to get creative and enjoy building a snowman.
A must have winter read.
September 29, 2024
Winter fun for everyone!
Such a great read for kids learning their seasons! Teaching them all the little signs that signify the coming of winter, what you would need to wear, and the fun activities you can do!
Such a great read for kids learning their seasons! Teaching them all the little signs that signify the coming of winter, what you would need to wear, and the fun activities you can do!
December 23, 2024
It must be Winter is the 2nd picture book in the amazing children’s series by Michelle Wang. This book has family members one at a time describing winter, with winter riddles, and picture/ words. This is a fun and educational book for children. I highly recommend this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 7, 2025
it’s Winter Afterall
This book is a great book to read with your children during the winter months! It brings up a lot of repetitive words to get the children to understand. There are also some fun jokes scattered throughout!
This book is a great book to read with your children during the winter months! It brings up a lot of repetitive words to get the children to understand. There are also some fun jokes scattered throughout!
December 7, 2021
My favourite parts of the It Must Be Autumn book are present again. With new jokes and a new guest! Love It!
January 3, 2022
Another beautiful addition to the seasons' collection! This book did not disappoint with the hilarious pun-filled squirrels and the joy of winter!
February 6, 2022
Awesome book W jokes great book definitly purchase this bad boy
March 19, 2022
Loved watching the reaction of my friend’s children when we read this book together. They love the rhyme. Adorable book to read with the kids. 💕
April 3, 2022
Fun repetition
This is a cute book. The story repeats over for beginner readers it would be great. There are also corny jokes that squirrels tell on every page.
This is a cute book. The story repeats over for beginner readers it would be great. There are also corny jokes that squirrels tell on every page.
April 3, 2022
Fun book for younger kids!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews