Winter in the Forest: A Seasons of the Forest Book

by Christine Copeland, Chris Weeks (Editor)

Winter in the Forest is the second in a series of seasonal picture books for pre-K and early elementary children. It's about the natural world, in particular the deciduous forest of the American Northeast. This book depicts the cold stillness of winter and adaptations that plants and animals make during this long dark time. The three primary themes are snow and cold, long dark nights, and dormancy. The language of these books is lyrical, the images are entrancing and sometimes humorous but always realistic - think field guides for 3- to 8-year-olds. There is a tracking activity in back for young readers who go out in the snow. Children will learn the names and habits of forest animals and plants so that they can recognize them in natural settings. These books engage children's innate curiosity and connection to the living world so that they can learn complex principals in simple, age- appropriate language. We publish in hardcover, paperback, and audio ebook.

32 pages, Paperback

Published January 11, 2023

About the author

Christine Copeland lives in the forest of Massachusetts with her husband Bill, a pediatrician, naturalist and teacher, and their dogs and cat. Her sons have fledged but return seasonally. Christine has a BFA from Cornell University and a Masters in Education from Antioch New England. She combines her love for painting with her love for young children and nature-based education. She is an author/illustrator and also paints in oil. Her work can be seen at christinecopelandbooks.com and bcc-studios.com/paintings.

Reviews

[Briar's Reviews]

Winter in the Forest by Christine Copeland is a gorgeously illustrated children's book highlighting what forest animals do in the winter.

First of all, I have to say that the imagery in this book was absolutely stunning. If anything, the art style really stood out and is a great addition to any library on it's own. It's nice to see beautifully painted pictures instead of just cartoon ones. The illustrated really highlights the cool winter feel with the pictures and that blew me away!

The actual story is fairly simply. We follow animals in their natural habitats and see what they are up to in the winter. There is a sweet rhyming scheme, making this book a great preschool read or one an older child could read to their younger siblings or reading buddy (think five to eight year old reading).

I think this book is a great way for young readers to connect with nature and bring up some fantastic educational conversations. It might even make some kiddos want to take a stroll in a park to see what they can find! I highly recommend this book and think it's fantastic!

Five out of five stars!

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Montserrat]

This is a wonderful read-aloud book for the littlest readers about the natural world in winter. The beautiful illustrations draw them in, and the the repetition and rhyme carry them along. If you would like to instill an appreciation of nature and winter in a young child, this is your book.

[R.J.]

This is a very pretty book. The illustrations are soft and peaceful, making for a great bedtime story. I loved the style of the pictures as well, very realistic but equally artistic and unique.

The words match the peaceful undertone of the book, though I had expected more of a story. As it is, it's more of a collection of pretty pictures accompanied by captions, which isn't unpleasant, it's just not what I had expected. It's very simple, so I wouldn't recommend it to children above 5 or 6 years old as they might get bored.

Overall, it's a pleasant book and I really liked the page towards the end that displayed the different tracks and which animals they belonged to.

I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.

[Robert Lawton]

I should admit at the outset that as a child of the Deep South and a student of the tropics, I have not been a big fan of winters. They are cold. The days are short, and, in my sad experience, often dreary. Looking at Christine Copeland’s “Winter in the Forest” makes me want another childhood to experience winter’s delights as a little naturalist. I want to wander through the landscapes of her watercolors, following deer tracks though the snow. I want to see her puffed up chickadees settling themselves on a pine bough. And I want someone to read me the narrating poetry in the perfect rhythm for settling a child for sleep, to dream of winter’s charms.

[Anthony]

The Review

This was a heartwarming and beautiful picture book and story. The simplicity and imagery the author utilized in the book captured the stark coldness of winter as a season while also bringing the beauty and magic that the season often inspires. The watercolor style of artwork added a great effect to the book, as it felt more in tune with nature as well.

The balance the author struck between educating the young readers on the behavior of animals and the nature surrounding winter and the engaging style of writing and artwork that drew the reader into the narrative. While a short read, the author does an amazing job of showcasing the ways in which different animals and plants adapt to the cold stillness of winter, and how dormancy plays a role in nature during this time.

The Verdict

Beautiful, thoughtful, and engaging, author Christine Copeland’s “Winter in the Forest” is a great second book in the Seasons in the Forest series and a heartwarming children’s picture book. The way the author was able to capture a mood and tone through her imagery and story kept me invested in this book, and will really speak to younger readers looking to understand the seasons of the year.

[Mary]

We love Autumn in the Forest so were looking forward to this next book in the series. This one is also perfect for young children who are so naturally inspired by the out of doors. The beautiful illustrations and simple rhyming text encourage interaction and discussion. "I see shadows, Meema!" and "Look! The chickadees are sleeping!" It is a joy to explore each page with my young granddaughter who loves exploring both outside in nature and indoors within books.

[Carol Pike]

This delightful book captures the beauty and stillness of winter. The charming illustrations portray the feeling of being in the woods in winter: hemlock branches drooping under the weight of snow, long shadows in the late afternoon sunlight, and the surprise of bright spots of color in a bluejay's feathers or bright green moss on a log. The repetition and rhymes carry the reader along and make it a perfect bedtime story.

[Tonja Drecker]

Beautiful artwork invites for gazing and getting lost in a snow-covered world.

This book holds everything the title promises and offers a serene look at a snowy forest during winter and all the wonders it harbors. The entire thing is written in poetic form, which flows very well and is enjoyable to read. But the author doesn't forget that young listeners/readers have short attention spans. The poem's lines are simple and brief enough to maintain interest without loosing the beauty of the form. Plus, the text does not carry this read, but rather accompanies the illustrations and adds the perfect touch to the atmosphere. It's very well balanced for a picture book and does allow the gentle atmosphere to stay strong the whole way through.

The illustrations are created in watercolor and are lovely. While the scenes invite to dreaming, the details and interesting aspects aren't forgotten. Various forest animals appear, one by one, never with much announcement but with the same gentle atmosphere as a snowy winter holds. Not only will listeners recognize the animals but gain a little insight on which ones are common in a forest and what their activities might be. For example, while bears and frogs hibernate, owls fly and coyotes bark. This is all introduced slowly to allow listeners/readers to enjoy and consider each one. Then, as an extra bonus, the footprints of these creatures are in the snow. This isn't really pointed out during the read, but at the end of the book, there's a quick overview of the various prints and which 'creature' they belong to. This also invites listeners/readers to return to the story again and search them out on the second run-through.

It makes a lovely read for even younger listeners and is sure to be enjoyed during more than just the winter season. I received a DRC and truly enjoyed getting lost in this forest.

[NBPB Reviews]

Snow, long shadows, low sun, and clear footprints show winter has come. But that’s not all. Darkness with coyotes’ bark, and owls overlooking their prey, also shows winter has arrived. But what makes winter more remarkable is that it brings snooze time to the entire forest. Everyone is curling up and lazying around.

We picked this book for its blurb. The book narrates the winter scene and captures the season’s essence through its frame-worthy illustrations.
Winter in the Forest by Christine Copeland is a remarkably illustrated, easy-to-read book on winter for young children.
Read the full review at Nothing But Picture Books

[mBarbara Ann Lemoine]

Winter in the Forest is a wonderful introduction to the natural world. Meant for young children, the illustrations and rhyming text bring us into snow-covered woods. Both active and hibernating creatures, furred and feathered, are skillfully portrayed. Daytime and nighttime animal activities are also included. The questions and footprints on the last pages lead to further exploration. The forest has much to reveal during this season, as this book explores. A wonderful precursor to more complex books.

[Cindy]

This is a lovely book for young readers or pre-readers. Coyote, owl, deer, rabbit, bear—so many beautifully painted animals, and the outdoors in gorgeous blues, grays, and snowy white. I especially like the footprints-in-the-snow page and the questions/invitations to the reader (What footprint is that . . . .? Can you hear . . . ?). I gave this book to the head of a school for young children, and she loved it. Curious youngsters, and the adults who are lucky enough to read to them, will be captivated.

[Jonathan Davis]

Delightful picture book that teaches about the winter landscape and animals. Although the book introduces concepts such as hibernation and winter tracking, the main thing it teaches is the love of nature. An easy read that presents animals in the winter forest with beautiful, full-page watercolors. The owl illustrations in particular are wonderful!

[Rina Zampieron]

I just read this book and I was delighted with the simple prose and stunning watercolor illustrations. With minimal language, Christine manages to depict winter tracking, and the hidden busyness of the winter season. A great introduction to the season for young children and charming images of the wintery world.

((Note, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review))

[Janet Athens]

This book is a feast for the senses! With her lush, gorgeous illustrations and rhyming prose, Christine takes us on a jaunt into the treasures of winter. This book will appeal to readers of many ages, from young child to early reader to adults who can all savor the beauty of this amazing season. I cannot recommend this highly enough! It is a must for every home library.

[Peter Rosnick]

Winter in the Forest is a stunningly beautiful book with rhythms and colors that will enchant young children and illustrations that will charm any adult. The message is subtle but clear: that we all should revere nature’s gifts.

[Book Reviewer]

Winter is not just cold air and getting dark earlier. Winter is a time of wonder and exploration. A snow-covered forest is perfect for going out and hunting animal tracks and learning about nature. Winter in the Forest: A Seasons in the Forest Book, written and illustrated by Christine Copeland, is a wonderfully put-together field guild-style book for children three to eight years old. From bunnies, birds, deer, coyotes, and even bears, children will see how some animals are active all winter, some thrive in the dark, and others prefer to be dormant and rest the cold weather away.

Children and adults will enjoy reading this picture book with a lyrical narrative and awe-inspiring illustrations. The artwork looks like an oil painting, and the scenes come to life, drawing readers to the beauty of this winter world. Included are detailed drawings of different animal tracks that children can use to identify tracks they find in the wilderness. Everything is presented in a factual but age-appropriate manner so that even preschool-age children can understand and grasp the concepts that are shared.

Winter in the Forest: A Seasons in the Forest Book is a fascinating and educational children’s book that teaches about how some of the forest animals spend the winter season. Teachers will love having this to talk to students about changing seasons and introduce science concepts to young learners. From interesting facts to beautiful artwork, Christine Copeland has created a book that will be cherished for years to come and a welcome addition to any school or home library.

[amanda Phillips]

Winter in the forest is a pleasing and fun read. The art was very nice and pleasing to look at. I liked how it was written in rhyme, it makes it easier to remember. especially for children. I really liked the face drawn on the moon! that was a nice touch. The animal tracks identification is a nice touch as well! I highly recommend this book.
- Alex Puffle Reviews