I have to tell you that January where I live can be brutal with cold, wind, snow, and ice. AND I. DO. NOT. LIKE. IT! Take today, for example--this morning, the temp is 2 degrees F, with a wind chill of -15 degrees. Take yesterday, for example, when this was the view out my kitchen window:
(the circle you see is a reflection of my camera lens, sorry)
That's why I am so grateful for Jane Yolen's new picture book, Sing a Season Song, beautifully illustrated by Lisel Jane Ashlock. Yolen's spare verse reminds me of the delights of each season--and that winter does have delights. The lush illustrations feature realistic animals in their natural habitats through the seasons. The book reminds me that winter will not last forever, but will dissolve into spring, followed by summer, and then fall--the cycle of our lives.
Truly, the wise writer of Ecclesiastes was correct: "For everything there is a season." This harsh season of BRRRR will pass. Warm days and green grass will come again. Please hurry!
What is your favorite season & why? Do you have a favorite book about seasons?
My daughter, son-in-law & the girls just visited his parents & other family in South Dakota right before Christmas. They hit that time of no snow, but do keep telling me how very cold it was "outside". We have our times here of bone-chills, but not consistently as you know. This book is new to me & by Jane Yolen, so I'm sure it's lovely. I have a favorite "winter" poem book, a collection by Barbara Rogasky, titled Winter Poems, not sure about a whole seasons book. Thanks, Jane.
ReplyDeleteThat looks beautiful, Linda B.! Thanks for the recommendation. http://www.amazon.com/Winter-Poems-Barbara-Rogasky/dp/059042873X
DeleteAfter I hit "publish," I thought of Joyce Sidman's beautiful and informative Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold http://www.joycesidman.com/books/winter-bees-and-other-poems/
Yes, it's great, too, one of the Cybil's finalists this year!
DeleteI loved seeing the changes in seasons in Virginia Lee Burton's The Little House! Her book, Katy and the Big Snow, is also fun! Winter is my least favorite season, but I love to hibernate at home, especially with a book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendations, Deb. I'll have to reread the Little House--it's been a long time. And I don't know Katy and the Big Snow. Yes, hibernating at home with a book is a great way to pass the time.
DeleteI dislike winter the most, and like summer the most. But each has it's flip side too. I love Christmas, sleigh rides, snowmen, hot chocolate as much as I loath sweat, unbearable hit-you-in-the-face-can't-breathe heat, and burn-your-feet sidewalks. Ah, thankful for cycles!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point, Juliana. Everything has a good and bad side. There's something for everyone!
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