Picture this

When I was a kid, there was no better way to spend the summer than high up the branches of my favourite tree reading comics. Fast forward a few decades and those comics I loved are now graphic novels but I had never read one until recently. A co-worker suggested I read Giant Days, a young adult graphic novel by John Allison. The premise sounded good: three roommates at university become friends as they adjust to adulthood and life away from home. For whatever reason, I couldn’t get into the series. Before I knew it, my co-worker was challenging me with all kinds of graphic novels. She seemed determined to help me find something I liked and with her help, I did. 

I found myself hooked on the Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman. This beautifully drawn teen series follows Charlie and Nick as they meet, become friends and Nick begins to realize his true feelings for Charlie. The series was followed by the Heartstopper Yearbook in 2022. (For more 2SLGBTQQIA+ reads, visit our 2SLGBTQQIA+ Information Guide and Your Next Queer Read.) 

My next great find was Pumpkinheads: a graphic novel by Rainbow Rowell and illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks. It follows Deja and Josiah, teenagers who have worked at the Pumpkin Patch at Halloween every year during high school. This season is different: Deja and Josiah will soon graduate and move on to university. As their last shift together draws to a close, the two friends take a whirlwind tour of “The Patch” and Josiah races against time to meet the girl of his dreams. Anything can happen on Halloween…

The adorable graphic novels by Bree Paulson, Garlic and the Vampire and Garlic and the Witch, are a fun way for young readers to dive into graphic fiction. Garlic and her vegetable friends Carrot, Celery, Potato and more, have been magicked into life to help Witch Agnes take care of her vegetable garden. The two novels show Garlic overcome first her fear of vampires and then a trip into the unknown as she travels to the Magic Market to gather supplies for Witch Agnes’s latest potion. Both are easy reads and lots of fun (I mean, Garlic really is …garlic!) As we find out in both stories, sometimes our fears aren’t nearly as scary as we expect them to be, especially when we have friends like Garlic does. 

My kids are both artists and the colourful spray painted cover of this next book grabbed my interest right away.  Ashley is a foster child, a spray paint artist and oh yeah, she’s a superhero too. Her foster mom is a scientist working on a special project. When Ashley mistakes some mysterious vials as spray paint to use for her murals, she develops some pretty awesome superpowers. But when the military discovers their secret project is missing, Ashley must defend her foster family from a dangerous villain. Will she get in trouble and lose her new foster parents? Or will she finally find her forever home? Find out in Primer: a superhero graphic novel.

A genie who just wants to grant his three wishes to a frog? A witch who turns music-makers and singers into farm animals? A wizard who tries to steal another wizard’s magic powers by giving him a pet parrot? Nathaniel Lachenmeyer and Simini Blocker present four unique and hilarious new stories in their collection of fairy tales for young readers, The Singing Rock (and other brand-new fairy tales).  

Once I started writing this post, I realized I hadn’t read any adult graphic novels. Did you know there are plenty of non-fiction graphic novels in the library? As a gardener, The Comic Book Guide to Growing Food was a big hit for me. The book takes you through everything you need to know to get started with your own garden and includes great tips on how to plant (and when to plant it), how to test and fertilize your soil and whether sowing seeds or buying plants is best for different types of vegetables. The easy-to-read format features an avid gardener giving a helping hand to his neighbour who wants to start a garden of her own. It’s a great choice for new and experienced gardeners and graphic novel fans too.

I think the graphic novels I liked the most came from author Debbie Tung. Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: an introvert’s guide is full of sweet, relatable cartoons about the perils of socializing, dating and working in a crowded office, but finding out that surprise – lots of people struggle with social anxiety. The black and white cartoons are amazing and I like the way she draws great big eyes on her characters when they are happy or excited. Book Love is just that: a book about books; why the author loves them (more than people), the things she uses as bookmarks (old receipts, junk mail, clothing tags), and alternative uses for books such as “a way to avoid small talk with strangers”. As a book lover and library worker this one speaks directly to my heart. I also loved that she dedicated “Quiet Girl” in part to her husband for letting her “turn him into a cartoon every day”. 

I’m currently reading my way through Toil and Trouble, the adorable Marshmallow & Jordan and Flawed. Toil and Trouble is a wonderful re-imagining of MacBeth, told from the points of view of the three witches. As someone who never enjoyed Shakespeare very much, I highly recommend the graphic novel version. Not only is the play told in a more story-like way, the graphic novel format really helps me see the events unfold – literally!

In Marshmallow & Jordan, a young basketball athlete suffers an injury that leaves her in a wheelchair. One day she befriends a mysterious baby elephant and takes her home to her mother who’s a vet. Although Jordan loves basketball, she misses playing alongside her friends. Is Marshmallow the answer she’s been looking for?   

Flawed, which was made into a stop-motion short film, is a true story of a woman who falls in love with a plastic surgeon, despite her strong reservations about cosmetic surgery. It challenges everyone to love themselves exactly as they are. 

Thanks to my co-worker D.F. for introducing me to a new genre of books. Until next time, happy reading!

~ Joanne                  

Spring break programs especially for Teens

Spring break definitely means no school and can also mean outdoor adventures, hanging out with family and friends, sleeping in, heading to the mall, catching a movie, and maybe even travel!

If spring break has you staying in Winnipeg this year, there are some programs that we’re offering especially for the teens (grades 7-12). We’ve made sure that most of them start a little later so you can catch those extra zzz’s.

Monday: Learn about DNA detection

2 – 3 pm at the Pembina Trail Library

Learn about what determines the identity of each cell: DNA. Then try extracting real DNA.

Register online

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Tuesday: Write lyrics for rap music

2 – 4 pm at the ideaMILL, Millennium Library

In this interactive workshop, learn about RAP (rhythm and poetry) music and its influence on contemporary music. Through video, library resources, and a specific method that Osani will teach you, you’ll be breaking down syllables, writing lyrics, and matching them with rap beats. Connect with a tool that you can use to help you with making your rap flow. One-to-one help will be provided throughout as you write your lyrics.  

Register online

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Tuesday: Create hidden poetry

4 – 5 pm at the Transcona Library

Creating “hidden” poetry involves blacking out most of the words on a page of a book, magazine or newspaper so that the remaining words become your poem. All supplies provided – just bring your creativity!

Register online

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Wednesday: Get painting!

2 – 3:30 pm at the West Kildonan Library

Learn basic painting techniques to express your creativity on a small canvas with a jellyfish-themed project.

Register online

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Friday: Learn about H2O science

10:30 – 11:45 am at the Bill and Helen Norrie Library

Learn about different water sources and issues affecting water quality. Then become water treatment specialists by purifying and testing water samples using real-life techniques, like filtration, pH testing and UV disinfection.

Register online

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We wish you a wonderful spring break, and hope to see you at the Library!

~ Youth Services

Makers-in-Residence at the Library

You can find a gem of a space on the 3rd floor of the Millennium Library called the ideaMILL. Not only does it have a cool name, but everything inside of it is cool too. The ideaMILL is a makerspace. And if you haven’t heard that word before here’s what it means: a makerspace is a space that supports making things and learning in a collaborative setting.

A fun and key feature of makerspaces is that they include a variety of equipment and tools. In the ideaMILL, you can work with sewing machines, audio equipment, electronic equipment, photography/video equipment, tools, and digitization equipment. Best of all, you don’t need to know how to use the equipment – you just need to be curious and open to it out.

This year we embarked on a new and exciting program: the Makers-in-Residence program. This program connects library visitors with Winnipeg-based professional makers. Part maker and part mentor, the two Makers-in-Residence are creative innovators.

Osani Balkaran, rapper and music producer

Osani Balkaran is a Guyanese/Cree abstract rapper and music producer. Incorporating philosophies and aesthetics from both of his cultures, he shapes and delivers his thought-provoking lyrics. With cinematic dreamlike performances, Osani illustrates the dualities of imperfection and beauty using instrumentals and sound design.

To get connected with Osani:

Drop-in to the ideaMILL during his drop-in hours.

• Learn about free apps you can download onto your device (cell phone, tablet, or laptop) to help you with recording beats
• Get started writing and recording your own lyrics
• Learn about music theory
• Experiment with beat making.

Upcoming date/time: March 13, 4:45-7:45PM

Attend his workshop “Make Your Own Beats” in the ideaMILL.

Beat making and sound making are essential parts of hip-hop music. In this workshop, learn about hip-hop and its influence on contemporary music. Learn about how beats are made and then get started making your own. Osani will show you how to create your own patterns using a drum machine grid and melodies using a melody randomizer. Then, he’ll show you how to bring your beats and melodies together to form a radio-ready structure. All levels of experience welcome. 

Date: Saturday, March 11, 2-4PM. Register online.

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Sean McLachlan, artist and letterpress printer

Sean McLachlan is an artist and letterpress printer. Through an intersection of traditional printing and modern technologies, such as laser cutting and 3D printing, Sean focuses on the power of place to understand how people interact with their environments. In addition to being one of the founders of Letter Peddler Press, his portable postcard printing studio that brings printmaking into public spaces, Sean also has a series of public artworks which explore the history of the East Exchange District in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

To get connected with Sean:

Drop-in to the ideaMILL during his drop-in hours.

• Learn about the process of drawing and refining images to make icons that represent what pandemic life has meant to you.
• Print postcards using Sean’s custom portable letterpress studio, Letter Peddler Press.
• Add your postcard to the Pandemic Postcard Time Capsule.

Upcoming date/time: March 16, from 1- 6PM

Attend his upcoming “Intro to Relief Printing” workshops in the ideaMILL.

Two dates are being offered for this program.

Learn the basics of relief printing. Participants will create a series of artworks using traditional linoleum carving and water wash-up printing inks. Learn how to design and carve an image out of linoleum using carving tools and ideaMILL dremels. Print your image using a printing press and create an edition of prints to take home.

Date 1: Friday, March 17, 1-4:30PM. Register online.

Date 2: Saturday, March 18, 1-4:30PM. Register online.

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If you’re new to a makerspace, what better way to get acquainted than to meet with one of our Makers-in-Residence? They’re happy to introduce you to what they’re working on and teach you aspects of their art practice. The ideaMILL is a space for you to get exploring, learning, making, and having fun. Come by for a visit!

~Reegan

One eRead Canada 2023: Tatouine

The Time to Read Book Club Podcast is excited to participate in One eRead Canada for 2023. This year, we will be reading and discussing Tatouine by Jean-Christophe Réhel.

One eRead Canada is a national bilingual digital book club. For the month of April, you can borrow a digital copy of Tatouine by Jean-Christophe Réhel in either its original French or translated into English. You can either read the eBook or listen to an eAudiobook, along with other public library users across Canada!

You can find out more at their website: https://1ereadlivrelcanada.ca/

On April 25th a Radio-Canada host will interview Jean-Christophe Réhel in French and on April 19th a CBC host will interview Katherine Hastings and Peter McCambridge, the translators.

Our episode will be first available on April 7th. In the mean time why don’t you listen to one of our older episodes? In our most recent one we discuss the play Women of the Fur Trade, written by WPL’s current writer-in-residence, Frances Koncan.

Tatouine is Réhel’s first novel and only book to be translated into English. If the following description grabs your attention, make sure you join us in reading and discussing this unusual, sometimes hilarious, and often thought-provoking book.

…It’s a long way from a basement apartment in a Montreal suburb to a new life on a fictional planet, but that’s the destination our unnamed narrator in Tatouine has set his sights on, bringing readers with him on an off-beat and often hilarious journey.

Along the way, he writes poems, buys groceries at the dollar store, and earns minimum wage at a dead-end supermarket job. In between treatments for his cystic fibrosis and the constant drip-drip-drip of disappointment, he dreams of a new life on Tatouine, where he’ll play Super Mario Bros and make sand angels all day. But in the meantime, he’ll have to make do with daydreams of a better life…

And as always, make sure you find some TIME TO READ.

-Trevor

“Oh, grow up!”

What does it mean to be a grown-up? How do you know when (or if?!) you’re ever truly “grown up”? Is it when you turn 18? Buy your first car? Move out of your parents’ house? Graduate and start working full-time? If you’re like me, maybe you still feel like a kid sometimes even though my own kids are in their twenties – I mean, how the heck did that happen?! Surely it was just yesterday when I was 15 and learning to drive, 17 and travelling through Europe, or twenty and moving into my first apartment. Yet here I am decades later, and still find myself making questionable choices, practicing bad habits and even getting into childish arguments. Hopefully this is because I’m so young at heart!

It’s fitting then that over the winter I’ve been reading a lot children’s fiction. These amazing authors introduced me to characters who were dealing with some pretty grown-up issues – things I couldn’t imagine having to contend with now never mind as a child. There are all kinds of things that go on behind the scenes in a family. Sometimes kids are forced to be the grown-ups, long before they actually grow up. It’s easy to see why some of these titles were also named Manitoba Young Reader’s Choice Award (MYRCA) winners.

Birdspell by Valerie Sherrard

Corbin Hayes doesn’t want to have friends over to his apartment. He’s afraid of what they’ll say when they see there isn’t any furniture. Corbin’s mom isn’t like other moms either but when his friend Izelle begs him to look after her pet parakeet, he can’t refuse. What follows is a heart wrenching look at a young boy desperately trying to keep his family together, while keeping his mother’s bipolar disorder a secret. He just might find out he’s not alone after all.

Elvis, me and the Lemonade Stand Summer by Leslie Gentile

Truly Bateman is shocked (and excited!) when Elvis Presley comes to stay at the Eagle Shores Indian Reserve trailer park where she and her mom, Clarice, live. Truly is convinced he’s the real King of Rock ‘n’ Roll – even though everyone knows Elvis died last year. This summer, Truly is trying to earn enough money with her lemonade stand to pay for a trip to the mainland in search of her real dad, since her mom won’t ever talk about him. She clings to the idea that he can bring much needed stability to her fragile home life. When Truly’s mom takes off (for good?), Truly finds out it’s not only genetics that make a family.

The Undercover Book List by Colleen Nelson

Jane and her best friend, Sienna, bonded over the love of reading. Now Sienna is moving across the country with her family and Jane can’t imagine ever finding another close friend. But before she leaves Sienna hatches a plan for Jane to meet another book-loving friend. She hides a secret note inside a school library book. When Tyson the class-clown and sometimes bully, discovers the note, he and Jane unexpectedly start The Undercover Book List club. Neither knows who the other one is: will they become fast friends or will Jane discover Tyson only joined the club as a prank? This great title also contains a suggested reading list for young readers.

Ban this Book by Alan Gratz

Amy Anne Ollinger’s favourite book in the whole world is “From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler”. But when concerned parents begin a campaign to have it and other “inappropriate” books banned from the school library, Amy Anne secretly launches a book loaning program from her own locker – featuring all the books the school board has removed. As more and more books become banned, word of Amy Anne’s library spreads among the students of her school. Suddenly Amy Anne finds herself thrust into the spotlight at the school board meeting. Ban this Book challenges all of us to ask who should decide what we can or can’t read?

Roll with it by Jamie Sumner

Lily, aka Ellie, loves baking. In fact some day she’s going to be a professional baker. She might even be good enough to win The Great British Bake-off series on tv. And she’s definitely not going to let her wheelchair or her cerebral palsy get in her way. But then her mom moves them to Oklahoma when her grandfather’s Alzheimer’s disease worsens. Now Ellie isn’t just the new kid; she’s the new kid in a wheelchair – in a school that’s not designed for accessibility. Not only that, she’s looked down upon for living in the local trailer park. Ellie wonders if she can overcome her outcast status and find a way to make friends in a new town. Who says being different is a bad thing?

Growing up is tough. It’s not something I would want to go through again. I read a lot of books as a child and it’s good to know that there are such incredible authors writing children’s fiction today. What I loved about the kids in these books was how true-to-life they felt. The library has such a diverse selection of titles for children, kids can see people just like themselves come alive on the pages. So whether you’re young or just young at heart, happy reading!

~Joanne

For more information on MYRCA titles, please visit http://www.myrca.ca/.

Stories by and about Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing peoples and cultures

American Sign Language for the word “book”

Have you heard of the right book at the right time for the right person? I think that book was “True Biz” for me this summer. Even as a public library worker I still went out and bought copies for some special people in my life who I thought would also enjoy it.  It is a book to get lost in, a book you can learn from, and a book you can pass on to your friends and family. When library staff were asked to provide their favourite books of 2022 True Biz was my pick!

 True Biz by Sara Nović (Adult fiction)

“True Biz” adj / exclamation, American Sign Language: really, seriously, definitely, literally, real talk. There is some real talk in this book as one of the main characters Charlie has a cochlear implant which is based on the true story of a company which knowingly sold faulty implants for years which caused some people to have adverse effects.

Set in a boarding school for deaf students True Biz is a coming of age story following the many interesting interlocking lives of the students. The headmistress (who is a CODA or child of deaf adults) is fighting to keep the school open and save her relationship and take care of her mom. It is also an education in deaf culture and history and there are sections that weave in short historical pieces and sign language tips.

If you are interested in reading stories with deaf characters and culture you can also check out the following:

The Sign for Home by Blair Fell (Adult fiction)

“When a young DeafBlind man learns the girl he thought was lost forever might still be out there, he embarks on a life-changing journey to find her – and his freedom.”

The Dolphin House by Audrey Schulman (Adult fiction)

“It is 1965, and Cora, a young, hearing impaired woman, buys a one-way ticket to the island of St. Thomas, where she discovers four dolphins held in captivity as part of an experiment led by the obsessive Dr. Blum. Drawn by a strong connection to the dolphins, Cora falls in with the scientists and discovers her need to protect the animals.”

Deaf Utopia: A Memoir and a Love Letter to a Way of Life by Nyle DiMarco (Adult biography)

“A heartfelt and inspiring memoir and deaf culture anthem by Nyle DiMarco, actor, producer, two-time reality show winner, and cultural icon of the international deaf community.”

Mean Little Deaf Queer: a Memoir by Terry Galloway (Adult biography)

With disarming candor, the author writes about her breakdowns, her queer identity, and living in a silent world populated by unforgettable characters.

The Silence between us By Alison Gervais (Young adult fiction)

“Maya has reservations about transferring to a hearing school after studying in a school for the deaf for years, but grows closer to Beau Watson, the student body president, who starts learning sign language to communicate with her.”

El Deafo by Cece Bell (Juvenile graphic fiction)

“A 2015 Newbery Honor Book Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful – and very awkward – hearing aid.”

~Kim

Somewhere along the banks of a Reddish River…

Over the past 5 years on the WPL Time to Read Podcast Book Club we’ve read literature, romance, mystery, true crime, travel, poetry: you name it. One thing we haven’t read is an actual play. That all changes this month as we read and discuss Frances Koncan’s Women of the Fur Trade.

Set during the Red River Rebellion of 1869, the play focuses on three women and their take on the events unfolding around them. Marie-Angelique, described as a “Métis Taurus”, Eugenia, an Ojibwe Sagittarius trapper, and Cecilia, a British settler (Virgo), switch back and forth between 19th century language and 21st Century slang as we see a slice of Manitoba’s history from a refreshingly new and delightfully hilarious angle.

The play was first produced in 2020 at MTC’s Warehouse theatre, and this summer will be playing at Stratford during July.

Frances Koncan is currently the Writer-In-Residence for Winnipeg Public Library. Our episode will be available on Friday, March 3rd. In the meantime please give a listen to one of our older episodes. You can find them all here. We love to hear from our listeners. Find us on Facebook or email us at wpl-podcast@winnipeg.ca and let us know your thoughts.

And remember: make sure you always find some TIME TO READ.

-Trevor

Bite-size Stories

Want to read something new but don’t have time to commit to a whole novel? Then short fiction might be for you. Most short stories can be read in a single sitting, making them an easy way to try out new authors and genres without a big commitment of time. The library hosts an extensive collection of short fiction in every genre and new titles are being added all the time. Here are a few recent examples:

Small Odysseys, edited by Hannah Tinti, is an anthology of short fiction bringing together original works by thirty-five contemporary authors in honour of the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Selected Shorts radio program. Stories in this collection run the gamut from domestic realism to high-concept speculative fiction to absurd satire, offering something for all tastes. Most of the contributors have other works in the library catalogue as well, so this is a great starting place if you’re looking to discover something new.

Thank You, Mr. Nixon by Gish Jen is a collection of short historical fiction exploring the history of China and the United States from the point of view of those living through major events of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Covering events from the Cultural Revolution through the COVID-19 pandemic and the civil unrest in Hong Kong from a variety of perspectives, this collection exemplifies the kind of storytelling that only short fiction will allow. Though deeply entwined with historical events, these stories focus more on the individual characters who those events impact rather than the events themselves. The stories in this collection are interconnected, making the book a little more novel-like than the others on this list, but each chapter can still be enjoyed on its own.

“What exists beyond the edges of the map?” This is the question posed by Lost Worlds and Mythological Kingdoms, a collection of speculative short fiction from editor John Joseph Adams. Collaborating with a who’s who of notable science fiction and fantasy writers, Adams seeks to prove that just because there’s not much of the world left to map doesn’t mean that the hidden world genre needs to be left in the past. From hidden islands and lost colonies to magical budget hotels, Lost Worlds and Mythological Kingdoms takes readers to the strange corners of our world where imagination flourishes. This collection is filled with strange and fantastical stories perfect for anyone who enjoys exploring the unknown.

The world of short fiction is incredibly diverse, showcasing a range of genres and cultures far too broad to do justice here. There are hundreds of short story collections in the library catalogue just waiting to be discovered.

Happy reading!

-Chris

Westwood Library Spotlight

Hello and welcome to the Westwood Library! Found near Portage Avenue at 66 Allard Avenue, this cozy building is located in the heart of an active community. From quiet areas to enjoy a newspaper or use a computer, to lively family programs and events, our library serves a variety of community members and will probably have something for you too.

First – what would a library be without its collection? Our library’s books, magazines, and DVDs are split between two floors, with our children’s materials found downstairs. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Talk with one of our friendly staff members on desks at either floor, or check out our monthly displays for reading inspiration! January’s display features some of Westwood staff’s top reads of 2022, including Home Sick Pilots by Dan Watters, The FeMale Man by Joanna Russ, Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir, and Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton.

In addition to our robust collection and helpful staff, we have a variety of exciting and educational programs coming up for folks of all ages. Some programs are drop in, and others require registration, so please check the links below for more information and how to register.

Early Literacy Programs

We offer several early literacy programs each week for children aged 0-5 and their caregivers. Let our stellar storytellers wow you with books, songs, rhymes, and other educational activities!

• Baby Rhyme Time (0-18 months): Tuesdays from 10:30-11:00am. Happening on Jan. 24, 31 & Feb. 7, 14
• Toddler Time (19-36 months): Thursdays from 10:30-11:00am. Happening on Jan. 26 & Feb. 2, 9, 16
• Family Story Time: Saturdays from 1:30-2:00pm. Happening on Jan. 28 & Feb. 4, 11, 18

Take Your Child to the Library Performance: Sean Hogan

Come out to the Westwood Branch this month to celebrate the library and enjoy a musical performance for families by singer-songwriter Sean Hogan. Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to sing along! No registration required. Drop in! Happening on Feb. 25 from 10:30-11:15am

Gift Bags from Upcycled Paper

Drop in to learn how to turn old magazines, calendars, and other sturdy paper into fun gift bags, just in time for Valentine’s Day and other upcoming birthdays or holidays. Bring your own sturdy paper or pick what you like from our selection. No registration required. Drop in! Happening on Jan. 29, 1:00-5:00pm

Westwood Library Book Club

Join us at the library each month to discuss a new book with library staff and fellow readers. January’s title is 15 Dogs by André Alexis, and in February we’ll be reading Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Mexican Gothic. Jan. 31, 6:30-7:30pm

Ukulele Jam

Come join library staff and other ukulele players for a monthly jam session of popular songs. Beginners and all levels of experience are welcome! Bring your own ukulele or check one out at the Millennium Library. Feb. 14, 6:00-7:30pm

This has just been a taste of what the Westwood branch has to offer, and we’ll be offering many more programs and events throughout the year. Whether you’re a regular in the community or are making your first visit, we invite you to come by, say hello, and check out our library!

~Austin

Snow better time to read

“One winter morning Peter woke up and looked out the window. Snow had fallen during the night. It covered everything as far as he could see.” Ezra Jack Keats

Ask anyone who knows me well, or has even met me a time or two, and they’ll tell you that the chances of me not making a pun is right up there with a snowball’s chance in, well, you get the drift. But this post isn’t all pun and games. Since there’s snow getting away from it, I decided to lean into the whole winter experience and share some of my favourite cold weather reads.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

I was very little the first time I heard this story, only a few years after it was first published in 1962, and I’ve loved it ever since. The serenity of the illustrations and Peter’s quietly thoughtful ways always lift my spirits when I’m feeling snowed under.                                                                                                          

Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice

Be sure to have a cozy blanket and a hot beverage nearby when you read this bone chilling post-apocalyptic story about an Anishinaabe community in northern Ontario. The winter is unrelentingly harsh, there’s no power, supplies are running out, and nobody knows what’s happening in the outside world, or if the outside world still exists. I recently re-read this one in anticipation of the sequel which is due out soon.

The Winter Long by Seanan McGuire

There’s nothing better than a long, immersive series to make me forget about the cold outside. The main character October Daye and I share some things in common, like really disliking large parties, but her Fae lineage and blood magic skill put her in a class all of her own. Arguments with family put a chill in anyone’s bones, but when you are heir to powerful magics things can literally get icy.

Recommending books to people is often a slippery slope, but if you pick up any of these titles there’s snow chance you’ll be disappointed. I hope that you have lots of time to get cozy and chill out with any of your favorite wintery reads. After all, when there’s snow getting away from winter it’s best to do as the song says and: “Let it be.”

~ Lori