WINTER MAGIC

Winter gets distilled into some of its signature components.

“I am Winter,” the text declares, while the accompanying image depicts a “silvery snowflake” landing on a pale-skinned child’s nose. A page turn reveals more seasonal signs: “a cardinal “chirping in the bush” and a snowball “flying high—whoosh!” Each subsequent element is introduced through the same “I am” sentence structure and linked through rhyme. The illustrations include both single- and double-page spreads, as well as occasional pages that are bordered with patterns. Often, elements transform: Snow becomes a snow angel, then a “jolly snowman,” then the residue on red woolen mittens. Winter is ice, too, whether on the grass or under ice skates—flying with a “flash!” Wreaths adorn doors. Cocoa steams in a child’s hands. Gingerbread cookies wait to be eaten. The carefully constructed scenes end on a contemplative note, comparing winter to a “very old story / or a beautiful poem” and “a walk in the woods / and then back home.” Aside from “candles in the window” (paired with an image of a menorah) and cookies decorated with the Star of David, the illustrations heavily favor Christmas symbolism. Though characters are diverse and some cityscapes are depicted, Minor’s gouache and watercolor art evokes holiday cards from bygone eras; the images accentuate the nostalgia with warmth and soft textures.

A cozy poem to celebrate the winter season.