Now that we've had our first snowstorm forecast, I consider winter to be on its way. That means it's time to get out our family's copies of Winter Lights: A Season in Poems & Quilts and Pieces: A Year in Poems & Quilts, by Anna Grossnickle Hines, and enjoy the seasonal poetry and beautiful miniature quilts that illustrate each poem.

If the beautiful quilts in these books inspire you to learn more about quilting, check these resources:
Free Miniature Quilt Patterns (About.com: Quilting)
Miniature Christmas Tree Quilt Pattern (About.com: Quilting)
Make a Miniature Quilt for a Dollhouse (About.com: Quilting)

(Cover art courtesy of HarperCollins)

I can't say I have ever thought of Hanukkah and the poetic form haiku together, but in the case of the children's Hanukkah book Hanukkah Haiku, the combination works well. Hanukkah Haiku is one of the most joyous picture books about Hanukkah that I have ever seen. With a combination of poetry by Harriet Ziefert, exuberant paintings by Karla Gudeon, and a unique design, Hanukkah Haiku is the story of one family's celebration of Hanukkah rituals and activities. I recommend it for 3 to 6 year olds. For a nonfiction book about Hanukkah, I recommend Celebrate Hanukkah, which is part of the National Geographic Society's excellent Holidays Around the World series for children in grades one to four.

(Cover art courtesy of Blue Apple Books)

Artist and author Jan Brett was born December 1, 1949. Celebrate her birthday with one of her many books. In honor of the season, why not share Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury with your family? This collection contains seven of Jan Brett's most popular stories, each of which was originally published as an individual picture book. All of the stories take place in winter. Four are Christmas stories. The Three Snow Bears is still another of her picture books set in winter. It's a retelling of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," set in a traditional Inuit village. Do you and your kids have a favorite Jan Brett book? If so, please click on "Comments" below and share your recommendations.

(Cover art courtesy of Putnam)

If you are looking for a great gift for a tween or teen, ages 10-14, consider When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. According to reviewer and librarian Jean Hatfield, "This is the best book I have read this year." To find out why, read her review of When You Reach Me. Are there other books published in 2009 that your kids love? Share their favorites by clicking on "Comments" below and posting a message.

(Cover art courtesy of Random House)