Happy Winter Solstice!

A book cover with people standing in the snow.

This is the best picture book to celebrate the First Day of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere. We love this wonderful picture book, The Shortest Day, by Susan Cooper and illustrated by Carson Ellis. The Winter Solstice starts today in the Northern Hemisphere. Happy reading! For some of our other favorite books, please go here.

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Winter Books

A book cover with five animals in the middle of it.

Our favorite winter picture books! It’s winter and a perfect time to cozy up and read some picture books with the kiddos in your life. Here are 4 of our favorite winter-themed picture books: Waiting for Snow by Marsh Diane Arnold and illustrated by Renata Liwska / Tracks in the Snow by Wong Herbert Yee…

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What kind of winter will we have in New England?

The Woolly Bear Caterpillar, sometimes called a Woolly Worm, has long been a “weather predictor” for the winter. If the brown, rust-colored band in the center of the caterpillar is wide, then folklore suggests that the coming winter will be mild. If the brownish-orange band is rather narrow, and more black appears on the caterpillar’s body, it will be a harsh winter. The Old Farmer’s Almanac tells us that the Woolly Bear Caterpillar is actually the larva for the Isabella tiger moth (Pyrrharctia isabella). The Wolly Bear in the photograph above was spotted just yesterday, October 4, 2023. Its coloring bands seem to show us that this coming winter will be mild. Are you glad about that?
Photo: L. Ellsworth, 2023

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America Recycles Day – November 15th

Cut-out paper with recycle design

Do you know about America Recycles Day (ARD)? It is celebrated every year in the U.S. on November 15th. ARD highlights the importance of recycling, reducing waste, and re‑purposing items when possible. It’s a great way to put energy into recycling at home, at school, or at your place of work. Of course, it’s vital…

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