Becker, Aaron. Winter Light. Aaron Becker, Illus. Candlewick, 10/2024. [16]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-3646-0. GRADES Baby/Toddler–Kindergarten. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
In this unusual board book, soft watercolor illustrations show the winter sky in a celebration that fits many winter holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah, the winter solstice, and Kwanzaa. The simple rhyming text encourages the reader to observe: “Hush, now. Be still. It’s time for winter light.” Similar to Becker’s previous board books including You Are Light (2019) and My Favorite Color (2020), the pages have die-cut holes, some containing plastic translucent inserts. When held up to the light, the inserts add color and resemble candlelight. The adult reading this to children can add more details on the holidays, or why it gets darker earlier in winter, but the visuals will keep children engaged and promote interaction with the book.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool