King Winter's Birthday

Today we read a brilliant and moving picture book to our little monsters named "King Winter's Birthday." A story we thought was about the seasons and celebrating a birthday. A book that fits perfectly with the time of year, about King Winter, and our monsters love hearing stories about the seasons. But this story was even better than expected, because it was in essence about family and how it feels if you must miss them.

This fairy tale is inspired by a story of German author Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz, which he wrote while interned on the Isle of Man during World War II. It is a timeless fairy tale that tells of the rhythms of nature and of a chaotic world returning to balance. The story is also beautiful, sad, moving and hopeful, all in one fairy tale about King Winter.

The unique illustrations were created by British artist/illustrator Emily Sutton. We already know her illustrations from the picture book This is the Sea, but check out her Instagram to see what else she's been up to.

3+ beautiful shining stars for King Winter's birthday, from our young listeners and their out-loud readers!