Woodland creatures celebrate light and winter on the longest night of the year.

Owl calls to friends to help him “shine the light, / and share a gift of hope this night,” the winter solstice. Deer, Squirrel, Mouse, and others have gifts to share. Duck brings feathers as “hope / for warm, cozy beds,” while Racoon places berries in the snow as “hope / for sweet surprises.” When a bear surprises the group as they celebrate around their decorated tree, they welcome their new friend. Though the final decorated tree evokes Christmas imagery, there’s no specific mention of the holiday. Simple text largely follows a pattern, explaining what “gift of hope” each animal brings. A final italicized sentence notes how each will help “spark,” “shine,” or “spread” the light. The illustrations have a soft, brushed quality that, despite the snowy setting, gives the book a comforting feel. The animals are fuzzy and feathery, almost touchable. One large, vertical image requires a tilt of the book to truly take in the decorated tree in all its splendor. Today’s readers, accustomed to producing light with the flip of a switch, may not appreciate the story’s subtext about treasuring light through long, cold winter nights; nevertheless, the charming artwork will stir them.

Warm visuals bring to life a snowy solstice. (Picture book. 3-5)