I Definitely Don't Like Winter
What’s inside...
Join young Sarah as she discovers the magic and beauty of winter despite her initial dislike for it, through a series of enchanting adventures with her woodland friends. In a parallel story, Hank and Hoog, best friends with differing opinions about winter, face the challenge of the coming season. As a single leaf signals the onset of winter, their friendship is tested. Hank dislikes winter, associating it with discomfort, while Hoog revels in the joys of the season. Through a series of humorous and heartwarming events, they learn the importance of compromise and the unbreakable bond of friendship. 'I Definitely Don't Like Winter' combines a laugh-out-loud narrative with beautiful illustrations to create an instant picture book classic that celebrates friendship, disagreement, and reconciliation, making it a perfect read for winter and all year round.
Age
4-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think are the reasons the main character doesn't like winter? Can you relate to any of those feelings?
How do you feel about the different seasons? What is your favorite and why?
If you could change something about winter to make it more enjoyable, what would it be?
What are some fun activities that the characters did in winter despite not liking it? Have you tried any of those activities?
How did the characters' feelings about winter change throughout the book? What helped change their perspective?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in your child's opinions about the seasons and reflect on their responses to build a deeper understanding.
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with winter to those depicted in the book, fostering a personal connection.
Discuss the characters' changing perspectives in the book to teach adaptability and finding joy in less preferred situations.
Ask your child to imagine creative ways to make disliked situations more enjoyable, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Reinforce the ideas that it's okay to have preferences and that sometimes, exploring why we hold certain views can lead to new insights.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The protagonist's journey from disliking to appreciating winter showcases the importance of embracing change and finding beauty in every situation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach changes in life, such as moving to a new school or welcoming a new sibling, with a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite initial reluctance, the character continuously explores winter activities, demonstrating that persistence can lead to discovering new joys.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to keep trying new activities or subjects in school, even if they find them challenging at first.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The character learns to see winter from different perspectives, which helps in understanding why others might enjoy the season.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson to better appreciate and empathize with different viewpoints among their peers.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The book shows the character coming up with creative ways to enjoy the winter, highlighting the role of creativity in problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use their imagination to overcome boredom or difficulties.
Example Lesson: Appreciating Nature
Explanation: As the character learns to enjoy winter, they also discover the unique natural beauty of the season, promoting a love for the environment.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and protect nature, understanding its importance and diverse beauty throughout the seasons.