Winter Mittens, The
on Goodreads (24)
What’s inside...
The Winter Mittens is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Lily who loses her favorite pair of mittens in the snow. As she searches for them, she encounters various animals who have found and used her mittens in different ways. Through her interactions with the animals, Lily learns the importance of sharing and kindness. This charming tale teaches children about empathy and the joy of giving, making it a perfect read for the winter season. In another story, strange things begin to happen when Addie puts on the old grey mittens she finds in an unusual silver box. When Addie finds a pair of old mittens and tries them on, it suddenly begins to snow, to the delight of all the children. Realizing the mittens' magical gift, she decides to make it snow and snow--until a blizzard commences and she is unable to take the mittens off. Full-color illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about how the characters used their mittens in the story?
How do you think the mittens helped the characters feel during the winter?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone like the characters did in the book?
What would you do if you found a lost mitten like in the story?
How do you think the story would change if it were set in a different season?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones and gestures while reading to make the story come alive.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story to keep them engaged.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or a new mitten design.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences with winter or helping others.
Discuss the importance of kindness and sharing, as demonstrated by the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Sharing and generosity
Explanation: In 'The Winter Mittens', Tim Arnold articulates the story of animals sharing a single pair of mittens to keep warm during a harsh winter, demonstrating cooperation and kindness.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of sharing with their peers and understanding the importance of helping others in need.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The animal characters face challenges due to the cold and work together to find creative ways to use the mittens. This narrative shows effective problem-solving and teamwork.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and collaboratively when faced with difficulties, promoting a teamwork mindset from a young age.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the characters in the book experience the harsh winter, they develop empathy for each other's struggles, emphasizing emotional intelligence.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to understand and share the feelings of others, enhancing their emotional development and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Through their shared experiences with the mittens, the characters in the book grow closer, highlighting the significance of building and maintaining friendships.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate and nurture friendships, which are vital for social development and emotional support.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The animals find different uses for the mittens, showcasing their ability to think creatively and use resources innovatively.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their imagination and creativity to adapt to situations and solve problems, fostering innovative thinking from a young age.