The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper – Winter Solstice Picture Book

Celebrate the turning of the seasons with The Shortest Day, Susan Cooper’s beloved poem brought to life through Carson Ellis’s beautiful illustrations. This children’s winter solstice picture book explores the longest night of the year, the return of light, and traditions that have connected people across generations. From fires and candles to music and gathering together, the story travels through centuries of winter celebrations and captures the anticipation of welcoming the light back after the darkest days of the year. It’s a meaningful seasonal read for families who enjoy marking nature’s rhythms and creating traditions of their own. Why Parents Love It Celebrates the winter solstice: Introduces children to the shortest day of the year through poetic storytelling and memorable illustrations. Connects nature and tradition: Explores how people across generations have marked the changing season with light, music, and gathering together. Beautiful seasonal read-aloud: A thoughtful choice for winter evenings, family traditions, and solstice celebrations. Created by acclaimed artists: Written by Newbery Medalist Susan Cooper and illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Carson Ellis. Built for Real Outdoor Childhoods Winter gives families a wonderful opportunity to notice the natural world in a different way—the earlier sunsets, longer nights, crisp air, bare trees, and gradual return of daylight. The Shortest Day gives those seasonal changes a story, helping make the winter solstice something children can notice and celebrate. Pair it with an evening walk, a backyard fire, candlelight, stargazing, or simply watching the winter sun disappear together. It’s a beautiful reminder that outdoor childhood isn't only about warm, sunny days—there is wonder to discover in every season. Things to Know Recommended age range: 4–8 years Length: 32 pages Written by: Susan Cooper Illustrated by: Carson Ellis Theme: Winter solstice, seasons, light, tradition, and community Product Details Title: The Shortest Day Author: Susan Cooper Illustrator: Carson Ellis Publisher: Candlewick Press ISBN: 9780763686987 Page count: 32 pages Age range: 4–8 years Publication date: October 22, 2019   Why ODSS Recommends It We love The Shortest Day because it turns one of winter’s quietest moments into something meaningful for the whole family. Susan Cooper’s poetic words and Carson Ellis’s beautiful illustrations celebrate the winter solstice, the return of light, and the traditions that have brought people together for generations. It’s the kind of book that invites families to notice the season a little more closely—an early sunset, a glowing candle, a cold evening walk, or the gradual return of longer days. A beautiful choice for winter reading, seasonal traditions, and helping children discover the wonder found in nature’s rhythms.