the 3x3: homes, helping, and hibernation
featuring a book I accidentally sobbed through 😭
Welcome to the 3x3: three quick lists of three picture books. In these short mid-month emails, I share themed book lists to help you find delightful picture books to connect with the kids in your life. Happy reading!
I’m not sure about you, but we’ve reached the point in winter where I start getting desperate for spring. Snow covered the ground for most of January; now we’ve entered the slushy gray days of February. At this point in the year, I try to lean into what I enjoy about the season. You can find me cooking all the soups, slowly chipping away at my latest puzzle, or washing another load of chunky sweaters. February is for hunkering down, bundling up, and staying cozy at home. This month’s picture books are about homes, helping others, and hibernation—a true snapshot of my February. Pull up your library holds list and let’s jump in!
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books about homes
Farmhouse, Sophie Blackall: Be prepared to lose yourself in Blackall’s layered, delightful art. This story, which reads as one poetic sentence, follows the daily life of a 19th-century farmhouse, home to twelve children. Blackall used recycled objects from a real New York state farmhouse in her illustrations, including wallpaper, handmade dresses, and catalog clippings. This would be a perfect gift for dollhouse-loving girls (or interior design-loving moms).
If I Built a House, Chris Van Dusen: In this fun, creative story, Jack dreams up a whimsical home, starting with rooms you may be familiar with and moving on to more fantastic additions. This book is sure to spark imagination and prompt fun conversations between you and your little readers.
The Lantern House, Erin Napier: Tearjerker alert! I checked this out from the library as a fan of Ben and Erin Napier’s Home Town on HGTV. The story follows the life of a young happy home and its young happy family. But as time passes, the homeowners age, and eventually the lights fade. This is a celebration of life, love, and what makes a house a home.
books about helping
Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light, Apryl Stott: All the woodland animals believe Bear is mean and scary because of his size. In an attempt to change their mind, Coco and Bear bake cookies and make lanterns to “Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light.” The animals remain unconvinced, rejecting their efforts. When a voice calls for help from deep in the woods, Bear’s kind heart is proven after all, and everyone learns the true meaning of kindness.
Last Stop on Market Street, Matt de la Peña: This intergenerational story follows CJ, a young boy, and his nana on a Sunday afternoon. Their weekly voyage across town on the city bus turns out to be more than an inconvenience or chore—it is an invitation to connect with others and see beauty in unlikely places.
Boxes for Katje, Candace Fleming: This inspiring post-World War One story was based on the author’s mother’s childhood. Katje, a poverty-struck girl living in Ost, Holland receives a package from a young girl in America. The book follows a heartwarming exchange of letters and shows children they aren’t too young to make a difference in someone else’s life.
books about hibernation
Old Bear, Kevin Henkes: This soothing, sweet story describes Old Bear’s vivid dreams during his long winter sleep. I love the bold watercolor and ink artwork representing the four seasons.
The Snowy Nap, Jan Brett: When the temperature on the farm begins to drop, all the animals begin discussing the wonders of winter. Hedgie begins feeling like his annual hibernation is causing him to miss the fun. With Brett’s signature artwork, this story transports readers into the unique perspective of someone experiencing winter for the first time.
Bear Snores On, Karma Wilson: As Bear hibernates, his cave quickly fills with animals looking for refuge from the winter wind. There is a reason this series is so beloved—this will be a book you read again and again.
Here’s something to ponder: If you could live in any picture book house, which would it be? Farmhouse has to be high on my list, but you could also convince me of the house by the sea in Miss Rumphius, or the house at the top of the hill in A World Wonder. Reply to this email or leave a comment with your choice! 🏠
See you back on February 28th for my monthly roundup of what I’ve been reading, eating, thinking about, and loving lately.
You could probably guess my answer, but I’d have to say I would live in the Burrow with the Weasleys.
We’ve been on a Jan Brett kick lately. She has the best books for winter! I’ve recently picked up some Brambly Hedge books from the library, and the detail in their living spaces is so fun to look at. I might have to choose one of their homes to live in!