Once upon a Northern night by Jean E Pendziwol illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault

 

It started with one tiny flake

perfect

and beautiful

and special,

just like you.

This book reads like a love letter to a child. The snow is like vanilla ice cream, a downy blanketand puffs of creamy white like balls of cotton. Outside is a magical place described in loving detail to a sleeping child.

The setting of this book is the Northern Hemisphere but as we are about to head into Winter here in Australia I think this lyrical and scrumptiously illustrated picture book would be perfect to share over the coming weeks.

Once Upon a Northern Night offers an enchanting interplay of text and illustration that grows richer with each turn of the page, and seems destined to join the ranks of winter-themed classics to be reached for year after year. Quill and Quire - Sarah Sorensen

One of the loveliest picture books you’ll see all year long. Julie Danielson Kirkus

... authentic and profoundly moving. Playing by the Book

I went shopping this week for new picture books to add to my already crowded home shelves. My criteria included - a lyrical text; a meaningful story; exquisite illustrations; and a book to treasure. I browsed the shop shelves for more than an hour and eventually I found this beautiful book (paperback 2015). You can see some of the art and text here. 

Canadian picture books are always very special. Take a look here to see other books illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault. I particularly love Just Because; Captain Rosalie; and Spork.  Take a look inside Once upon a Northern night.

Please read this book on a quiet winter night, then watch this beautiful video from the publisher and finally pick up Owl Moon as a companion read:

You might also look for these books in your library: