Winter Reading 2024: Primary book recommendations for winter break!

It’s winter break, and what better way to relax and pass the time than to get in some fun reading over the holidays!

We’re kicking off our Winter Reading series with several recommendations from William F. Davidson Elementary teacher-librarian Tracey Steeves for kindergarten to Grade 3 readers! Here’s what’s on her list for younger students this winter break:

Scaredy Squirrel Gets Festive by Melanie Watt

Join Scaredy and his friends as they navigate the ups and downs of Christmas preparation. Whether it's helping with last-minute shopping (as long as it’s not for Gary the germ!) or ensuring Santa has a perfect landing spot, Scaredy’s adventure is filled with heartwarming lessons and festive fun. The third book in Scaredy’s Nutty Adventures series, Scaredy Squirrel Gets Festive is great for young readers who are beginning to enjoy graphic novels. Written and illustrated by Canadian author Melanie Watt, with copies available in both English and French.  

Hockey in the Wild by Nicholas Oldland

Join best friends Beaver, Moose and Bear as they prepare for their favourite winter activity – ice hockey!   Read this funny story with your child, and then plan your own outdoor winter activity. Written and illustrated by Canadian author Nicholas Oldland, with copies available in both English and French.

Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise

Just like Knight Owl, Early Bird is trying hard to be a brave knight for the kingdom. However, her enthusiastic chattiness, well-meaning questions and cheerful owl impersonations are keeping Knight Owl awake during the day. Soon, the two find themselves amid danger as strange happenings occur in the forest. Do these two have what it takes to keep themselves and the kingdom safe? Find out in this follow-up story to last year’s winner of Surrey Schools Picture Book of the Year, Knight Owl.

If I Built a House by Chris Van Dusen

Meet Jack, a boy with a huge imagination, who dreams up a house with unlimited possibilities. A racetrack, a flying room and a gigantic slide are just a few of the features Jack would put in his dream house. A great read aloud, Chris Van Dusen’s If I Built a House will inspire children to write, draw, construct, and bring to life their own dream house with endless possibilities!    

There are lots of great books to choose from for primary readers this holiday season! Stay tuned for recommendations for intermediate and secondary students in our Winter Reading series!