"Playful . . . Claudia McGehee's scratchboard illustrations--similar in style to woodcuts--emphasize contrasts of light and texture: between snow and soil, fox and field, bird and birch tree." -- The Wall Street Journal

"It's a counting book. It's a winter animal book. It's a just plain beautiful book! . . . The prettiest nondenominational winter book seen in ages." -- Kirkus Reviews (STARRED REVIEW)

An atmospheric tribute to the beauty of winter and its creatures.

​One red fox walks across the white snow--quietly stalking winter. Two ravens croak and gurgle--raucously talking winter. Three snowshoe hares hop on big paws--silently tracking winter. Four red squirrels feast at their midden full of cones--hungrily cracking winter. Wherever you look, another creature is making its mark on the snow-covered season.

Inspired by the author's years in Alaska, this lyrical book celebrates the rhythms of the tundra and its inhabitants. Poetic lines and stunning scratchboard art create the perfect read for chilly days--whether winter is just beginning or just starting to melt into spring.

Children's Book Council (CBC) Teacher FAVORITES K-2ND Grade (2025)

Penn State University Libraries/Pennsylvania Center for the Book Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award (2025)

Michigan Reading Association Great Lakes Great Books Award Nominee (2025-2026)

Cooperative Children's Book Center CCBC Choices List - Seasons and Celebrations (2025)