This trail started with How to Build an Igloo and Other Snow Shelters, by Norbert E. Yankielun. It looked like a fun little 'how to' book but actually was a serious, detailed guide on building and using various types of shelter. It explains types of snow (there are many), necessary tools, clothing and survival skills. Very interesting but something I'm glad I don't have to use!

This took me on to Snow, by Ruth Kirk. While this reads a bit like a text book, it is an excellent text book. In 1939 Russia figured that Finland would be an easy and quick invasion. How wrong they were! Outnumbered 42 to 1 they fought back against the Russians, who were neither prepared, nor skilled at fighting in the snow. There are chapters on shelters and clothing (wolverine fur is better than wolf fur). The photos Bentley took (see December 17 post) are discussed as are the dogs and reindeer used for transportation. All in all, a most interesting read.

Where do animals go in the winter? How do they survive? Over and Under the Snow, by Kate Messner with art by Christopher Silas Neal explains. It might be found on the picture book shelf, but it's an easy lesson about nature. :-)

Think your snowman sits quietly on the lawn all night? Think again! Find out just what they do in Snowmen at Night, by Caralyn Buehner, pictures by Mark Buehner. Follow this up with Snowmen at Christmas to see what they do at Christmas. Who knew snowmen have a secret life! ;-)

It starts with one snowflake. No one believes it will snow, not the adults, not the shows on the radio or the tv, but one little boy believes. Snow, by Uri Shulwvitz is a Caldecott Honor Book (with good reason).

Reading Hermit With Dog