North for the Winter, written and illustrated by Bobby Podesta. First Second, Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2025. $31.99 ages 8 and up

"Come on. We can ask the person who lives 
there if they've seen anything strange in the 
woods. 

Like a flying reindeer? 

I was thinking we could start with something
a bit more vague.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK"

You may want to wait until the fall to purchase this Christmas adventure. Certainly, fans of middle grade graphic novels with be interested in reading about a young girl who is traveling with her father to a new home in Colorado. When her father is distracted by a flat tire and needs to change it, Virginia wanders into the nearby woods where she sees a reindeer and then watches it fly away, leaving behind a luminous compass. 

Their move is precipitated by the death of her mother. The two going to live with Aunt Frances in hopes that it will the change they need. Virginia soon meets Benny who lives in the same apartment building and they spend time together. While they are together, Virginia shares what she saw in the woods with him, knowing he will keep her secret. As she might have hoped, Benny is quick to agree that they 'are in this together'. They will search for the reindeer. 

Theirs is an adventure with magical moments that have many twists and turns, as the two find the reindeer, learn that is lost, and meet up with some helpful mall elves, members of the Continental Air Defense Center that tracks suspicious flying objects, and a hunter who is intent on capturing Donner. The two hope that they will find a way to get the reindeer back to Santa in time to help with his deliveries on Christmas Eve, when it's all hands on deck to get the night's work done. 

The story pacing is fast, the artwork is appealing and full of action and expression, and the storyline easy to follow. There is danger and great excitement as the two deal with the difficulties inherent in a search for a magical being. There is comfort found in new friendships, and ultimate triumph in assuring a successful Christmas Eve run for Santa and all of his reindeer.  

Calling the Wind: A Story of Healing and Hope, written by Trudy Ludwig and illustrated by Kathryn Otoshi. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2022. $24.99 ages

 

"Moshi moshi? (Hello?)
Are you there? It's me. 
Can you hear me? 
I just hear the wind. Is that you? 
I feel like you're here somewhere."

It is winter, and the family is gathering for a meal together. Loss is felt in the silence of the room. As they sit to eat, memories of happier times make the sadness more intense. One of the children moves outside, leaving him alone with his thoughts in the wintry landscape. 

He makes his way to a phone booth where a yellow bird is filling the air with song. A phone sits there - an invitation to pick up the handset and have a one-way conversation. On the way home, he finds a yellow daffodil (his mother's favorite flower). Taking it home with him and sharing it with his sister brings joy and a chance to show her the information he has found about the phone booth. The two return so she has a chance to 'talk' with her mother. 

"Moshi moshi?
It's not fair! 
Why did it have to be you?"

They return home to show their grandfather and young sister, who are crafting origami cranes. Grandfather is hesitant, but the three convince him to venture out with them. Grandfather and little sister speak from their hearts as they collect the yellow daffodils that surround the phone booth. Father is furious to hear and see what they have done. Everyone flees from his anger, as he cradles the daffodils they have brought home with them. 

It is his turn now. His son finds him there. The two release a paper crane into the sky. As spring bursts forth, there is a change from the deep sadness of winter. 

"haru (spring)

       pain's sharp edge softens
       heavy hearts become lighter
       hope blossoms anew"

Love lives on. 

Back matter tells the story of Itaru Sasaki who created the original “wind phone” in Ōtsuchi, Japan in 2010 as a way to voice his grief over the death of a beloved cousin.