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Product Description
Turn the shortest day of the year into an invitation to notice, wonder, and learn about the changing seasons.
The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer introduces children to the science and history behind the winter solstice—the day that marks the beginning of winter and brings the fewest hours of daylight.
Through approachable explanations and cozy illustrations, children discover why daylight changes throughout the year, how people long ago understood the return of the sun, and how cultures around the world have marked this seasonal turning point.
Why Parents Love It
- Makes seasonal science approachable: Helps children begin to understand why the days become shorter and what happens during the winter solstice.
- Connects nature and history: Explores how people across time and cultures have observed and celebrated the changing season.
- Encourages children to notice the natural world: A wonderful companion for watching sunsets, tracking daylight, and talking about seasonal changes.
- Extends learning beyond the story: Includes simple science activities and ideas for celebrating the solstice at home or in the classroom.
Built for Real Outdoor Learning
This is the kind of book that easily moves from the bookshelf to the outdoors. Read it as winter approaches, then step outside together to notice the early sunset, long afternoon shadows, bare trees, and changing light.
For outdoor schools and nature-based classrooms, it creates an easy starting point for conversations about seasons, astronomy, history, and the ways people have stayed connected to the rhythms of the natural world for generations.
Things to Know
- Recommended age: 6–9 years
- Recommended grade: Grades 1–4
- Format: Paperback
- Length: 40 pages
- Includes: Solstice facts, simple science activities, celebration ideas, and suggested further reading
Product Details
- Title: The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice
- Author: Wendy Pfeffer
- Illustrator: Jesse Reisch
- Publisher: Puffin Books
- ISBN: 9780147512840
- Pages: 40
- Dimensions: 9 x 10 inches
Why ODSS Recommends It
We love books that give children a reason to look more closely at what is happening outside, and The Shortest Day does exactly that. The winter solstice can feel like an abstract idea until kids begin noticing how early the sun disappears, how long the shadows become, and how the light slowly begins returning.
This book connects those everyday observations to science, history, and traditions from around the world. It is especially useful for outdoor classrooms, seasonal nature studies, and families who want to make the changing seasons part of everyday learning.
Pairs well with
FOUNDED BY WOMEN. BUILT FOR ADVENTURE.
ODSS was started by mothers who saw firsthand how time outside builds resilient, confident kids. What began as helping outdoor schools equip students for all-weather learning grew into a bigger mission: Help families raise resilient, confident kids by making it easier for children to stay outside longer.
Testimonials
For us, the right gear from ODSS supports what we believe most about childhood. When children are able to be outside every day, in all seasons, they become tenacious, confident, and develop an authentic relationship with the land.
— RAIN OR SHINE SCHOOL
Working with Outdoor School Shop has transformed our outdoor school community. Parents love knowing their children are consistently and reliably equipped—and that nothing is forgotten or comes home covered in mud.
— RANDOLPH SCHOOL
Our students get outside in all temperatures and having the right gear makes a world of difference. @outdoorschoolshop has gear appropriate for all seasons, has a directory to search for nature schools, and layering guides to help families know how to dress children for the weather
— HEMLOCK HILL
At The Thistle and Root, I always recommend ODSS gear for anyone who believes that children grow best through nature—so dress for it.
— THISTLE & ROOT
Ordering bulk with Outdoor School Shop was just as easy and seamless as I had hoped! As we open up a new program, preparing our first group of kiddos for any weather was at the top of our priority list, and ODSS came through with insight, expertise, and the coolest, most dependable gear around! Thank you ODSS!
— SIDNEY RIDGE