Thursday, October 30, 2025

White Winter by Milena Lukešová

Can I already dream of a white wonderland? I know...Halloween is coming up tomorrow and spooky thoughts should coast through my brain. And they are since there are pumpkins to carve, creepy treats to create, and a costume to quickly pop on (whatever that might be because it's always a last second toss-together for me). But I have been snow dreaming for months because I adore the cold months. 

So, I've decided to drop in a snowflake read because I feel like cuddling up in front of the fireplace and sipping something warm. 





WHITE WINTER
by Milena Lukešová
Illustrated by Jan Kudláček
Albatros Media
Picture Book

Whispers of Winter Magic! Journey with a Little Boy Named James into a Snowy Dreamland of Wonder and Friendship! 

In White Winter, little James drifts off to sleep as a gentle snowstorm blankets the world, dreaming of a majestic white horse carrying each delicate snowflake. When morning arrives, his dream has come true! Join James as he excitedly explores this breathtaking snowy landscape, discovering the quiet magic of winter and perhaps even a new friend along the way.

With its lyrical text and charming vintage illustrations, White Winter isn't just a story – it's an invitation to appreciate the beauty of nature, embrace the wonder of imagination, and feel the warmth of friendship even in the cold winter season. Perfect for cozy read-alouds, this heartwarming tale will spark joy, encourage a sense of awe, and remind us of the special magic found in the quiet moments of our world.

  • Spark Wonder and Awe: Immerse young readers in the enchanting beauty and quiet magic of a snowy winter landscape.
  • Encourages Imagination: Little readers will develop their creative minds as they follow James's journey from a snowy dream to a real-life winter wonderland.
  • Promotes Appreciation for Nature: Cultivates a sense of wonder and respect for the beauty and tranquility of the natural world.
  • Gentle Introduction to Winter: Perfect for little ones experiencing the magic of snow for the first time.
  • Highlights the Power of Friendship: The magical winter landscape provides a backdrop for exploring the joy of shared experiences.
  • Lyrical Prose for Cozy Read-Alouds: The gentle and poetic language creates a calming and engaging reading experience, promoting a sense of serenity and mindfulness.
  • A Heartwarming Story for Families: Perfect for sharing special moments and creating lasting winter memories together.

For over 75 years, Albatros Media has been crafting original and innovative children's books that are both playful and educational, fostering curiosity and a thirst for knowledge in young minds. We deliver the highest quality children’s books from novelty, picture, pop-up, and how-to books, to non-fiction, and fairy tale books.

PUBLISHER    /    AMAZON     /     GOODREADS



MY TIDBITS

With poetic flair, this read leads through the excitement of a snow storm and the fun that follows.

A child sleeps in bed, dreaming of a snowman, but outside, the galloping winds of a snow storm are covering the village in a bed of white. While the wild snowflakes mount, the child continues to sleep. When it awakens, it finds a world of white and heads outdoors to meet other children from the village. 

This is a lyrical read, packed with imagery and emotions. The artwork is beautifully done and opens up to dreams through its more traditional aquarelle and historical atmosphere. The scenes of the snowstorm open of to the world of metaphors with a wild horse of white, and that grabs attention while opening the mind to the realm of dreams and possibilities. There's a lovely mix between fantasy and more familiar reality to hold a playful tone through the entire read. Still, it never leaves the more traditional feel.

The text is kept short enough to hold listeners' attention and invite into the, otherwise, familiar scenes as the child heads to play in the snow. Here, there's just a hint of a message about playing with others and making friends, but the tale soon heads into a little food for thought in a different direction, too. It creates a warm, lovely read, which celebrates the winter season and snow.



And here they are...

Milena Lukešová (1922 – 2008) was born in Bohemia, Czechoslovakia. She is the author of numerous children’s books. A graduate of Charles University in Prague, Dr. Milena Lukešová was for many years the children’s book editor of the Czech publishing company, Albatros. The author was mentioned on IBBY honour list in 1982.

Born in Moravia (1928), Czechoslovakia, Jan Kudláček studied at the state graphic school in Prague and illustrated his first book in 1963. Since then, he has illustrated many books, winning numerous awards and honors:

  • 1971 – plaque BIB
  • 1971 – IBA, Leipzig
  • 1972 – Premio grafico di Bologna
  • 1976 – Grand Prix de Treize
  • 1976 – Premio Europeo di Padova
  • 1979 – Silver Eagle for the best book of the year, Nice
  • 1968 – 1978 – 6 x the most beautiful book, ČSSR
  • 1978 – enroll at charter H. CH. Andersen

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