Twelve Kinds of Ice

Each day I pass this small pond on my road and I always slow down to look. November is my favorite time to watch and, day by day, to wait for the still black water that means ice will form - and it soon does. It's exciting to see it on a frosty morning like today - with the fragile, thin coat of ice that signals winter. 

One of my favorite books is about this icy  occurrence. Twelve Kinds of Ice by Maine author Ellen Bryan Obed tells the story of a family of children who watch each year for changes in the ways the ice forms, noting the varying colors and thicknesses as the air gets colder. They name each kind of ice by number and description. The family anxiously awaits the twelfth kind of ice, which sets the stage for a wonderful yearly tradition. Can you guess what that might be?

This little book is in the juvenile section and could probably be read independently by an upper elementary student. But I think it would be lovely as a family read-aloud - chapters are relatively short and could be read quickly or stretched out over several weeks. I'm betting once you begin it, you'll want to read on. It's a simple but beautiful story of a family working together on a common goal as they settle in for the winter season they love. 

Happy Reading, and feel free to leave a comment from you or your family below! 

Mrs. Hunewell 💚