The Emancipation Proclamation — that all enslaved people in Confederate states be freed — was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, but it took two and a half years for the news of freedom to reach everywhere. Juneteenth (June 19th) commemorates the day that federal troops finally arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and free the enslaved people there. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, and families across the country celebrate “Freedom Day” with community gatherings, parades, freedom walks, festivals — and sharing books together. To learn more:

• Teaching About Juneteenth with Children’s Books (opens in a new window) (Lee and Low)
• How Juneteenth (and Other Celebrations) Can Be Meaningful For Your Family (opens in a new window) (PBS Parents)

Winter is a magical season! In this collection of picture books, learn about the winter solstice, read a new pourquoi story about where snowflakes come from, follow the footprints of the beautiful snow leopard, race through the city on a zippy snow plow with a father and daughter, take a quiet walk through the city in the snow, and more.