The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some beautiful and bright books picture books, guaranteed to bring some light into the dark winter months. This list has been curated by Kirsten Partanen, Children's Programs and Public Service Assistant at the Greenboro Branch of the Ottawa Public Library

We just passed December 21st, the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. Winter is dark. It is therefore no surprise that between November and February there are at least nine holidays which celebrate or centre around light. This month’s selections speak of light in the darkness and being light to the world around you.

Flashlight by Lizi Boyd

This is a delightful wordless picture book. A young child is camping with his family and goes out of the tent at night with his trusty flashlight. The artwork brings this wonderful story to life as he discovers with his flashlight all of the wonderful animal friends who are around in the night.

Every Color of Light, written by Hiroshi Osada and Illustrated by by Ryōji Arai

This book takes us through a day of many colours including the shades of a thunderstorm, and finishing with a gorgeous night with stars and moon. It is a wonderful reminder not only of the light from the moon and stars, but the beauty of the light to be found in the midst of the darkness. Ryōji Arai is an award award-winning illustrator and each page is a stunning work of art.

Superluminous by Ian De Haes

The main character, Nour (which means “light” in Arabic), was born with a special luminescence. She loves her special glow. When she starts school ready to show off this superpower, others claim it is not a real superpower and Nour’s glow begins to dim. When her glow helps a special someone at night, Nour learns to embrace her glow once again.

Grandma, How Do You Light the Qulliq? By Jeanie Joanasie

This is a wonderful tale of the sharing of culture from an Inuit grandmother who passes along the knowledge, use, and importance of the qulliq. The qulliq is an Inuit oil lantern (often made of soapstone), which provides light and warmth, especially important in the winter. Although the cover shown is the English version, this book is also published in Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun

Nightlights, By Paul Paolilli and Dan Brewer, Illustrated by Alice Brereton

A wonderful story about a family going out after dark and finding all of the light, both natural and manmade, which is found in the night. From stars and fireflies to city lights and passing trains, all are enjoyed. This story is written in rhyme which makes it a wonderful, soothing bedtime story.