Winter is a great time to curl up with a good book, isn’t it? I can already picture myself snuggled up in my reading nook with a warm blanket, cozy slippers, and a mug of something hot while the snow falls outside. Talk about a great way to spend a cold, winter afternoon! And I know I’m not the only one looking forward to those snowy days where all you need to worry about is where you left your bookmark. Sure, I could switch to an e-reader and not worry about bookmarks, but I just love the feel and smell of actual books so much.
So, I’ve put together a “Winter Reading List” to give you some ideas for both kids…and Moms! We’ve also added in some of our mom friends who are some amazing authors- so make sure to give these moms a read too.
Kid List
InvestiGators – If your kids are fans of the Dog Man books, this is a great new series for them to check out by John Patrick Green. It’s graphic novel style, and follows the super spy alligator duo, the InvestiGators, as they fight forces of evil.
The Land of Stories – This is another great series for kids by author, actor, and singer, Chris Colfer. You might remember him from the series, Glee. He played Kurt Hummel. They’re a series of children’s fiction, adventure, and fantasy books. If your kids loved all the Harry Potter books, they might love these ones too.
New Kid – I came across this graphic novel by Jerry Craft a few weeks ago and it sounded like a really good read for kids. It’s about a 12-year-old boy named Jordan Banks, who experiences culture shock when his parents enroll him at a private school where he is one of the few kids of colour in his entire grade. It appears to be a great book about being new and learning to fit in.
The Last Kids on Earth – This is a really fun series by Max Brallier. These books are hilarious and full of gadgets and zombies. Think Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets Walking Dead. My oldest has read a couple and he’s really enjoyed them. It’s also a Netflix series.
Honourable Mentions – Big Nate, Percy Jackson, and The Babysitter’s Club.
Mom List
Again, Rachel – I’ve been a fan of Marian Keyes since I was in my 20’s. She’s a British author and her books are just so enjoyable. They’re typically about everyday life of 20 and 30-something women living in London or Dublin. Her latest book is called, Again, Rachel. It’s a follow up to her book Rachel’s Holiday from years ago. You might want to read that one first before picking up her newest book. If you’re new to Marian Keyes, start with a couple of her older books. Last Chance Saloon and Sushi for Beginners are the two that got me hooked on Marian Keyes.
The Family Remains – This is the newest book by British author, Lisa Jewell. I just discovered her in the last couple of years and I decided to pick up one of her books because it sounded interesting. It was called The Family Upstairs, and I ended up reading it in less than 48 hours. I just couldn’t put it down. I’m currently reading one of her books called, The Night She Disappeared. Most of her books are thriller-like, and this newest one is apparently a sequel to The Family Upstairs. Can’t wait! It’s sitting in my “to-read” pile.
The Long Weekend – “Three couples. Two Bodies. One Secret.” I immediately picked up this book because I just need to know what happens! This one came out earlier this year and is by another British author, Gilly MacMillan. Apparently, I have a thing for British authors! I’ve discovered her books rather recently as well, and I’ve enjoyed them all. I’m excited to read this latest one. It’s also in my pile.
Mad Honey – I don’t think you can walk into a bookstore and not see a book on display by Jodi Picoult. Mad Honey is her newest book that just came out in October, and it’s already destined to become a best-seller. It’s described as… “A soul-stirring novel about what we choose to keep from our past, and what we choose to leave behind”.
Honourable Mention – Anything by Shari Lapena. She’s a Canadian author, and seriously, read any of her books! She would be considered more of a thriller type author, and I’ve read The Couple Next Door, A Stranger in the House, An Unwanted Guest, and Not a Happy Family. I’ve liked them all. They could seriously turn them all into movies. Although, the book is always better. That’s right. I said it.
Parenting Favorites:
Moms on Call
Step aside What to Expect, Moms on Call is the new parenting bible for new moms. Give it a read, and gift it to everyone you know!
Some of the favorite moms here in the Mabelhood:
Julie Cole – Of course we can’t have a book list without our very own favorite author! Like a Mother: Birthing Businesses Babies and Life Beyond Labels Find out how it all began, and how this mother of six became so accomplished. Our mentor in the Mabelhood!
Erin Pepler – Send me Into the Woods Alone
Mabel’s Label’s Blog contributor and amazing mom has written a book about motherhood, it’s a series of wonderfully relatable essays on motherhood.
Annie Lawton – Welcome to the Jungle A Frantic Journey through Motherhood
Writer and mental health advocate Annaliese Lawton (or Annie as we call her here in the Mabelhood) is a humorously written book about her raw journey through motherhood. It’s very relatable and worth the read!
Mabelhood contributor Noelle Martin, parent and dietician has Super Foods for Super Kids Cookbook full of wonderfully creative recipes that your kids will love. It includes 50 recipes plus easy-to-understand instructions that teach everything from how to read a recipe, talk like a chef, and safely use the tools needed in the kitchen.
Our Friends and the founders of Feeding Littles have an amazing cookbook out- Feeding Littles and Beyond we love it and if you’re starting on the journey of baby led weaning then this is a must-have cookbook. Perfect for your family to start off on the right food and carry healthy habits into the future.
Even If – Mabel’s Labels contributor Heather McNulty has written a great book for reading with your littles, Even If is a story about a little girl who questions whether her behavior will affect her mother’s lover for her.
Got anything to add? Leave your favorite books and/or authors in the comments below so I can add them to my pile! Also, make sure to create the perfect reading nook – here’s how! Happy Reading!
