- Picture Books
- Ages 3–7
- Poetry
The Shortest Day
A rich, atmospheric picture-book version of Susan Cooper's winter solstice poem, illustrated by Carson Ellis. Best for seasonal read-alouds, nature rituals, Yule, winter darkness and families who like poetry with old magic in it.
- Best for3–7
- FormatPicture
- Length32 pp
- Read aloud~6 min
The vibe
What it’s like.
Style
- Lyrical
- Literary
Tone
- Warm
- Inspirational
- Thought provoking
- Cosy
- Nostalgic
Themes
- Community
- Nature and environment
- History and heritage
- Change and transition
- Magic and wonder
- Creativity and imagination
Experience meters
What’s it about?
The story.
The Shortest Day turns Susan Cooper's well-loved winter solstice poem into a picture book about darkness, fire, song and the turning of the year. Carson Ellis's illustrations move between ancient-feeling celebration and contemporary family life, giving children a sense that winter rituals connect people across time. The book is not a conventional story with named characters; it is closer to a poetic seasonal invocation. Its language has rhythm and ceremony, and its images are full of candles, trees, animals, snow and gathered people. This is an excellent seasonal record: beautiful, giftable, adult-pleasing and useful for families who celebrate Christmas, Yule, solstice or simply the return of light. It is best read slowly and aloud, especially around midwinter.
Fit check
Right for your child?
Where it lands by age
- 1
- 3
- 5
- 7
- 9
- 11
- 13
- Best fit · 3–7
- Read aloud · 3–9
- Independent · 7–10
Prose load
Moderate
Visual support
Very high
Reluctant-reader friendly
Workable
Read-aloud quality
Excellent
Works well for
- Reading aloud
- Bedtime
- Reading together
- Gift-buying
Nothing in the book is likely to concern most parents. Safe to recommend without preview.
Bedtime suitability
5 / 5 · Bedtime-friendly
Sensitive-child
4 / 5 · Good fit
Graphic intensity
1 / 5 · None
Best for
- Winter solstice
- Seasonal reading
- Poetry
- Beautiful illustrations
- Yule
Avoid if
- Wants plot led story
- Prefers silly christmas books
- Needs plain language
Particularly good for children who are…
- Religious or cultural celebration
- Interested in art and creativity
- Nightmares or fears
In the classroom
How it works in school.
Susan Cooper's stirring solstice poem — a beautiful performance and read-aloud piece, and a companion for winter, seasons and midwinter traditions.
A book children love that happens to support school — never a stand-in for the texts a class is taught with. Reviewed for the classroom · June 2026.
Why it lands
Why they love it.
Why kids love it
The specific delight is the candles — Susan Cooper's solstice poem turned picture book, ancient and modern winter rituals layered across spreads, the slow return of the light celebrated through fire and song. The Cooper / Carson Ellis seasonal invocation for midwinter.
- Secret world
- Family belonging
- Being special or chosen
Why parents love it
The Susan Cooper solstice poem / Carson Ellis illustration — poetic seasonal text rather than character story, candles and snow and gathered people. Excellent for Christmas/Yule/solstice families. Read slowly aloud at midwinter.
- Beautiful illustrations
- Great writing
- Bedtime appropriate
- Conversation starter
About the creators
About the creators.
If you liked this
Three ways out of this book.
If you liked this, try…
Lateral matches. Same shelf, different texture.
Come into this from…
Easier or preparing reads — perfect lead-ins.
Where to go next…
Escalation reads — a step up in scale, silliness, or stakes.
More like this…
Books that share themes and topics with this one.
Buy or borrow
Pick up a copy.
- Bookshop.org ↗
- Waterstones ↗
- Amazon UK ↗
- Hive ↗
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