Three fun and entertaining books to read while curled up by the fire over winter break this year.

As the winter weather arrives, craving warmth and comfort is only human nature. Each of us surely dreams of the nostalgic feeling of sitting beside a roaring fireplace, a cup of hot cocoa in our hands and a fuzzy blanket wrapped over our shoulders. There’s only one thing that could make this scenario even cozier – a book to read! Here are some low-stakes, easy to digest books curated for a cold winter’s night.

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones (1986)

Don’t you hate it when you’re begrudgingly working away at your family’s hat shop and an evil witch turns you into an old lady? This is the strange scenario that young Sophie Hatter finds herself in after unintentionally offending the Witch of the Waste. Howl’s Moving Castle, which was adapted to film in 2004, features an intimidating castle that seamlessly glides across the landscape, and within lives a rather grumpy young wizard, Howl, alongside his talking fireplace companion. When Sophie hobbles her way to this castle and forces herself inside, she works alongside its residents to break the curse the Witch of the Waste placed upon her… But will it come at the cost of a far worse evil being unleashed? Howl’s Moving Castle has a warm, domestic feel to it, making it the perfect fireside read.

House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (2020)

The cover quote of this book says it all – “It’s like being wrapped in a big gay blanket.” Linus Baker, who lives a quiet, colorless life working for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, is offered a classified assignment one life-changing day: He’s sent to assess the Marsyas Island Orphanage, home to an especially unusual bunch of magical children, including a wyvern, a gnome, and the actual Antichrist — all of whom are in the care of mysterious and charming Arthur Parnassus, who holds a burning secret that Linus reveals bit by bit. House In the Cerulean Sea is perfect for lovers of found family and those in need of a quick dose of subtle romance.

The Cats of Tanglewood Forest by Charles de Lint and illustrated by Charles Vess (2013)
A story with adorable, fluffy creatures is made even better with gorgeous illustrations. The Cats of Tanglewood Forest tells of a young girl, Lillian Kindred, who wanders too far into the forest in her pursuit of a real-life fairy – and unluckily gets bitten by a venomous snake. The cats of the forest gather to save her life… by turning her into one of their own kind. In the form of a small calico kitten, Lillian sets out on an adventure to make things right. Although this book is short and targeted toward younger audiences, the cute illustrations and fuzzy vibe will appeal to all ages and create the perfect atmosphere for bundling up to enjoy a quick read.

Article by Rainier Cem