Early Reader Review: King Winter's Birthday by Jonathan Freedland

Source: From Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

King Winter's Birthday by Jonathan Freedland 
Publisher: Pushkin Children's Books
Publication Date:  October 7, 2025 

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

An achingly beautiful, timeless picture book by bestselling author Jonathan Freedland and illustrated by Emily Sutton, inspired by a story from Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz, author of The Passenger

It's King Winter's birthday, and he wants his party to be really special. He asks all of his brothers and sisters to be there: Queen Spring, King Summer and Queen Autumn.

But the wind and the trees whisper a warning, and as the four play magical games, something strange begins to happen outside.

Inspired by a story from Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz, written while he was interned on the Isle of Man during the Second World War, this timeless fairy tale is a celebration of nature's rhythms, and of a chaotic world restored to balance.

Review: 

King Winter’s Birthday is a charming and visually captivating children’s book that brings the seasons to life in a fun and imaginative way. The illustrations are rich in detail and beautifully colored with wintry whites, purples, and blues that perfectly capture the chill and magic of the season as you begin the story.

The story introduces King Winter and his siblings: Spring, Summer, and Autumn and how he just wants them all together for his birthday. The world around him tells him it is a bad idea but he does it anyway. The story follows what happens when all four seasons come together to celebrate. The result? Total chaos! Scenes showing all the seasons at once are delightfully busy and energetic, clearly reflecting the confusion that ensues when the natural order is disrupted.

What I appreciated most was the clever way the book teaches children about the seasons. By showing the contrast between the harmony of each season on its own and the disorder when they all appear together, it becomes a fun and engaging learning tool. Kids will gain a better understanding of the role and timing of each season in a way that feels both entertaining and educational.

Overall, this is a very cute and enjoyable read. With vibrant artwork and a whimsical storyline, King Winter’s Birthday is sure to delight young readers and spark conversations about nature and the changing seasons.