1 / 5The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper
The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper is an illustrated poem about the winter solstice, the return of the light, and traditions that connect generations. Carson Ellis’s illustrations accompany a brief 32-page read for seasonal family reading or discussion.
At a glance
- Susan Cooper’s poem centers on the winter solstice and the return of daylight.
- Illustrations by Carson Ellis accompany the poem.
- The listing describes themes of seasonal ritual, community, and heritage.
Reference price: $18.99
Price checked: Nov 13, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The compact 32-page length suits a short seasonal reading.
- The poem and illustrations offer a shared entry point for discussing solstice traditions and the changing seasons.
Technical specifications
10 specifications| Publisher | Candlewick |
|---|---|
| Publication date | October 22, 2019 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 32 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0763686980 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0763686987 |
| Reading age | 3 - 11 years, from customers |
| Grade level | Preschool - 3 |
| Dimensions | 10.63 x 0.35 x 9.37 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 14.2 ounces |
What to know before buying
- The suggested reading age is attributed to customer input in the listing, and customer feedback is mixed on age suitability. Consider the child’s interests and comfort with poetic, reflective material.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Families looking for an illustrated winter-solstice read-aloud.
- Readers interested in a poetic treatment of seasonal traditions, community, and heritage.
Less suited to
- Buyers seeking a detailed factual reference about astronomy or the history of solstice customs. The listing presents a poem and illustrated story.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
86% 86% - 4 stars
9% 9% - 3 stars
4% 4% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback highlights the illustrations, poetic writing, and magical treatment of solstice themes, with some appreciation for its connection to heritage. Age suitability is a point of disagreement. Those responses fit a brief, illustrated poem better as a shared seasonal reading than as a detailed reference, and the mixed age feedback makes individual reading preferences relevant.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the illustrations and poetic writing.
- Customers appreciate the book’s magical solstice content and visual appeal.
Mixed feedback
- Customer feedback differs on whether the book is age-appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Shortest Day about?
It is Susan Cooper’s poem about the winter solstice, people gathering through the longest night, and the return of the light.
Who illustrated the book?
The listing credits the illustrations to Carson Ellis.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 32 pages.
What ages is it intended for?
The listing shows a customer-attributed reading age of 3–11 years and a grade level of Preschool–3. Customer feedback is mixed about age suitability.
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