Doug Fir has the winter blues. He stands alone, watching in envy as the forest bustles with change as winter approaches. He’s the only one with nothing to do and no changes to make. In fact, he never changes. Doug doesn’t want to be a boring evergreen anymore. Thankfully, a surprising and wise new pen pal helps Doug find joy in winter—and himself—again. Author Stef Wade uses letters between pen pals to deal with Doug’s feelings of jealousy, self-acceptance, and self-worth. She seamlessly ties those emotions into the nonfiction elements about evergreen trees, their attributes, and how animals need them—complete with humorous speech bubbles. Erin Taylor’s vibrant art style adds the perfect energy to this entertaining and informational picture book.

For ages 5-7.