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Winterfrost

Author:

Michelle Houts

Description:

An ordinary Danish Christmas turns extraordinary when a family overlooks an important folkloric tradition.

Christmas has come, and with it a sparkling white winterfrost over the countryside. But 12-year-old Bettina's parents have been called away unexpectedly, leaving her in charge of the house, the farm, and baby Pia. In all the confusion, Bettina's family neglects to set out the traditional bowl of Christmas rice pudding for the tiny nisse who are rumored to look after the family and their livestock. No one besides her grandfather ever believed the nisse were real, so what harm could there be in forgetting this silly custom? But when baby Pia disappears during a nap, the magic of the nisse makes itself known. To find her sister and set things right, Bettina must venture into the miniature world of these usually helpful, but sometimes mischievous folk. A delightful winter adventure for lovers of the legendary and miraculous.

Bringing literature, grammar, and joy together

Jumpstart your writing program with delight! The Dart invites kids ages 8-10 to enjoy literature while learning grammar, spelling, punctuation, and reading comprehension.

Our year-long program is delivered in nine month-long lesson plans, released monthly.

Each handbook features a novel and immerses your child in the world of:

stories
literary devices
grammar
punctuation
spelling
and book club parties

Discover how easy it is to teach writing using literature!

Our program uses the time-tested practices of copywork and dictation as key tools to teach punctuation, spelling, and grammar naturally in context. Don't worry—we'll show you how.

Each handbook contains:

Notes to go with a selected read-aloud (book not provided)
Four passages taken from the novel for copywork and dictation, one per week
Easy-to-follow instructions to teach writing elements found in the passages
Playful and effective grammar and punctuation activities that kids love
A delightful writing exercise to apply what they have learned
Nine comprehension questions
Book club party ideas
Copywork passages on separate printable pages
Four-color design that looks gorgeous on tablets or printed at home

The Dart program comes with Guidelines to help you implement the practices of copywork and dictation, as well as a planning tool and a writing skills tracker to help you stay attuned to your child's progress.

Start any time. Enjoy the published Darts in any order. You will receive all nine by April 2026.

2025-2026 book list:

August: Painting the Game by Patricia MacLachlan
September: Sidekicks (book 1) by Dan Santat
October: Ra the Mighty: The Crocodile Caper by A. B. Greenfield
November: Book Uncle and Me by Uma Krishnaswami
December: Winterfrost by Michelle Houts
January: The Lighthouse Family: The Storm, The Whale , The Eagle , The Turtle by Cynthia Rylant
February: With Just One Wing by Brenda Woods
March: Heartwood Hotel: Better Together (book 3) by Kallie George
April: The Land of Roar by Jenny McLachlan

Swap one! When you purchase the year-long program, you may swap one handbook in the program for a handbook in the Literature Singles collection. Find the swap form in your account after purchase.

Want mentorship to learn how to use Dart? Join our Brave Writer Training Program!

Delivery: The Dart is delivered to your Brave Writer online account once per month on the 15th. Each handbook (40-50 pages) is a non-consumable PDF and can be used with multiple children in your own family—no need to purchase additional copies.

Join the thousands of families that have made Dart the #1 Brave Writer program!

Want a print copy? Go to the front of the line at the Homeschool Printing Company with a special Brave Writer offer. Order here.

Note: The Dart is one part of the Emerging Writers Bundle. Get all three parts of the Brave Writer program in one bundle!

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Featured in the following lists: 2025-2026 Dart Books