The Mitten: 20th Anniversary Edition by Jan Brett

Jan Brett’s beloved The Mitten returns in a beautiful 20th Anniversary Edition, celebrating a picture book that has become a wintertime favorite for generations of families.

Inspired by a Ukrainian folktale and illustrated with details influenced by Ukrainian folk art, the story follows a lost white mitten that becomes an unlikely refuge for a growing collection of woodland animals. One by one, the animals squeeze inside, transforming something small and ordinary into a wonderfully cozy—and increasingly crowded—winter hiding place.

Jan Brett’s richly detailed illustrations invite children to do more than simply follow the story. There are animals to notice, details to discover, and clues tucked into the artwork that make The Mitten especially rewarding to read together again and again.

• Author: Jan Brett
• 20th Anniversary Edition
• Recommended ages: 3–5
• Grade range: Preschool–Kindergarten
• 32 pages
• Approx. 9.1" L × 11.2" W
  

What is The Mitten by Jan Brett about?

The Mitten is a classic children’s picture book about a lost mitten in the snowy woods that becomes shelter for an ever-growing group of woodland animals. Jan Brett’s version is inspired by a Ukrainian folktale and is known for its richly detailed illustrations.

What is special about The Mitten: 20th Anniversary Edition?

The 20th Anniversary Edition is an oversized special edition featuring a silver foil jacket and a fresh image of the woodland animals from the story. It makes a beautiful read-aloud copy as well as a collectible edition for Jan Brett fans.

What age is The Mitten by Jan Brett for?

The Mitten is recommended for ages 3–5, approximately preschool through kindergarten. Its repeating story structure and detailed illustrations make it especially enjoyable for reading aloud with young children.

Is The Mitten a Christmas book?

The Mitten is a winter picture book rather than specifically a Christmas story. Its snowy woodland setting makes it a lovely choice for holiday gifting, but children can enjoy the story throughout the winter season.

Is The Mitten based on a folktale?

Yes. Jan Brett’s The Mitten is inspired by a Ukrainian folktale, with artwork influenced by traditional Ukrainian folk art.

Is The Mitten a good gift for a young child?

Yes. The Mitten is a particularly lovely gift for preschoolers and kindergarteners who enjoy animals, winter stories, nature, detailed illustrations, and books meant to be read together. The special anniversary presentation also makes this edition especially giftable.