Who doesn't love a good beach read? There's just something about curling your toes in the sand, popping an ice-cold drink, and cracking the spine on the latest pulpy crime thriller or bodice-ripping romance novel that inspires balmy relaxation. Curling your toes in the snow is less advisable. But winter is an equally ideal time to lose yourself in the pages of a good book. That's one reason the Seven Days Reading Issue has always dropped in December. Short days and cold temps provide the perfect excuse, if you need one, to cozy up with your favorite authors. To that end, we asked some of ours in Vermont — state poet laureate Bianca Stone, National Book Award-winning novelist M.T. Anderson and Kirkus Prize-winning author Ken Cadow — for their winter reading recommendations. Another beloved local writer, humorist Kimberly Harrington, is leaving the state after 22 winters — 21 and a half, technically. In an essay, she reflects on the changing seasons of both her life and the planet. For a more studied take on climate change, turn to University of Vermont environmental science professor Paul Bierman. In his new book, he recounts how the only eureka moment of his distinguished career is deepening our understanding of global warming's impact. Bierman would probably have plenty to talk about with Ethan Tapper, who is among the state's most well-regarded foresters and, surprise, punk musicians. He's also an author whose new book blends forestry and philosophy. Many authors have other artsy pursuits — creatives gonna create. Musician and sculptor Clark Russell merges mediums in a new photo book about his acclaimed "Riddleville" installation. Vermont photographer Dona Ann McAdams documents her 50-year career in a new photographic memoir. And filmmaker-farmer George Woodard released his debut children's picture book, The Christmas Calf. All are evidence that a picture is worth at least 1,000 words. What, then, to make of Jane Kent's new BCA Center exhibition, "Between the Covers"? The book artist presents prints made in collaboration with major American authors and poets. We'd say they're priceless. Cooking is a mystery for many of us, which is why God invented DoorDash. For author Sarah Stewart Taylor, the mystery is a cookbook — several of them. Her latest novel takes inspiration from New England community cookbooks to spin a tightly wound murder yarn. We wonder what she'd make of the killer new bread-making bible from King…