As the temperature drops and snowflakes fall, the best way to stay warm and cozy is with a blanket and a good book. For children, winter can be a magical season full of excitement. With the right winter-themed book, children can experience the season’s wonder from the comfort of their own homes.
From snowy adventures to tales of friendship, children’s books for winter are a perfect escape from the cold. Whether you’re looking for stories to read aloud to your kids or books for them to read on their own, adventures await in these winter-themed reads.
Board books for 3 and under
Board books are the perfect way to introduce young children to winter’s wonders. With sturdy pages and simple illustrations, these books are ideal for babies and toddlers, helping them explore snowy landscapes and winter animals in a fun and engaging way.
“Babies in the Snow” by Ginger Swift
This lift-a-flap book helps introduce Arctic animals to little ones. Polar bears, whales, seals, walruses and caribou all make an appearance in this short and simple book. The flaps help develop fine motor skills and the pages are thick and sturdy so children can turn them again and again.
“Biscuit’s Snowy Day” by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
A little girl and her puppy, Biscuit, bundle up, build a snowman, make snow angels, go sledding and have hot chocolate. Biscuit’s barking sound on every page is fun for children to repeat and illustrations are cute and cheerful.
“Little Owl’s Snow” by Divya Srinivasan
Little Owl watches as his first winter approaches and notices all the habits and reactions of his animal friends. He experiences snow for the first time and misses his friends who hibernate for the winter. It’s much quieter without them, but his mother reminds him that they’ll return when spring arrives.
“Winter in the Forest” by Rusty Finch
Two little raccoons travel through the snowy woods and discover all the sights and sounds of winter while meeting new animal friends. The owls are hooting, the birds are chirping and the deer are playing in the snow.
“The Itsy Bitsy Snowman” by Jeffrey Burton
This rhyming story can be sung to the tune of “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” and is a catchy read aloud for babies and toddlers. It’s a short read that follows a young snowman as he sleds down a hill, perfect for little ones with minimal attention spans.
Stories for preschoolers
Preschoolers love being read to and these winter stories are the perfect way to cozy up after playing in the snow. These winter books introduce them to cozy nights, frosty fun and wintertime adventures.
“The Mitten” by Jan Brett
Jan Brett’s beautiful illustrations help tell the story of a young boy’s lost mitten as forest animals discover it and use it to stay warm in the snow. One by one, they all cozy up inside the mitten together until it can’t hold them anymore. Children will enjoy the detailed illustrations, including the border that tells a story of its own.
“The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats
In this timeless story, a young boy discovers snow for the first time. He spends the whole winter day outside and wants to keep some snow for later so he puts some in his pocket. He is surprised to find that it is gone when he reaches into his pocket after returning indoors. It’s a great way to start a conversation about what happens to snow when temperatures get warmer.
“There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow” by Lucille Colandro
The old lady swallows everything from snow to coal and a hat in this funny, rhyming story in the series. Children will love the silly illustrations and the surprise at the end when the old lady burps.
“Thomas’ Snowsuit” by Robert Munsch
In this classic Munsch story, Thomas thinks his new snowsuit is the ugliest thing ever and refuses to wear it. Somehow his mother gets it on him and he isn’t too happy about it. The illustrations and the relatable story will make adults and children laugh.
“‘Thomas’ Snowsuit,’ by Robert Munsch has long been a family favorite when it comes to winter picture books. My adult sons and teenage daughters all loved this book about Thomas who just can’t stand his new snowsuit. A great choice for families with kids who are particular about their clothing choices!”
— Sarita Harbour, Thrive at Home
“Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner
This book takes children on a cross-country ski trip across the woods to discover the secret world of animals living under the snow. Snow hares, bullfrogs, bears and squirrels make their homes beneath the snow but above the ground. Children learn about this secret world through beautiful illustrations and this simple yet educational story.
Winter books for kids 6 to 8
Winter is the perfect time for young readers to curl up with a good book. These winter books are not only engaging but encourage imagination and a love for reading during the coldest months of the year.
“The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice” by Wendy Pfeffer
Winter begins with the solstice, and this book explains what it is and how its been celebrated by several cultures throughout history. With cozy illustrations and a flowing narrative, both kids and adults will learn from and enjoy this story.
“The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder” by Mark Cassino and Jon Nelson
This nonfiction book by a nature photographer and a snow scientist explores the science of snow through real photographs and simple sketches. It explains everything from how crystals form to what shapes they can take. It is informative without being too scientific.
“Bird and Squirrel On Ice” by James Burks
Bird and Squirrel crash land in the South Pole during a blizzard in this graphic novel. A penguin thinks they have come to rid her village of a killer whale but when they realize that Bird might become whale food, they hatch an escape plan.
“Sneezy the Snowman” by Maureen Wright
In this funny rhyming book, Sneezy the Snowman is very cold so he tries to warm up in a hot tub with a hot cocoa and a fire but he melts. The children know how to fix him and build him up again so he feels just right.
“Froggy Gets Dressed” by Jonathan London
Froggy is excited to see snow so he gets dressed and runs outside but he forgets something important. With sound effects and a silly story, children will love this classic Froggy book.
Final thoughts
With a wide range of stories and illustrations, these winter books for kids are the perfect opportunity to warm up with a good read after a day of playing in the snow. By sharing these tales, families can create lasting memories of snuggling together while reading inside during the cold season. Grab a cup of cocoa, curl up and enjoy these winter reads with your little ones.
Heidi is a Certified Elementary School Teacher in the Inland Northwest and has been teaching for 18 years. She is also a vintage recipe blogger at Real Life of Lulu, where she focuses on recipes that are at least 50 years old, many from her grandparents’ kitchens. When she isn’t teaching or baking, she loves spending time with her husband and three kids.