Whether you’re building snowmen in the backyard or watching the snowflakes fall outside, these 13 heartwarming winter books for children will bring all the magic of the season right into your home.
From snowy adventures to delightful discoveries, these winter books for children are the perfect way to embrace the chilly days ahead. Grab a blanket, get comfy, and dive into these frosty reads. Your little ones are sure to love them!
Book #1: The Giving Snowman: A Children’s Bedtime Story about Gratitude by Susan O’Halloran
Summary: In this sweet winter bedtime story, a little snowman is built by a child and comes to life with a heart full of kindness. As the snowman grows, he begins to understand the true joy of giving,
It’s a perfect read for helping your littles have positive feelings about sharing and learning to enjoy the little things in life.
This is books reminds me a little bit of “The Giving Tree”, but is a little more approachable for your younger children.
Themes: Gratitude, generosity, kindness, giving.
Book #2: Snow by Uri Shulevitz
Summary: This beautifully illustrated book captures the magic of the first snowfall. It tells the story of a young boy who eagerly awaits the snow.
The snowflakes FINALLY begin to fall, transforming the world into a winter wonderland, showing that sometimes the best things in life come when we least expect them! Super cute.
My little ones love feeling the anticipation of the young boy. They are just as excited when the snow starts to fall in the book. I love to see the magic in their little faces.
Themes: Wonder, imagination, magic of nature, the joy of snow.
Book #3: A Thing Called Snow by Yuval Zommer
Summary: In this lovely, poetic story, a young child embarks on a journey to discover all the special things about snow. From the snowflakes falling from the sky to the way snow changes the landscape.
It’s a perfect introduction to the wonders of winter. The illustrations and rhyming text invite kids to think about how snow shapes the world around them.
We started reading this book in our family when we moved from a warm climate where it hardly ever snowed, to a a place where it snows all winter! It snowed the day we moved into our new house. It was shock!
Themes: Curiosity, nature, winter exploration, discovery.
Book #4: The Lights That Dance in the Night by Shawna Stoeckler
Summary: This enchanting story takes children on a magical journey under the Northern Lights. With song-like text and beautiful pictures (just like the Northern Lights), it explores the beauty and wonder of the aurora borealis. (Yes, I had to learn how to pronounce that word as I read the story.)
The book invites kids to imagine the lights as a fantastic, dancing celebration in the night sky, perfect for creating a sense of wonder and connection with nature.
This books includes a lot of the Nordic animals. My kids love looking at the polar bears, reindeer, and snow rabbits.
Themes: Wonder, nature, beauty of winter, Northern Lights.
Book #5: Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
Summary: In this engaging book, a young child and their parent take a winter walk, observing the animals both above and beneath the snow.
The book reveals the hidden world of creatures that hibernate, burrow, or thrive in the winter cold. It’s a wonderful introduction to winter and the ways nature adapts to the cold.
This one has a lot of animals we see (or don’t see because they are burrowed underground) around our house. It is a super cute book and my kids love to pretend to “burrow” under blankets when we read it.
Themes: Nature, wildlife, winter ecosystems, exploration, curiosity.
Book #6: The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer
Summary: This charming story is all about the winter solstice—the shortest day of the year—and the different ways people around the world celebrate it.
With colorful illustrations, it introduces children to the changing seasons and the traditions that mark this special time of year. It’s a great way to show kids that winter is not just cold but also full of traditions and celebrations.
I love a good book that talks about different cultures. We also love to have a little bit of a solstice celebration in our house. We love to celebrate the light coming back and making it through dark times.
Themes: Solstice, seasons, celebration, traditions, nature.
Book #7: Mice Skating by Annie Silvestro
Summary: What’s cuter than mice skating? In this fun story, a group of mice take to a frozen pond for a thrilling skating adventure, where they enjoy the winter chill, the excitement of gliding on ice, and their joyful friendship. It’s a lighthearted book that celebrates the simple pleasures of winter and the joy of play.
We are not ice skaters in our home, but my kids love to pretend to ice skate. If we see some ice on the sidewalks we will carefully” ice skate” along like the little mice. My kids are always delighted by this activity and reference to the book.
Themes: Friendship, play, winter fun, community.
Book #8: Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper
Summary: This beautifully sensory-driven story follows a young girl as she discovers all the different ways snow can be heard. From the crunch underfoot to the soft patter of snowflakes falling. It’s a reminder that nature is full of beautiful sounds…even in the winter.
This is a book is great for talking about winter sounds with your kids. The easiest one for my kids to catch on to, is of course the “crunch underfoot”. They love walking around in the backyard saying “crunch” as they step around.
Themes: Sensory exploration, winter, discovery, sound, mindfulness.
Book #9: Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Summary: This true story of Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley, the first person to photograph snowflakes, will inspire any young child who loves nature and discovery. Bentley’s hard work to capturing the beauty of snowflakes despite the cold and challenges shows the power of passion and curiosity.
The magical illustrations make the snowflakes look even more magical as the book celebrates the wonders of nature and the pursuit of knowledge.
I did not know about this story, but I think it is wonderful. I love reading a good biography to my kids with beautiful pictures. It is good to sprinkle in to teach them that everyday life can be magical.
Themes: Curiosity, dedication, nature, science, photography.
Book #10: White Snow, Bright Snow by Alvin Tresselt
Summary: In this classic winter tale, the quiet beauty of a snowy day is brought to life as a small town transforms under a blanket of white snow. It captures the magic of the snow, showing the changes that come with winter. It’s the perfect book to share with little ones on a snowy day.
I also love it because we talk about how snow is WHITE. I have had a hard time teaching my kids to recognize the color white. Snow helps me show them in a tangible way what “white” is.
Themes: Winter, change, nature, community.
Book #11: Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story by Sheryl McFarlane
Summary: This beautifully written and illustrated book takes children on a journey into the world of animals that hibernate during the winter months. Through the perspective of animals preparing for winter sleep, the story teaches kids about the rhythms of nature, hibernation, and the importance of resting in cold weather.
It’s a cozy AND educational read perfect for the winter season.
I enjoy talking about how the world “rests” during the winter with my kids. I love telling them that everything has to rest and the benefits of resting.
Themes: Hibernation, animals, winter adaptation, rest, nature.
Book #12: The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Summary: This beloved classic follows a young boy named Peter as he explores his snowy neighborhood, marveling at the wonders of the winter day. Peter’s adventures are a joyful reminder of the beauty of childhood curiosity and the simple pleasures of snow.
Out of all the family members in our home, this book probably serves me the most. It is hard for me to remember the snow is magical and beautiful. This books reminds me an renews my energy for winter.
Themes: Discovery, childhood, winter fun, exploration, imagination.
Book #13: Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
Summary: This WORDLESS story tells the beautiful tale of a young girl who comes to the aid of a lost wolf cub during a snowstorm. As the girl helps the wolf find its way back home, she takes a journey that highlights kindness, bravery, and the power of connection with nature.
This books HAS NO WORDS, but speaks to the heart and is a perfect reminder of the compassion we can show to animals and others. I will talk through the story with my children. This allows their little imaginations to work and point out things in the illustrations.
Once in a while a wordless book, is a powerful tool to teach and feel connection. Try it out!
Themes: Kindness, survival, connection with nature, bravery.
So there you have it! Winter books for children that will warm your heart and spark your child’s imagination. Which one will be your family’s new favorite?
Whether it’s the wonders of snow or the beauty of winter wildlife, there’s a story here for every cozy moment. Happy reading, and let the magic of winter fill your home!
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