Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with childrens winter book, especially for young readers! As the snow falls and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing better than sharing a heartwarming story that captures the magic of the season. Whether you’re a teacher looking for the perfect classroom read-aloud or a parent searching for a bedtime favorite, winter-themed books bring joy, laughter, and important lessons about kindness, perseverance, and the wonders of nature. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best winter read-aloud books for children that will warm their hearts even on the chilliest days!
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Here are some all time favorites for young readers:
Snow by Roy KcKie & P.D. Eastman This classic Beginner Book edited by Dr. Seuss is a delightful winter story. It snowed! From snowball fights and skiing to fort building and snowman-making,This book will have young readers eager for the kind of fun only a wintry-white day can bring. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa, it makes an ideal gift for the holidays, and happy occasions of all kinds!
Winter is… by Barbara Pike. Winter is a magical season filled with wonder, as snowflakes dance through the air and create a sparkling landscape. It’s a time for families to bundle up, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy cozy, magical moments together. As you read through each page of this enchanting book, you are transported into the world of winter, experiencing its charm and heartwarming moments.
The Squirrel Thief by Alice Hemming & Nicola Slater. Squirrel and Bird are back, and this time it’s winter! But squirrel has never seen snow before. Will he like it? You bet he will! Except, just as Squirrel starts to get used to the snow, it disappears. Is there a snow thief on the loose?
A Loud Winter’s Nap by Katy Hudson. Every year Tortoise sleeps through winter. He assumes he isn’t missing much. However, his friends are determined to prove otherwise!
The Very Hungry Caterpillars First Winter by Eric Carle.Welcome winter with The Very Hungry Caterpillar and his friends in this sensory exploration of the season. Discover the very best of this time of year: snowy days full of play, the sounds of birds chirping atop a snowman, the smell of cookies fresh from the oven, and so much more!
Snow by Jill McDonald. This book teaches young children all about winter weather—with colors, shapes, sizes, and super-simple facts.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats A little boy named Peter puts on his snowsuit and stes out of his house and into lots of snow. This story beautifully depicts a child’s wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. The quiet fun and sweetness of Peter’s small adventures in the deep, deep snow is perfect for reading together on a cozy winter day.
A Thing Called Snow by Yuval Zimmer. Fox and Hare were born in the spring, but the seasons are changing and they hear snow is on the way. “What is snow like?” they ask all the forest animals, and each gives a different answer (“Snow is white, like your fur.”). But their questions are soon answered when thick, fluffy flakes start to fall. SNOW! Young readers will share the magical feeling of a first snowfall as they see the two best friends marvel in nature’s beauty.
The Mitten by Jan Brett. Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow and goes on without realizing that it’s missing. One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl inside. First, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Last, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes for a wonderfully funny ending.
The Biggest Snowman Ever by Steven Kroll. When the mayor of Mouseville announces the town snowman contest, Clayton and Desmond had an idea. As the day of the contest approaches, Clayton and Desmond join forces to build the biggest snowman ever.
The Lights That Dance in The Night by Yunal Zimmer. The northern lights bring wonder and joy to all the creatures who bask under their mysterious glow in this gorgeous picture book.
In this wonderfully wintery picture book, Yuval Zommer imagines the northern lights’ fleeting journey from space to Earth and how they weave a special magic for the animals and people living in the frozen lands below.
Ten Sparkly Snowflakes a countdown book. The woodland animals get ready to play snowy games in this peek-through counting book. Little ones will love to watch as the number of snowflakes decreases from 10 to 1 with each turn of the page.
Jen Brett’s Winter Collection This collection is full of bestselling wintry picture books The Snowy Nap, The Hat, Cozy, and The Three Snow Bears will warm young hearts throughout the winter.
The Giving Snowman by Julia Zheng. On a snowy night, Snowman lends a helping hand to Bird, Rabbit, Farmer, and Traveler when they are in need. The next day when the sun comes out and melts Snowman, Bird, Rabbit, Farmer, and Traveler work together as a team to rebuild Snowman. Its about kindness , gratitide and giving.
The Winter Bird by Kate Banks. As the days grow shorter and the air becomes colder, the spring birds fly south for winter—all except for a nightingale with a broken wing. Unable to fly, the nightingale worries about how to prepare for weather it’s never had to experience before.
The Colors Of Winter by Danna Smith. Young readers will enjoy this poem about all the festive colors of winter. They’ll gaze at the cheerful, textured illustrations of a girl playing outside on a snowy day until it’s time to warm up inside–over hot cocoa with Grandma.
Conclusion
As the winter winds blow and the snowflakes dance outside, there’s nothing better than snuggling up with a good story about winter. These winter children’s books bring the magic of the season alive. So grab a blanket, pour some hot cocoa, and dive into a world of snowy wonder with your little readers. Happy reading and stay cozy!
I'm 40 years old and a mom of 2 three year olds and a first grader. I am also a Special education teacher. My passion has always been to help people, which is why I started this blog.