This story was contributed by The Local Moms Network Contributor Rosemary D’Urso of librarymom.com. Follow her on instagram @librarymombooks.
Winter is here and we are celebrating with our favorite picture books showcasing the magic of snow-filled days! Grab some hot chocolate and enjoy snuggling up while reading these whimsical winter reads!
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Winter is Here by Kevin Henkes; illustrated by Laura Dronzek
(Ages 2 and up)
Poignant text paired with engaging illustrations make this the perfect book to introduce winter to preschool age children. Kevin Henkes eloquently describes the changes children will see around them during the transformation from fall to winter. We are in love with this brilliant seasonal series and suggest also reading In the Middle of Fall, When Spring Comes, and Summer Song.
Bear Is Awake!: An Alphabet Story by Hannah E. Harrison
(Ages 3 and up)
This amusing ABC book cleverly uses each letter of the alphabet to share a comical story of a bear waking up from hibernation and stumbling into a little girl’s cabin looking for food. Between the humorous pictures and the rich vocabulary effortlessly woven in, there is a lot to love about this delightful book!
Little Penguins by Cynthia Rylant; illustrated by Christian Robinson
(Ages 2 and up)
Using simple text and Christian Robinson’s signature collage illustrations, this lovely tale of a family of penguins is a perfect read aloud for toddlers. Five little penguins prepare for their first snowfall by putting on different colored scarves, mittens, socks, and boots providing an excellent opportunity to review colors with little ones and extend into sorting activities.
Bear Snores On (Bear series) by Karma Wilson; illustrated by Jane Chapman
(Ages 3 and up)
This popular book focuses on a group of animals that seek shelter from a winter storm in a hibernating bear’s den. As each new animal enters, they become louder and louder until they eventually wake the bear creating a moment of suspense. The sweet ending combined with flowing rhymes and charming illustrations make this a book that begs to be read over and over again.
Snowmen At Night by Caralyn Buehner ; illustrated by Mark Buehner
(Ages 3 and up)
When a boy discovers his snowman slumped and slightly melted, he imagines the exhilarating activities the snowman must have performed with his friends at night to cause his drooping form. The rhyming text and engaging illustrations capturing the snowmen’s escapades are irresistible! There is also a short note at the end inviting readers to look for hidden objects in the wintery scenes.
A Big Bed for Little Snow by Grace Lin
(Ages 3 and up)
Little Snow is excited for his new bed made out of feathers and when Mama isn’t looking, he sneaks in a few lively jumps. With each bounce, the bed rips a little until feathers begin to trickle out. Observant readers will notice how his bed resembles a cloud and in a striking scene will delight in watching the feathers fall as snow on rooftops.
Grace Lin masterfully plays with white space and captures the sweetest emotions on her characters’ faces. This book is both charming and elegant and sure to be a popular read aloud for a winter-themed storytime or while cuddling up with a loved one during bedtime.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
(Ages 3 and up)
With its award-winning collage illustrations and engaging story following a boy enjoying the enchantment of a snow-filled day, it is no surprise that this timeless tale has retained its popularity over the decades. It is one that will make both adults and children smile!
A Sled for Gabo by Emma Otheguy; illustrated by Ana Ramírez González, 2021
(Ages 4 and up)
With themes of resilience and making a new friend, this tender tale has become a new winter favorite. Sprinkled with Spanish vocabulary and adorned with beautiful, bright illustrations, A Sled for Gabo follows a young boy who creatively overcomes several obstacles to make the most of his snow day. This new winter read is absolutely charming and could not be sweeter.
Best in Snow by April Pulley Sayre
(Ages 3 and up)
Lyrical text and stunning photography perfectly capture the complex cycle of snow. Using only a few words per page, award winning nonfiction writer, April Pulley Sayre, cleverly describes what happens before, during, and after a snowstorm. This book is gorgeous and informative!
The Snow Dancer by Addie Boswell; illustrated by Mercé López
(Ages 4 and up)
There is nothing like the magic of a snow day! Wonderfully descriptive language sprinkled with onomatopoeia follows a young girl as she dances in a pristine snow-covered field. When other children discover the field, they rush in creating glorious mayhem. The lively illustrations beautifully highlight the dancer’s elegant movements as well as the spirited children’s ruckus.
From taking that first satisfying step into freshly powdered snow to the excitement of a snowball fight, both children and adults will relate to this joyful celebration of winter.
If Winter Comes, Tell It I’m Not Here by Simona Ciraolo, 2020
(Ages 4 and up)
When a young boy’s sister teases him about the approaching cold, dark days of winter, the summer-loving lad grumpily waits for the inevitable. When fall and winter arrive, however, he discovers that each season has its benefits.
I often try to guide my children to find the good in undesirable situations and I love how that message is reinforced in this entertaining and uplifting story.
Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper; illustrated by Kenard Pak
(Ages 4 and up)
After a snowstorm, Lina treks through the snow-covered streets to visit her grandmother. From the crunch of her boots to the scraping of a shovel, playful onomatopoeia draws the reader in as Lina notices several sounds associated with snow. When she arrives at her grandmother’s home, readers will delight in observing the tenderness in their relationship as they lovingly make a grape leaves recipe together. In a sweet and gratifying ending, the two discover one final way to hear snow.
With beautiful, serene illustrations from Kenard Pak complimenting the heartfelt intergenerational story, this book is a real standout! It is perfect for sharing in a classroom and discussing the use of the five senses to recognize snow or reading while snuggling with a loved one.
Blizzard by John Rocco
(Ages 4 and up)
When a blizzard hits a town, a young boy is initially excited by the snow, but starts to worry as the days drag on and his housebound family begins to run out of food. Luckily, he has a survival guide that inspires him to carry out a plan to obtain food for his family and neighbors.
John Rocco’s snowy illustrations are a delight. The days of the week are cleverly hidden within the pictures adding even more charm to this engaging story. John’s own resourcefulness, bravery, and kindness are remarkable. My children and students could not get enough of this standout winter read that was inspired by a true story.
Bunny Slopes by Claudia Rueda
(Ages 3 and up)
A bunny asks readers to help him ski down the mountain by shaking, tilting, and tapping the book. Each action by the child has a fun result making this an exciting interactive book to read again and again.
A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: a story about knitting and love by Michelle Edwards; illustrated by G. Brian Kara; published by Schwartz & Wade
(Ages 4 and up)
This is one of those wonderful books that makes you feel warm and fuzzy on a cold winter day! When Sophia discovers that her neighbor Mrs. Goldman, who has made winter hats for others, does not have one of her own, she takes on the challenge of learning to knit.
The soft color palette and charming illustrations perfectly capture the tone of this moving story about kindness. Sophia and Mrs. Goldman are lovable characters and serve as wonderful role models. Readers can’t help but smile as they follow Sophia on her journey demonstrating determination, perseverance, and compassion. The book concludes with directions on how children can make their own knitted caps hopefully to gift to others. This heartwarming story is perfect to read one-on-one or to a class to promote a conversation about empathy and kindness.
Little Red Gliding Hood by Tara Lazar ; illustrated by Troy Cummings
(Ages 4 and up)
My children love this entertaining story featuring well known fairytale and nursery rhyme characters. When Little Red Riding Hood partners up with the Big Bad Wolf for an ice-skating competition, there are surprising results. This humorous story is filled with lots of fun details making it an excellent winter read aloud.
The Thing About Yetis by Vin Vogel
(Ages 4 and up)
“The thing about yetis is that they love winter.” They love sledding, ice skating, and playing in snow, but even yetis sometimes miss the warmth that summer can bring. One adorable little yeti discovers that he can use his imagination to enjoy both seasons. This delightful story captures the joys of winter and summer making it a great read aloud for both seasons. This story is also an effective way to compare and contrast winter and summer.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen ; illustrated by John Schoenherr
(Ages 4 and up)
You will see this beautiful Caldecott winner on almost every list of winter books because it is a classic that withstands the test of time. Lyrical language tells the story of a father and daughter who go owling late one winter’s night. It so eloquently captures a special family moment and the beauty of nature.