Winter is the perfect time to snuggle up with your little ones and dive into the magical world of books. As the snow falls and the chilly winds blow, there’s nothing quite like sharing a cozy reading moment with your child. Winter-themed books not only entertain but also spark imagination and curiosity about the season’s wonders. Whether it’s tales of frosty adventures, heartwarming holiday stories, or charming animals, there’s something special for every young reader.
For little kids, winter books can become cherished memories that warm their hearts year after year. These stories bring the magic of the season to life, teaching valuable lessons about kindness, family, and the beauty of nature.
I’ve decided to post the following list because these are the books we ALWAYS go back to. There is just something special about each of them and they seem to never get old. I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as we do!
So, grab a blanket, pour some hot cocoa, and get ready to explore these delightful winter books that will make storytime a favorite part of your winter routine. Let’s turn those cold days into warm, literary adventures!
Our favorite Winter stories:
1. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh ~ Mo Willems
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh by Mo Willems is a playful and hilarious story where our favorite pigeon dreams of driving Santa’s sleigh. Full of clever excuses, the pigeon tries to convince little readers to let him take the reins.
I love its interactive style and humorous twists, and how this book invites kids to engage, laugh, and join in on the fun. I think it’s a perfect winter read that captures the joy and silliness of the season, making storytime extra special for little ones.
We fell in love with Mo Willems’ books when my daughter was little and we own quite a collection of his stories. We read his books so many times but we never get bored with them! They are fun and engaging and I recommend reading more than just the one above.
2. Pete the Cat. Snow Daze ~ James Dean
In Pete the Cat: Snow Daze by James Dean, Pete wakes up to a winter wonderland with so much snow that school is canceled! At first, Pete is very excited and spends his days sledding, building snowmen, and enjoying all the fun in the snow. But as the snow days go by, Pete starts to miss his friends and school.
This charming story talks about the excitement of unexpected snow days (that most kids certainly love!) while teaching little readers about balance and appreciating everyday moments. It’s a cozy read that kids will love during the winter season! All the colorful illustrations and fun rhymes make the story even more engaging.
James Dean offers a large collection of wonderful stories so I’m sure you won’t stop after reading just this one!
3. There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow ~ Lucille Colandro
There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow by Lucille Colandro is a winter tale that follows a lady with a very unusual appetite! She starts by swallowing snow, then moves on to other wintery items like a pipe, a scarf, and even a stick. With each silly thing she swallows, kids are left wondering what she’s up to (?!).
I love the story’s playful rhymes and surprising ending which makes it a delightful read that keeps little ones laughing and guessing all the way through. It’s a fun, frosty adventure perfect for snowy days! I hope you’ll have as much fun reading the book as we did.
4. How to Catch a Snowman ~ Adam Wallace
How to Catch a Snowman by Adam Wallace is a fun and adventurous tale about a group of kids determined to catch a snowman. As they set up clever traps and chase him through snowy scenes, the snowman proves to be quick and always stays one step ahead.
With its playful rhymes and colorful illustrations, this book keeps kids engaged and laughing. It’s a delightful winter story that’s perfect for sparking some snowy fun and creativity!
This books always makes me want to do some art project with my kids. I like to read it in the morning so we can use the rest of the day to come up with and work on various crafts.
5. Snowman at Night ~ Caralyn Buehner
Snowman at Night by Caralyn Buehner is a magical story that imagines what snowmen do when we’re fast asleep. As the sun sets, snowmen come to life, gathering for a night of snowy fun: sliding, skating, having snowball fights, and drinking cold cocoa.
The playful rhymes and fun illustrations bring this snowy world to life. The book definitely sparks kids’ imagination about the secret adventures their own snowmen might have! It’s a charming tale that makes winter nights feel even more magical, perfect for a cozy bedtime read.
6. The Mitten ~ Jan Brett
The Mitten by Jan Brett is a beautifully illustrated story about a boy who loses his mitten in the snow. One by one, woodland animals—including a hedgehog, a bear, and even a tiny mouse—squeeze into the mitten to stay warm.
The detailed illustrations and gentle storytelling make this tale feel like a cozy winter classic. Kids will love watching the mitten stretch and wondering how many animals can fit inside!
It’s a heartwarming story that captures the magic of winter with the unexpected surprise at the end.
I think this book is an absolute must-read every winter! It offers so much for kids to learn. Plus, it’s the perfect inspiration for some wonderful art projects that can bring the story to life!
7. The Calendar Kids. Meet January ~ April Martin
The Calendar Kids: Meet January by April Martin is a delightful introduction to the month of January, featuring a group of cheerful characters who bring the month to life. With lots of playful rhymes and colorful illustrations, kids learn about the snowy fun, New Year celebrations, and winter activities that make January special.
It’s a great way to teach young readers about the seasons and the excitement of a fresh new year, all while enjoying a fun and engaging story. It sure is perfect for kicking off the year with a cozy and educational read!
8. A Thing Called Snow ~ Yuval Zommer
A Thing Called Snow by Yuval Zommer is a heartwarming story about two curious little animals, a fox and a hare, who have never seen snow. As they set off on an adventure to find out what snow is, they encounter other animals who describe it in different ways, making their journey even more exciting. I love how it can spark fantastic discussions in the classroom!
The beautiful illustrations and gentle storytelling capture the wonder and magic of discovering something new. It’s a sweet and cozy tale that’s perfect for reading together on a chilly winter day, inspiring curiosity and a love for the season.
9. The Biggest Snowman Ever ~ Steven Kroll
The Biggest Snowman Ever by Steven Kroll is a fun and heartwarming story about two mice, Clayton and Desmond, who each try to build the biggest snowman ever. While Clayton focuses on making his snowman as big as possible, Desmond takes a different approach, adding fun details like a scarf and buttons. Eventually, they realize that working together is the best way to build something truly amazing!
With its charming story and wonderful illustrations, this book is a perfect reminder that teamwork can make any winter project even more special. It’s a great read for little ones who love snowy adventures!
10. Over and Under the Snow ~ Kate Messner
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner takes readers on a winter journey, exploring the hidden world beneath the snow. As a child and their parent ski through a quiet forest, they discover how animals like bears and foxes survive the cold by living in the secret spaces under the snow.
Both the text and the illustrations create a serene and magical atmosphere, teaching kids about nature’s wonders in a gentle but engaging way. It’s a perfect book for sparking curiosity and appreciation for the winter landscape around us.
As you read the final pages of these winter tales, you’ll find that the magic doesn’t end with the story. These enchanting books offer the perfect way to bring warmth and joy into your little one’s day. Each of them leaves a lasting impression, sparks conversations, curiosity, and a deeper love for reading.
Watching your child enjoy the stories as they explore snowy landscapes and meet lovable characters is what makes every storytime special. Sharing these stories not only nurtures a love for reading but also creates precious bonding moments that you and your child will cherish forever.
Whether you’re cuddled up by the fire or resting after a busy winter day, let these books be your gateway to adventure and learning. They remind us all of the beauty and magic that winter brings, encouraging kids to see the world with a sense of wonder.
Happy reading, and may this season be filled with warmth, love, and countless magical stories!