If you’re looking for seasonal books to add to your reading library to keep your little ones entertained during the winter months, we’ve got you covered. We’ve handpicked a selection of some of our favourite children’s books that capture the magic and wonder of the snowy season. From tales of snowmen and snowflakes, to stories about animals hibernating and the wonder of a snowy night, these books offer a fun and educational way for kids to learn about the changes that occur during winter. So, snuggle up by the fireplace with your little ones, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and get lost in the pages of some of our favourite winter-themed children’s books!
Do you have a favourite winter kids book we haven’t discovered here? Share it in the comments below!
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Our Favourite Kids Books that are all about Winter
1. Ten Ways to Hear Snow
by Cathy Camper (Author), Kenard Pak (Illustrator)
A snowy day, a trip to Grandma’s, time spent cooking with one another, and space to pause and discover the world around you come together in this perfect book for reading and sharing on a cozy winter day.
Available in Hardback.
2. Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story
by Sean Taylor & Alex Morss (Authors), Cinyee Chiu (Illustrator)
Beautifully illustrated, this cozy bedtime story, follows a child and his grandma through a winter landscape to explore how the Earth goes to sleep for winter. Spot the sleeping animals as the tale unfolds, then learn about their hibernation habits from the detailed information pages at the end.
Available in Hardcover, and Paperback.
3. Dream Snow
by Eric Carle
It’s December 24th, and the old farmer settles down for a winter’s nap, wondering how Christmas can come when there is no snow! It is in his dream that he imagines a snowstorm coming and covering him and his animalsnamed One, Two, Three, Four and Five in a snowy blanket.
But when the farmer awakens, he finds that it has really snowed outside, and now he remembers something! Putting on his red suit, he goes outside, puts some gifts under the tree for his animals, and presses a button near a Christmas tree, creating a most surprising musical treat for children everywhere.
Available in Hardcover, and Boardbook.
4. The Snowy Day
Ezra Jack Keats (Author)
The magic and wonder of winter’s first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keat’s Caldecott Medal-winning picture book. In 1962, a little boy named Peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. Universal in its appeal, 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.
Available in Hardcover and Paperback.
5. Little Red Sleigh
by Erin Guendelsberger (Author), Elizaveta Tretyakova (Illustrator)
A New York Times and USA Today bestseller! The Little Red Sleigh has one big dream―to one day become Santa’s big red sleigh! But all her life, she’s been told she’s too small, she’s too young, she can’t fly, and she certainly can’t meet Santa. Well, this Christmas, with the help of some friends, she’s determined to do the impossible. Little Red Sleigh is a heartwarming children’s Christmas book you’ll want to read again and again. Full of winter joy and holiday magic, this charming Christmas story will remind readers of all ages that no dream is out of reach if you believe.Available in Paperback.
6. The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder
by Mark Cassino (Author)
Celebrate the magic of snowflakes with this insightful and beautiful book about the science of snow. How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered inside this exploration of the science of snow, featuring photos of real snow crystals in all their beautiful diversity. Perfect for reading on winter days, this book by a nature photographer and a snow scientist will inspire wonder and curiosity about the marvels of snow.
Available in Hardcover and Paperback.
7. Snow
by P.D. Eastman (Author)
This classic Beginner Book edited by Dr. Seuss is a delightful ode to winter. Brrrrr—it snowed! From snowball fights and skiing to fort building and snowman-making, P. D. Eastman and Roy McKie’s Snow 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!
Available in Hardcover and Paperback.
8. Poppleton in Winter
by Cynthia Rylant (Author), Mark Teague (Illustrator)
In this easy-to-read chapter book, Poppleton the pig charms young readers with his quirky adventures and whimsical ideas! Poppleton grows an icicle garden and ends up with an icicle fence instead. He sculpts a bust of Cherry Sue without explaining his constant visits just to look at her face. And he wonders why he can’t find a friend to go on a sleigh ride with. No one can go, because they’re all preparing Poppleton’s birthday party!These hilarious stories feature simple language, everyday experiences, and beautiful illustrations – perfect for beginning readers!
Available in Paperback.
9. Winter Survival: Animal Hibernation, Migration, and Adaptation
by L.R. Hanson (Author)
Winter is approaching, and the animals are busy preparing to survive the cold weather. The birds are flying south, the squirrels are busy gathering food, and the rabbit’s fur is turning white. Why are some animals preparing for winter so differently? Whether to avoid extreme weather, conserve energy, or survive on sparse resources, animals survive in some clever ways!Available in Paperback.
10. The Little Snowplow
by Lora Koehler (Author), Jake Parker (Illustrator)
A #1 New York Times bestseller! On the Mighty Mountain Road Crew, the trucks come in one size: BIG. That is, until the little snowplow joins the crew. None of the other trucks think that the little snowplow can handle the big storms, but he knows that he can do it—and just to be sure, he trains hard, pushing loads of gravel, pulling blocks of concrete, and doing plow lifts to get ready. But when a blizzard arrives, will the little snowplow’s training be enough to clear the streets and handle unexpected trouble? Taking its place beside classics such as The Little Engine That Could and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, this tale of a plucky little plow will find a clear path to readers’ hearts.
Available in Hardcover, Paperback & Boardbook.
11. So Much Snow!
by Robert Munsch (Author), Michael Martchenko (Illustrator)
There’s a big blizzard blowing in, but that’s not going to stop Jasmine from going to school – it’s just a little snow, and it’s pizza day, after all! But as soon as she sets out the snow starts to come down faster and faster until she finds herself frozen stiff, with just her hat poking out of a snowdrift.
Available in Hardcover & Paperback.
12. The Snowman
by Raymond Briggs (Author)
One winter’s night, a snowman comes to life and an unforgettable adventure begins. Raymond Briggs’ classic is a true piece of Christmas magic – narrated entirely through pictures, it captures the wonder and innocence of childhood and is recognised throughout the world.
Available in Boardbook.
13. The Biggest Snowman Ever
by Steven Kroll (Author), Jeni Bassett (Illustrator)
Kids will adore this sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Biggest Pumpkin Ever! When the mayor of Mouseville announces the town snowman contest, Clayton and Desmond claim that they will each make the biggest snowman ever. But building a huge snowman alone is hard! They work and work, but their snowmen just aren’t big enough.brbrSoon they have an idea. As the day of the contest approaches, Clayton and Desmond join forces to build the biggest snowman ever.
Available in Paperback.
14. Over and Under the Snow
by Kate Messner (Author), Christopher Silas Neal (Illustrator)
Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow is a secret world of squirrels and snowshoe hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals who live through the winter, safe and warm. Over and Under in the Snow takes readers on a cross country ski trip through the winter woods to discover the secret world of animals living under the snow.
Available in Hardcover and Paperback.
15. Sneezy the Snowman
by Maureen Wright (Author), Stephen Gilpin (Illustrator)
B-R-R-R-R! AH-CHOO! Sneezy the Snowman is cold, cold, cold. To warm up, he drinks cocoa, sits in a hot tub, stands near a warm fire–and melts! But the children know just what to do to build him up again–and make him feel “just right”. Hilarity chills the air with playful mixed-media illustrations by Stephen Gilpin as Sneezy attempts to warm himself with some silly results.
Available in Hardcover and Paperback.
16. The Three Snow Bears
by Jan Brett (Author, Illustrator)
When Aloo-ki glances up from fishing and sees her sled dogs floating off on an ice floe, she races after them. She comes upon an igloo with no one home and goes inside. Turns out the polar bear family who lives there is out walking while their breakfast cools off. Aloo-ki eats some soup, tries on their boots, and finally crawls into the smallest bed for a nap. Meanwhile, Papa, Mama, and Baby Bear see her dogs adrift, swim out to rescue them and return home to find Aloo-ki fast asleep in Baby Bear’s bed.
Available in Hardcover and Paperback.
17. Snowmen at Night
by Caralyn Buehner (Author), Mark Buehner (Illustrator)
Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you’ve wondered . . . what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all! Caralyn Buehner’s witty, imaginative verse offers many amusing details about the secret life of snowmen and where they go at night, while Mark Buehner’s roly-poly snowmen are bursting with personality and charm. From the highly successful team that created such winning titles as Fanny’s Dream, Snowmen at Night is fabulous, frosty, and fun!
Available in Hardcover and Paperback.
18. Deep Snow
by Robert Munsch (Author), Michael Martchenko (Illustrator)
Ali and Kate are out snowmobiling with their dad when Ali yells “STOP!” She can’t wait any more ― she just has to jump in the snow. Her sister Kate warns her that it’s not a good idea because this is deep, deep, deeeeeeeep snow, but Ali stands up on the seat, gives her best yell, and jumps out as far as she can! Ali disappears down into a deep hole in the snow, and when her sister and dad try to get her out, things just go from worse to worst to completely ridiculous . . .
Available in Paperback and Boardbook.
19. The Very Sleepy Bear
by Nick Bland (Author, Illustrator)
A very sneaky Fox and a very sleepy Bear set off to explore other places for Bear to call home. The train tunnel is too loud, even if the double doors are nice. The hollow tree’s high ceilings are great, but the bats are not. The oceanfront option has great views ― great, but damp. Could it be that sleepy Bear’s own cozy cave is the perfect home after all?
Available in Hardcover, Paperback and Boardbook.
20. Wolf in the Snow
by Matthew Cordell (Author)
Winner of the 2018 Caldecott Medal
A girl is lost in a snowstorm. A wolf cub is lost, too. How will they find their way home?
Paintings rich with feeling tell this satisfying story of friendship and trust. Wolf in the Snow is a book set on a wintry night that will spark imaginations and warm hearts, from Matthew Cordell, author of Trouble Gum and Another Brother.
Available in Hardcover & Paperback.
21. It’s Winter
by Renée Kurilla (Author & Illustrator)
Pull out your warmest coat, mittens, and scarf! It’s time for sledding, skating, and snowmen! And don’t forget the hot chocolate, decorations, and special time with family and friends—it’s winter! From Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to Christmas and Valentine’s Day, get in the spirit of the season with this joyful rhyming follow-up to It’s Fall! from a New York Times bestselling creator.
Available in Hardcover.
22. Owl Moon
by Jane Yolen (Author), and John Schoenherr (illustrator)
Late one winter night a little girl and her father go owling. The trees stand still as statues and the world is silent as a dream. Whoo-whoo-whoo, the father calls to the mysterious nighttime bird. But there is no answer.
Distinguished author Jane Yolen has created a gentle, poetic story that lovingly depicts the special companionship of a young child and her father as well as humankind’s close relationship to the natural world.
Available in Hardcover & Paperback.