These picture books celebrate the joy and beauty that comes with the cold winter months. Grab a mug of hot cocoa, pull up a warm blanket, and snuggle close to your loved ones as you read these new and classic winter favorites!
Compiled by:
Jon S.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Wil)
On a cold winter night, many animals gather to party in the cave of a sleeping bear, who then awakes and protests that he has missed the food and the fun. A longtime favorite read-aloud for kids who love cute, friendly animals and are curious about hibernation. Part of Karma Wilson’s Bear books. Recommended for ages 3–7.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Yan)
An out-of-control sled picks up a bunny, a snowman, and even a moose as it slides down an impossibly large hill! Grownups will laugh along with kids during this ridiculous ride through the snow. Recommended for ages 3–7.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Jon)
It’s snowing outside, and Liam wants to catch just one snowflake on his tongue, but it’s harder than it looks! This funny and playful book captures the wonder of playing in the snow from the eyes of a young child. Recommended for ages 4–8.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Lon)
A little fox sticks his head out of his snug hole in the early morning and sets off to hunt. He encounters both prey and predators in this realistic yet poetic adventure. This wintry tale reminds kids that the natural world is both beautiful and harsh. Recommended for ages 4–8.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 398.2 Mitten Bre)
After a boy named Nicki leaves his woolen mitten out in the snow, a bevy of animals, including a mole, a rabbit, an owl, and even a bear, attempt to make it a cozy shelter. Beautifully illustrated paintings of playful animals set within a wooden frame will have kids gazing at each page, noticing every detail. Recommended for ages 4–8.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Bar)
Follow a magnificent polar bear through a fantastic world of snow and shockingly blue sea. Over the ice, through the water, past arctic animals and even a human... Where is he going? Kids will enjoy the gentle humor and textured white-on-white paper art. Recommended for ages 3–7.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Kea)
Follow the adventures of Peter, a little boy in the city, on a very snowy day. No book has captured the magic and sense of possibility of the first snowfall better than this book. With its universal appeal, the story has become a favorite with millions, as it reveals a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. Recommended for ages 3–8.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Cam)
SCRAPE! SCRIP! SNYAK! Lina discovers new sounds made in the snow when she visits Sitti, her grandmother, at her retirement home. This book is a vibrant reminder to children to listen to the world around them, especially when it gets quiet. Recommended for ages 4–8.
(Juvenile Picture Books Nonfiction - Ej 591.43 Ste)
While people play outside in the snow, animals in forests, ponds, and fields survive the winter by slowing down their metabolism and resting in places such as burrows, nests, or the mud. Beautifully painted winter scenes help answer kids’ questions about where certain animals go in the winter. Recommended for ages 4–8.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Har)
A group of kids must patiently wait for the winter to come, then for the beaver flood to freeze over, and then finally for a full moon to appear. Once the right conditions are met, they play a thrilling midnight game of ice hockey! This tale is a celebration of special memories that are unique to wintertime. Recommended for ages 4–8.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Str)
A child describes all the pleasant ways to stay warm during the winter, from sipping hot chocolate and eating grilled cheese sandwiches to wearing wooly sweaters and sitting near a glowing fireplace. This book is perfect for readers who bemoan the coldest months of the year! Recommended for ages 3–7.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Cor)
A little girl and wolf cub get trapped in a snowstorm and must help each other find their way home in this nearly wordless picture book. This charming story will melt the hearts of any readers, even on the coldest of nights. Winner of the Caldecott award. Recommended for ages 4–8.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Nap)
When a young Japanese girl moves into her new house, she's happy to see a girl her age playing in the snow just outside her window. The only problem is the Japanese girl doesn't speak English and the American girl doesn't speak Japanese. But each girl's love of the snow teaches them that they don't need to speak the same language to have fun! Recommended for ages 4–8.