Watching snow fall is a great way to while away the hours stuck inside on a cold or wintery Midwestern day. Put a new book on the list and the hot cocoa on the stove to prep kids for the wonder of winter. Stay warm this cold season by snuggling up with your little readers and reading a winter-themed children’s book. Check out our list of snowy books!
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
- Best for ages: 2-5
You can’t go wrong with a classic. Follow a boy as he discover the joys of winter after a snow fall. Love The Snowy Day so much? Watch the animated short on Amazon Prime Video.
Little Owl’s Snow by Divya Srinivasan
- Best for ages: 3-5
The third in the stories of Little Owl, this time Little Owl watches the leaves fall and the snow begin in his forest. The hibernating animals begin to sleep and he wonders to his mama when spring will return. The melody of words makes Divya Srinivasan’s books a pleasure to read.
The Magic of Friendship Snow by Andi Cann
- Best for ages: 3-6
Jojo sees friends all around her and wants a best friend, too. She finds one in a snowman who teaches her what being a friend means, and how to be one in return. Great book for snowy days and all year long.
I Don’t Want to Go To Sleep by Dev Petty and Mike Moldt
- Best for ages: 3-7
From the people who brought us “I Don’t Want To Be A Frog”, “I Don’t Want To Be Big” and “There’s Nothing To Do”, now comes the tale of the frog who doesn’t want to sleep. What makes this a winter book is that our frog friend doesn’t want to sleep because he doesn’t want to miss all the fun during hibernation.
The Snowy Nap by Jan Brett
- Best for ages: 4-8
From the illustrator and author of “The Mitten” comes the continued tales of Hedgie the Hedgehog. Hedgie decides not to hibernate as snow arrives, because he doesn’t want to miss the winter fun.
Small Walt and Mo the Tow by Elizabeth Verdick and Marc Rosenthal
- Best for ages: 4-8
A sequel to “Small Walt”, the story starts in a blizzard with snow plows clearing paths for cars. Then Gus the driver and Walt the snow plow come upon a car stuck in the snow. Enter, Mo the Tow. The words are fun and filled with onomatopoeia, great for early readers or youngsters mimicking the sounds they hear.
Hibernate with Me by Benjamin Scheuer and Jemima Williams
- Best for ages: 4-8
Originally written as a song, this husband and wife team have developed a loving book great for winter and wonderful to teach self-esteem. It’s OK to ask for a hug and a spot to be warm, the book teaches, and there’s always a place to be loved. To listen to the song first, visit hibernatewithme.com.
Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper
- Best for ages: 4-8
On the way to her grandmother’s house during a winter day, Lina takes in the sound of snow as she walks past snowmen and icy sidewalks. This is a great book to pair with an outdoor winter walk to see if your kids can hear the snow, too.
Do Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate? by Etta Kaner and John Martz
- Best for ages: 5-9
Kids know that they need a warm snuggle and a blanket to stay warm in Chicago, but what do animals living in cold environments do? While most frogs don’t drink hot chocolate, this interactive book lets kids guess what animals will do in a fun Q&A format.
The Giving Snowman by Julia Zheng and Graziella Miligi
- Best for ages: 3-8
After helping a bird, rabbit, farmer and traveler on a snowy night, a snowman gets stuck in a sticky situation when the sun comes up and he begins to melt. The snowman’s new friends show their gratitude by coming together to rebuild him, teaching a lesson on kindness and the joy of freely giving to others.
There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow! by Lucille Colandro and Jared Lee
- Best for ages: 2-6
This familiar twist on There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly is filled with funny, tongue-twisting rhymes and goofy illustrations. Don’t dismiss this as simply a spin-off of an old nursery rhyme, though; this tale features a surprise ending that will delight readers of all ages.
The Berenstain Bears’ Winter Wonderland by Jan and Mike Berenstain
- Best for ages: 3-6
The winter wonderland edition of the classic Berenstain Bears collection finds the cubs overwhelmed with choosing a winter sport — should they sled or ski? Maybe try ice skating? Your kiddo will love the bright illustrations and the action-packed snowball fight finale!
Snow Globe Wishes, by Erin Dealey and Claire Shorrock
- Best for ages: 5-7
As the worst snow storm of the year rolls in, a little girl bundles up in a blanket fort and makes a wish on her snow globe. The wish? That every one can shake their busy lives and play with her in the snow. This lyrical tale may take place in a snow storm, but it’s sure to make your heart warm.
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