Cozy Winter Books for Kids: Perfect Read-alouds for Snowy Days
Winter is the perfect time to cozy up and read good books together with the kids in your life. Embrace the cold with these snow and ice books that are perfect for read-alouds, seasonal learning, and snowy-day snuggles.
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I’m not a huge fan of winter (I’m a California loving, flip-flop wearing girl at heart), but since the cold weather comes around every year, I’ve tried to find ways to embrace it. One of the things I love best about winter is that it’s prime time for cozy read-alouds. Since we spend less time running around in the mountains and spending lazy days at the pool, we have more time to snuggle up and read books by the fire.
Is there anything better in winter than grabbing a pile of books, wrapping yourself in a big, comfy blanket, and getting lost in a good story? For me, it’s a pleasure that’s hard to beat.
And while you can certainly read any kind of stories at any time of year, sometimes I like to really lean into the winter season and read books that fit the chilly mood. This book list is full of fabulous stories that will really get you in the mood for winter. Some are just fun stories, others are fabulous non-fiction books that would be perfect for homeschool lessons or classroom read-alouds.
So, if it’s snowy outside, curl up with a good book by the window and enjoy the season.
Don’t live in a snowy place? No worries! Disappear into one of these stories and imagine you do!
However you choose to read them, I hope they bring a little coziness to your winter this year.
I’ve divided the list as follows, so feel free to jump to whichever books fit your needs:
Delightful Winter Picture Books for Kids
Blizzard by John Rocco
Snow day, anyone? This story was inspired by a real-life blizzard from the author’s childhood, and it perfectly captures the magic and adventure of being snowed in. It’s beautifully illustrated, and we especially loved the fun fold-out page that documents (treasure map-style) the young boy’s trek from his house to the store and back again.
Polar Opposites by Erik Brooks
Do your kids know that polar bears only live in the north, and penguins only live in the south? This clever story about two “polar opposite” animals becoming friends across the globe led to some great questions and conversations about penguins, polar bears, and where they actually live.
Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester
This is in my top ten books of all time; I’ve loved it ever since I was a child. The repetition, the silly songs, and Tacky’s unapologetic personality make this one such a fun (and funny) read-aloud with a great message about being yourself.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
I couldn’t do a winter book list without including this timeless classic. It’s a simple, sweet story that perfectly captures the wonder of a child experiencing snow for the first time. You probably are already familiar with it, but it couldn’t be ignored.
Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner
This is another much-loved book, and for good reason: it is pure imagination and fun. My kids love spotting all the silly things the snowmen are up to once the lights go out, and it’s one of those books where they notice something new in the incredibly detailed illustrations every time we read it.
The Mitten by Jan Brett
This book is completely ridiculous (I mean how did the mitten stretch that much?!), but it’s also full of gorgeous illustrations and is such a fun classic winter story. Tip: Look for the the animals on each page that hint at what’s coming next in the story.
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
Oh, how I love Karma Wilson and her books about the beloved, bumbling bear. I’ll happily read them over and over again. With its calming rhythmic text, this one about Bear hibernating in winter is a perfect bedtime story for little ones.
Except Antarctica by Todd Sturgell
Turtles live on every continent…except Antarctica. That is, until one bold turtle decides to prove the book’s narrator wrong, and sets off on a daring adventure along with several other non-Antarctic animals to get to the southernmost continent. If you want a completely silly, but also surprisingly educational book that includes lots of fun animal facts, this one is a winner!
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
This educational picture book teaches kids about what animals are doing beneath the snow while everything looks quiet on top. The illustrations are lovely, and the text is almost poetic…lulling me to sleep as I read it to my kids. Note: It’s part of the “Over and Under” series, so be sure to check out the others!
Loud Winter’s Nap by Katy Hudson
How is Hedgehog supposed to get any rest when his attempts to hibernate keep getting interrupted? His grumpiness at all the disruptions is completely relatable, and the story is funny and surprisingly sweet.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
This is a slower, quieter read that is another one to add to your bedtime stack. (Are you sensing a theme here? I think I’m not the only one who wants to slow down and hibernate with calming books in winter.) It’s the story of a father and daughter who go on a nighttime walk to listen for the owls in the forest, and it tells a beautiful story that celebrates family relationships and our relationship with nature.
Winter Is Here by Kevin Henkes
Kevin Henkes is a master of using extraordinarily simple text to paint vivid pictures and capture the feeling of an experience. In this story, he celebrates the sights, sounds, and smells of the winter season. It would be a great one to read with kids and then ask them to add to his descriptions. Encourage them to use their five senses to describe how they experience winter.
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
This Caldecott winner uses almost no words (mostly just onomotopoeia) to tell the story of a girl and a wolf pup who both get lost in the snow…and how they help each other to find their families again. It’s a sweet story of friendship and how helping someone in need can end up helping you in return.
Whose Tracks in the Snow? by Alexandra Milton
This informational picture book doubles as a fun guessing game for kids to figure out which animal made each set of tracks. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the lyrical text pulls you through the story. Bonus idea: After reading, make some white playdough and invite kids to make “tracks” in the snow, like the animals in the book!
The Story of Snow by Mark Cassino with Jon Nelson
This book is perfect for curious kids who love asking why. The close-up photos of real snow crystals are fascinating, and it made my kids want to find some snow to explore with a magnifying glass. Keep in mind, it is a bit text-heavy and technical, so it’s probaby best for elementary-age kids and up.
Winter Chapter Books for Kids
Picture books are awesome for kids of all ages, but if you’re looking for a longer read, these chapter books are also perfect for getting in the winter mood.
The Very Very Far North by Dan Bar-el
This completely charming chapter book set in the arctic is a perfect bedtime read-aloud for younger elementary-age kids. It follows Duane the polar bear and his animal friends, who are equal parts endearing and quirky. If you love it as much as we did, be sure to grab the sequel, too!
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
While it’s not technically about winter, the first Narnia book takes place in a land under the White Witch’s never-ending winter, so I’m claiming it counts. Plus, it’s a book I think every child should read, and not just because it’s become an iconic book of the YA genre. It’s filled with magic, adventure, and lots of interesting situations to get kids thinking about the importance of the choices we make.
Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan
This is the based-on-true-events story of how a group of children in Norwary secretly transported millions of dollars of gold past Nazi guards during WWII. It’s an incredible tale, a nail-biter in the best way, and the snowy setting makes it a perfect winter read.
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
I haven’t read this one since I was in elementary school, but it’s a classic. Part of the Little House series, this one follows Laura and her family as they endure one of the toughest, snowiest winters on the prairie. It’s a great pick for elementary readers who enjoy historical stories and realistic fiction.
Peak by Roland Smith
Have a tween or teen who needs a good book? This was one of my favorite recommendations for middle schoolers who were “too cool” to read when I taught public school. It follows fourteen-year-old Peak Marcello, who gets in trouble for scaling a skyscraper in NYC and ends up attempting to become the youngest climber to summit Mount Everest. It’s fast-paced and, while fictional, includes lots of realistic details about what it takes to climb Everest. I gave it to my 13-year-old a few months ago, and he loved it, too.
Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World by Jennifer Armstrong
This book tells the extraordinary true story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew whose ship, The Endurance, became trapped in the ice 100 miles off the coast of Antarctica. They then spent nearly two years trying to survive and get back to civilization. Crazy! The text is on the denser side, but the story is gripping, especially as an audiobook. We listened to it on a road trip and were completely enthralled by how the crew endured extreme circumstances, and how all 28 men survived!
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard & Florence Atwater
This is an oldie but a goodie! It’s a hilarious classic adventure about Mr. Popper and his unexpected group of penguins who get into all kinds of mischief. Full of slapstick fun and ridiculous penguin antics, this book is perfect for kids who love to laugh.
Sun and Moon Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George
Have a fantasy or fairytale fan in your house? If so, they’ll love this retelling of a lesser-known Nordic legend East of the Sun, West of the Moon (with some similarities to Beauty and the Beast). I enjoyed this one myself years ago, but I haven’t read it to my boys. I think it would be perfect for girls who like a strong female main character mixed with mystery, adventure, and a little romance.