Winter is my favorite time of year to snuggle up with a good book. There’s nothing better than grabbing a comfy blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and reading a captivating story during a snowstorm. And whether it’s reading on my own, which is great way to model reading at home, or a book with my kids – sign me up!
As a mom, former teacher, frequent library goer, and book enthusiast, I’m always looking for stories that will grab and hold my kids’ attention. We all know the importance of reading with our little ones and luckily, there are plenty of amazing libraries on the Seacoast to visit and enjoy! Here are my recommendations for winter themed books for kids of all ages.
20 Winter Themed Book for Kids – My Recommendations
Board Books
Little Owl’s Snow, written by Divya Srinivasan
Beautifully written with language that often sounds poetic, this book will truly delight readers of all ages. If you enjoyed Little Owl’s Night, you will treasure this winter installment.
Penguin and Pinecone, written by Salina Yoon
Your little ones will love this sweet story about a penguin, a lost pinecone, and their friendship that grows and lasts even when they’re miles apart.
The Mitten, retold by Jan Brett
The Mitten is a delightful old folk tale believed to have originated in Ukraine. The book tells the story of a young boy who has lost his mitten and the group of animals who find it and crawl inside to keep warm in winter.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, written by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
My kiddos love this book about a family going on an adventure to find a bear. The story’s rhyme is equally fun to say – and act out – even after the book is over.
Picture Books
The Snowy Day, written by Ezra Jack Keats
This Caldecott Medal winning book is a classic and a must for your home bookshelf. Your kids will love hearing about the magic of winter in a city and a young boy’s fun in the snow. Truly, one of the quintessential winter themed books for kids.
Fredrick, written by Leo Lionni
Fredrick is a winter favorite at our house about a group of field mice preparing for the fast approaching winter. All the mice are busy except for Fredrick, who appears to be sitting quietly – or is he?
Snowmen at Night, written by Caralyn Buehner
Snowmen at Night will have your little ones laughing out loud at all the nighttime adventures in this book. From sledding to skating, these snowmen definitely know how to have fun!
Learning to Ski with Mr. McGee, written by Chris Van Dusen
Even if your family doesn’t ski, this book is still one to enjoy. Rhyming words, funny pictures, and a helpful moose will make Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee an instant favorite.
Playing with Lanterns, written by Wang Yage
Playing with Lanterns is a beautiful book first published in China and shares the Chinese New Year lantern tradition with young readers.
Chapter Books
Magic Treehouse, Polar Bears Past Bedtime, written by Mary Pope Osborne
The Magic Treehouse is a great beginning chapter book series that follows Jack and Annie, siblings who are transported to amazing places by their magical treehouse. Set in the Arctic, this story is full of igloos, polar bears, the northern lights, and exciting adventures.
Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, Case of the Sneaky Snowman, written by Carolyn Keene
Any young mystery lovers will be sure to enjoy Nancy Drew and The Clue Crew The Case of the Sneaky Snowman. This story will have your kiddos looking for answers and trying to solve the case before Nancy, Bess, and George do!
What are the Winter Olympics?, written by Gail Herman
What are the Winter Olympics? is a great nonfiction chapter book. It’s sure to fascinate any kiddo interested in learning more about the people, places, and events of the Winter Olympics.
Middle Grade Winter Themed Books for Kids
I Survived The Children’s Blizzard, 1888, written by Lauren Tarshis
Based on one of the deadliest blizzards in American history, this story follows John Hale and how he was able to survive the frozen hurricane that blew into the Midwest without warning.
Journey of the Pale Bear, written by Susan Fletcher
The Journey of the Pale Bear is based on the true story of a polar bear who was gifted from the King of Norway to the King of England in 1251. The adventurous book tells the tale of Arthur, a young and lonely boy who was able to befriend and tame the dangerous animal.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond, written by Elizabeth George Speare
The Witch of Blackbird Pond is a wonderful story about a teenage girl named Kit who travels by ship from her home in Barbados to Connecticut during the seventeenth century. When she arrives, Kit is shocked by the chilly environment and struggles to fit in among the Puritanical New Englanders.
Nonfiction Books
Usborne Peek Inside Snowy Places, written by Anna Milbourne
My boys absolutely love Usborne books and Peek Inside Snowy Places does not disappoint! With flaps to open and snowy animals and places to discover, this book is sure to be a hit.
It’s Snowing!, written by Gail Gibbons
This is a simply explained, wonderfully written informational book about winter for younger kids. The vast amount of accessible information in this book will delight small readers and spark curiosity.
Snow Play, written by Brigitta Ralston
Have your kids ever wondered what to do when it starts to snow? This book provides tons of great detailed images and suggestions for making forts, snow slides, and winter games.
Freeze Frame, written by Sue Macy, National Geographic Kids
A must read for an older kiddo interested in winter sports, this book is a photographic history of the Winter Olympics with lots of details.
Polar, a Photicular Book, written by Calor Kaufmann
Polar is an amazing account of the wonders found at the North and South Poles. Photicular books create a movie type image and are sure to fascinate kids and keep them wanting to read.
