40 Best Children’s winter picture books

The Best Winter Books

Snow Still by Holly Surplice
A sweet, simple winter story about a little deer taking slippery steps into a fresh world of snow with bunnies playing near the tree, birds perching on high branches, and an owl soaring overhead. Each page has only two words that always start with the word snow. Finally, the chick found his parents and they all curled up and went to sleep. “Sleep in the snow.”

The Itsy Bitsy Snowman by Jeffrey Burton, illustrated by Sanja Rescek
This winter book gives readers a fun twist on the familiar “Itsy Bitsy Spider” but with a snowman climbing a snowy hill, sliding, sliding, and playing in the winter snow.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Memorable from my childhood, this classic story retains the wonder and thrill of the first snow of the season. Peter spent all day outside, trampling in the snow, making tracks, and playing. But can he save the snow globe for later? Stunning artwork and a timeless story.

The Deep and Snowy Wood by Elwyn Tate
“In the deep woods and snow,” a mole digs, a deer runs, a squirrel jumps. Where are the animals going? To say hello to Santa because today is Christmas day! It’s a fun story for preschoolers with rhyme, repetition, and simplicity. I love it!

When the Snow Falls by Linda Booth Sweeney, illustrated by Jana Christy
The joyful poetic language invites readers into a wonderland of multigenerational, multicultural family time in the snow. “The forest is silent. Sparkling fields. Wren sings. We listen.” The children skied, made snow angels, gazed at the snowy streets, and returned home to a cozy fire next to their grandparents. “Warm cocoa. Glove puddles. Day lazy. We cuddle.” This book is like a warm and comforting hug.

Snow Friends by Margery Cuyler, illustrated by Will Hillenbrand
Experience snow from a dog’s perspective in this adorable, playful winter read-aloud. Oscar’s son wanted to stay inside and read, so Oscar went outside to play in the snow– and make new friends. When his boy arrives, he also has a new friend.

Winter Dance by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by Richard Jones
This beautifully written and illustrated picture book fascinates readers with its repetitive lines and peaceful forest scenes. “Winter is coming, what should I do?” asked the fox. When he asked the different forest creatures, one by one they told him what they did in winter, such as pupating, burrowing in the mud, gathering and hiding acorns. But it wasn’t until he saw another red fox that he knew what to do. “When millions of snowflakes fill the air, spinning, tumbling, twirling, dancing, you and I will join them.” This is absolutely a fun winter celebration with a particularly lively use of verbs.

Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak
Hello. Hello robins and cardinals ready to fly south. Hello deer, their fur is thickening because of winter. Hello, evergreen trees with pine needle branches that “tremble in the wind while you sleep.” The illustrations gradually transition from autumn to snow-white winter and so does the text. Hello, frost and icicles. And goodbye autumn. This is a lovely, cozy book to share with little ones.

Just Snow Already by Howard McWilliam
The boy was SO excited about the snow. He kept checking the window and was frustrated that NOTHING was happening out there. (But we can see that there is – a fire truck, a cat stuck in a tree, a cool monster truck, a dog chase, etc.) The boy plans and imagines it all even what I could do in the snow…and wonders what would happen if that happened. There will never be snow again. Will it ever snow? Funny and easy to understand.

Snowflakes on Our Tongues written by Mike Ornstein, illustrated by Pauline Gregory
There’s something silly going on at Pumpernickel Farm! When it snows, animals love to stick out their tongues…and catch the snowflakes! But what about farmers? Well, like his animals, he also likes to have a little fun when it snows…and he catches his own snowflakes on his tongue! The repetitive structure, rhyme, and silliness will make this book a new read-aloud preschool favorite!

Something’s Fishy by Jean Gourounas
Penguin becomes increasingly grumpy as her noisy friends interrupt her solitary ice fishing trip. The friends wonder why the fish aren’t biting but their entire conversation is Penguin-free, which is extremely funny. Wonderful words throughout, illustrations about love, and a funny surprise ending make this picture book a winter hit!

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost, illustrated by P.J. Lynch
Beautiful illustrations of winter atmospheres illuminate the beauty of Robert Frost’s poem with exquisite details. As a girl and her horse journey through a snowy forest, she stops to admire the beauty of the frozen lake and dark forest. Her horse rang its bell as if to ask why she didn’t stop at a farm. Finally, she turned back to continue her journey for miles before she could sleep. And we wonder where she’s going…

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: Snow Globe Edition by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
I love this cover – it’s a fun snow globe for kids to shake and move around, watching the white “snow” balls swirl around dad and kids. Inside there is not only a familiar story but also interesting 3D illustrations appearing. Charming and irresistible for preschoolers!

The Wish Tree by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Chris Turnham
Charles and Boggan (a toboggan) happily walk in the forest to find the dream tree. On their journey, they see many animals before finding the wishing tree and making a wish.

Whose Tracks in the Snow? by Alexandra Milton
Look at the tracks in the snow. Find out who they belong to and find out more information about that animal. Children will enjoy paying attention to the shape of the tracks and guessing the animals, then reading more about each creature. Whose path is like the heart? A shy red deer! This is a wonderful nature-filled winter book!

Snow Sisters by Kerri Kokias, illustrated by Teagan White
In this adorable winter book, simple sentences combine with adorable illustrations to show how two sisters spend a snowy day. One inside, one outside; Then, they switched places and followed each other’s footsteps.

The Little Snowplow by Lora Koehler, illustrated by Jake Parker
Big Snowplows don’t think Little Snowplow is needed in their crew because BIG is better. When a big storm hits, Little Snowplow shows the bigger trucks that he can be of BIG help and save the world.

The Little Snowplow Wishes for Snow by Lora Koehler, illustrated by Jake Parker
You will appreciate this picture book’s message that not every winter has snow. In this exciting story, Little Snowplow’s greatest wish is to see snow. He and his friends did every superstitious thing they could to make it snow but it didn’t work. Just when he was about to give up and on his birthday it snowed! He excitedly skipped his party and went to work. Of course, his friends will meet him later for a very fun delayed celebration. (Imagine the trucks are playing a game of attaching their tails to the snowmobile and being snow trucks.)

Lines by Suzy Lee
See the beautiful lines that adorn each page as a lone skater creates swirling designs on the ice. She turns, jumps, slides back, and suddenly – a sign of surprise – is erased. Now we see her as an illustration on crumpled paper. Until she returns with new friends, skating on a crowded pond. An interesting illusion that deceives the reader into wanting to believe in the magic of those words.

Yetis Are the Worst! by Alex Willan
Goblins try to convince you that surely, yetis are the WORST. And he will prove that they are not cool by finding them and showing them to you. He searched everywhere and never noticed the yeti hiding (though, you would know!) – until he fell into their house. That’s when he admitted that yetis aren’t actually the worst thing. You’ll love this hilarious third story from Alex Willan’s The Worst series!

I Want Snow! by Tony Ross
The naughty little princess will delight your child. She WANTS snow and tells everyone to run around the castle to get her some. The Prime Minister built her a snowman out of ice. That doesn’t work. The Admiral built her a snow castle out of sand. Finally, it really snowed. And you will never guess what the little Princess decides about the snow…

Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper, illustrated by Kenard Pak
Lina walked through the snow to get to her grandmother’s house. As she walked, she noticed the sound of snow. The sound of her boots on the ground sounded like “snyak, snyek, snyuk.” People swept the snow off their cars and made a “wish, wish.” She heard the sound of snow along with things like gloves, skis, snowballs, and shovels. When she went to her grandmother’s house, they cooked, ate, and listened to the silence of the snow together. This story’s adorable illustrations combined with the emotional images in the text will give readers a profound experience of this snowy day. One of my favorite winter books on this list.

The Snow Dancer by Addie Boswell, illustrated by Merce Lopez
Snow covered the ground while Sofia was sleeping. When she wakes up, she leaves her sleeping house and explores the quiet morning, jumping, twirling, bending, and ballet in silence. Until the other children also went out loudly. Amid the noise of rowdy paying kids, Sofia shows a little girl what a snow dancer does…even including participating in a giant snowball fight. Lyrical language and beautiful illustrations celebrate a young dancer’s day in the snow.

Snow by Cynthia Rylant
The evocative image paints images of snow dancing in our minds… “The most beautiful snow is the one that falls gently at night, like a friend who is afraid to knock on the door, so she thinks she will wait in the yard until when you see her. This is the snow that brings you peace.” A few snowflakes fall in layers of “fun, fat flakes” that will send you home early from somewhere you don’t want to be like school or work. This picture book’s magical tribute to snow beautifully captures the enchantment of snowy weather.

Wintercake by Lynne Rae Perkins
Filled with rich and wonderful words, this is a sweet winter story that begins with a misunderstanding but leads to demonstrating the power of kindness and starting new traditions. Thomas lost his fruit basket and assumed someone had stolen it. But then a stranger returned the basket he found. As a result, Thomas and his friend Lucy chase the stranger to include him in their Winter Nights plan.

Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
A girl wearing a bright red coat left school during heavy snowfall. The girl was lost and found a lost wolf cub and carried it away, trudging towards the distant howling of the wolves. It was a beautiful moment until she collapsed, cold and exhausted. The wolves gathered around her, howling at those who were looking for her. She was found and returned home to snuggle by the fire with her parents and dog. Tell a beautiful visual story with a message of kindness.

A Day So Gray by Marie Lamba, illustrated by Alea Marley
A little girl took her friend for a walk around the neighborhood to show her that it wasn’t all gray… In fact, it was “soft dark browns, bright blues, and flecks of silver on a bright yellow background.” A closer look reveals tans, oranges and reds, purples, grays, and greens… Celebrating the details and changing your perspective might be just what you need on a so-called gray day spray.

Mice Skating by Annie Silvestro, illustrated by Teagan White
During winter, most voles hide in their burrows. But not Lucy. She loved the crisp snow, the chilly air, and the fluffy beanie that kept her warm, brave, and daring. Her friends think she’s strange, but Lucy is determined to show them how fun winter can be.

The Most Perfect Snowman by Chris Britt
The other snowmen are much nicer than Drift and don’t include him in their snowman games. One day, three children changed that for him, much to his delight. But after a snowstorm blows away most of his new clothes and a helpless bunny needs his help, Drift learns how to become the ultimate snowman.

First Snow by Bomi Park
Black and white with a touch of red illustrates the magical journey of the first snowfall as seen through the eyes of a little girl building a snowman.

Bunny Slopes by Claudia Rueda
Claudia Rueda takes the concept of an interactive reader/narrator story and cleverly turns it into her own. Bunny wants to go skiing and needs your help. Bunny asks YOU to shake, tilt, and tap to get snow, hills, and more. It’s a fun adventure that ends with a warm cup of cocoa. Gorgeous illustrations and exciting adventures.

The Mitten by Jan Brett
We adore this WINTER story! A boy named Nicki persuaded his grandmother to knit him a pair of white mittens and drop one in the snow. One by one, the animals of the forest found the glove and crawled inside until it was overrun with animals – even a bear. Finally, an unexpected and humorous turn of events will give Nikki a stretched glove. Detailed border designs give this story a rich flavor plus the illustrations give a sense of the folk tale’s location.

Winter’s Child by Angela McAllister, illustrated by Grahame Baker-Smith
I was mesmerized by the exquisite, intricate artwork in this beautiful winter story about a winter-loving boy and his new friend, Winter’s Child, who stays around longer, delaying the season. spring.

Little Red Gliding Hood by Tara Lazar, illustrated by Troy Cummings
Little Red is an ice skater in need of a companion in this fractured fairy tale. She is determined to win the pair skating competition and win a new pair of skates. Will the wolf be the perfect partner?

The Red Apple by Feridun Oral
Rabbit’s hunger pushed him out of the hole. He spots a red apple, but it’s so high up in the tree that he needs all his friends in the forest to help him bring it down. They all shared the apple and then went back to sleep, hugging each other in the Bear’s den.

A Warm Winter by Feridun Oral
The mouse collected so many sticks that he needed his friend’s help to push and pull the sticks back to the nest. Sticks fall and a snowstorm appears, but all ends well in this story of sharing.

The Bear Report by Thyra Heder
I just LOVE this story! It all started with a homework assignment (a report!) about polar bears. Olafur the polar bear comes to help Sophie learn more about his species and that they are not as mean as she thought. He took Sophie back to his land and told her all about his life. It was beautiful and eye-opening for Sophie. Sophie returns home to write the best report ever! Gorgeous illustrations throughout!

Max and Marla by Alexandra Boiger
Marla and her best friend Max (an owl) will charm you with their determination to become successful Olympians and their positive attitude. The charming illustrations perfectly represent the characters and winter scenes.

Snow by Uri Shulevitz
The sky is gray. And a boy with a dog knew that it was snowing. (Even though no one else thought the snowflakes would amount to anything. Not the TV host, or the grandfather, or the woman with the umbrella.) We knew the boy was right and looked with both eyes. his eyes when he saw the beautiful snow falling on his cityscape jacket

The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder by Mark Cassino
The easy-to-understand reader will read how snow is created from a small speck to snow crystals falling to the earth. Peaceful blue and white illustrations along with fun facts make this a fun winter book filled with scientific information about snow.

Winter Is Here by Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Laura Dronzek
Snow was falling, clinging to the trees in clumps and curling, dripping from the roofs. “Winter is here,” Henkes wrote. He describes in detail how the animals dig burrows and the children wear many layers of clothing. The gently descriptive text and rich, soft illustrations capture the wonders of winter.

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Mary Azarian
Even as a boy, Wilson Bentley loved snowflakes. He wants to be able to save and share them with others. Eventually, he started taking photos of snowflakes to show that no two snowflakes are the same and that each snowflake is a magical beauty. See some of his photos in the book Snowflakes in Photos.