24 Best Winter Books for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Little Kids
Discover the best winter books for toddlers, preschoolers, and little kids! From preschool winter books to kindergarten and beyond, explore a cozy book list packed with fun stories and beautiful illustrations.
Looking for the best preschool winter books or fun winter books for kids to cozy up with this season? You’re in the right place. Winter is the perfect time to slow down, sip some hot cocoa, and curl up with your little ones and a great book that brings the wonders of winter alive.
This book list is packed with beautiful books full of snowy landscapes, funny stories, and sweet stories that capture everything from the first snowfall to the magic of a cozy winter day. Whether you’re looking for preschool books about winter, winter books for kindergarten, or simply want to build your child’s library with favorite winter books, these recommendations are perfect for young readers and families who love story time.
This collection only includes books about winter, and purposefully excludes winter holidays. If you’re searching for books about specific winter holidays, be sure to also check out The Best Christmas Books for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Little Kids and The Best Hanukkah Books for Toddlers and Kids.
Note: Some links may be affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you use my links to purchase, at no extra added cost to you! I only recommend products that I personally love and believe in. Full disclaimer here.
Why Winter Books Are a Perfect Addition to Your Family Library
The winter season is filled with snowy fun, chilly adventures, and cozy winter days at home. Reading about this magical time of year is a great way to:
- Spark curiosity about seasonal changes like snow, hibernation, and migration.
- Celebrate the magic of winter in a fun way that engages young children.
- Support literacy skills with beautiful illustrations, rhyming text, and interactive books.
- Provide a perfect read for circle time, bedtime stories, or snow days.
- From timeless classics like The Snowy Day to new favorites that celebrate winter activities, these are books kids will want to read again and again (which gets them more excited about reading other new books, too!).
In this post I’ll share some of our favorites, and you can also click here to find them all in my Amazon storefront for easy shopping, too.
Best Winter Books for Toddlers
Toddlers love gentle, rhythmic stories with bright pictures. These winter books are short, sweet, and perfect for snuggling with your little one.
- The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
No list of the best winter books would be complete without this classic story. Follow little boy Peter as he explores a city blanketed in snow. With its beautiful illustrations, this timeless classic captures the joy of the first snowfall. - Snow Globe Wishes by Erin Dealey
A sweet book perfect for toddlers, this story captures the magic of winter when the whole family comes together during a snowstorm. The beautifully illustrated story makes it a perfect read for a cozy winter day. - Little Owl’s Snow by Divya Srinivasan
Perfect for young children, this sweet story shows Little Owl observing the changing landscape and animals preparing for the winter months. - Snowballs by Lois Ehlert
This fun book by Lois Ehlert uses collage illustrations to bring a family of snow people to life. It’s a fun way to talk about snowy fun and spark ideas for a snowball fight or snowman craft. - The Mitten by Jan Brett
A beautiful book featuring Jan Brett’s signature illustrations, this classic story about woodland animals squeezing into a lost mitten is a great read for circle time. - Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner
This fun book imagines what snowmen do while kids are sleeping—like snowball fights, sledding, and games. With its fun pictures and sweet story, it’s a perfect read for preschool. - William’s Winter Nap by Linda Ashman
In this sweet book, a little boy welcomes various animals into his bed during a cold winter day. It’s a cozy bedtime story about kindness and friendship. - Red Sled by Lita Judge
This nearly wordless picture book tells a funny story of woodland animals borrowing a child’s sled. Toddlers and preschoolers love making the sound effects as the animals of the forest go on their snowy adventure. - Winter Dance by Marion Dane Bauer
A sweet picture book where a fox wonders what to do when winter comes, learning from other animals before discovering his own joyful dance in the snow. A gentle story perfect for young readers to celebrate the wonders of winter.
Best Winter Books for Preschoolers
Preschoolers are ready for fun characters, snowy adventures, and interactive reads. These books bring the magic of winter to life in a way they’ll remember.
- Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
A nonfiction book with beautiful illustrations, this story reveals the different animals living beneath the snow. It’s a great way to spark science discussions about hibernation and the natural world. - The Biggest Snowman Ever by Steven Kroll
This fun story follows two mice in a friendly competition to build the biggest snowman. It’s a sweet story about teamwork and best friends. - Brave Irene by William Steig
A timeless classic, this book follows a little girl named Irene as she braves a big snowstorm to deliver a gown. It’s a great story about resilience, courage, and determination. - Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
A beautifully illustrated story that captures the quiet magic of a snowy day, this book is a perfect introduction to winter activities like owling. The poetic text encourages reflection and critical thinking for young minds. - Snow by Uri Shulevitz
This timeless Caldecott Honor book captures the magic of a snowy day as a little boy and his dog revel in the first flakes that transform the world around them. A poetic and simple story that celebrates the quiet wonder of winter. - Animals in Winter by Henrietta Bancroft & Richard G. Van Gelder
This classic nonfiction book introduces children to the ways animals prepare for cold weather, from migration to hibernation. It’s a simple, educational read that makes science accessible for preschoolers and kindergarteners. - The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper, illustrated by Carson Ellis
A lyrical tribute to the winter solstice, this beautifully illustrated book explores the history of solstice celebrations around the world. It’s a wonderful way to connect kids to both tradition and nature’s seasonal cycles. - Sugar Snow (My First Little House Books) by Laura Ingalls Wilder, illustrated by Doris Ettlinger
Based on Wilder’s beloved stories, this tale shares how maple sugaring brought joy to the Ingalls family during the long winter. A great pick for introducing young children to classic American traditions. - Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak
In this beautifully illustrated seasonal book, two siblings walk through their town, noticing the changes as autumn fades and winter begins. The simple text and stunning art make it perfect for bedtime or circle time.
Best Winter Books for Kindergarten and Little Kids
For kindergarteners and early elementary kids, these winter stories mix curiosity, science, and imagination, while still feeling fun and age-appropriate.
- Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story by Sean Taylor & Alex Morss
A child and their grandmother explore the forest in winter, discovering how animals hibernate and plants rest until spring. This cozy story blends science and storytelling, making it a fun way to learn about hibernation. - Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
This Caldecott Medal winner tells the true story of Wilson Bentley, who dedicated his life to photographing snowflakes. It’s an inspiring biography for kids that combines science, art, and the beauty of winter. - Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold by Joyce Sidman
A collection of poems and illustrations that show how animals survive in the harsh winter months. The lyrical text and gorgeous artwork make this a thoughtful, educational pick for older preschoolers and early elementary kids. - The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder by Mark Cassino with Jon Nelson, Ph.D.
This nonfiction picture book explains how snowflakes form, using clear language and photographs to spark curiosity in little learners. A perfect choice for kids fascinated by weather and science. - A World Full of Winter Stories by Angela McAllister
This beautifully illustrated collection brings together 50 folktales and legends from around the globe, all centered on the winter season. It’s a magical way to share cultural traditions and stories with children during the colder months.
How to Use Winter Books with Kids
Reading winter books is a wonderful way to connect with your children during the holiday season and winter months. Here are some ideas to extend the fun:
- Pair The Snowy Day with a real snow day activity—bundle up and play outside, then come in for hot chocolate.
- After Snowballs, let kids build their own snow family or create a paper snowman craft.
- Read Over and Under the Snow before going on a nature walk to look for animal tracks.
- Use Snow Globe Wishes as inspiration to make your own snow globe or write new year wishes.
- Share The Mitten and then try a fun activity like acting out the story with stuffed animal friends.
Books aren’t just for story time—they can inspire winter activities, extension activities, and crafts that make learning much fun.
Final Thoughts on the Best Winter Books for Kids
The winter season is truly the perfect time to grab a blanket, sip hot cocoa, and dive into a great story. Whether you’re enjoying a timeless classic like The Snowy Day, a new favorite like Snow Globe Wishes, or a nonfiction book like The Story of Snow, these favorite winter books are a great way to bring the wonders of winter alive for your kids.
From toddlers to preschoolers to kindergarten kids, there’s a perfect read for every age on this list. Add a few of these to your book list this winter season—they’ll quickly become favorite books your children reach for again and again.
If you found this list of book recommendations for kids helpful, use the image below to pin it on Pinterest to help other parents find this fun resource, too!
