In the cold days of winter, there’s nothing like cozying up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa. Here are some of our favorite winter themed picture books you and your family will love.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
No book has captured the magic and sense of possibility of the first snowfall better than The Snowy Day. Universal in its appeal, the story has become a favorite of millions, as it reveals a child’s wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever.
The Mitten by Jan Brett
Nicki’s grandmother knits him a pair of white mittens, which he wears as he goes outside to play in the snow. But white mittens can easily be lost- – Nicki loses one, and soon the forest animals become interested in it. How many animals can fit in one mitten? Young children will find out in this charming and humorous book.
A New Coat for Anna by Harriet Ziefert
This moving picture book follows Anna and her mother as they try to get Anna a new wool coat post-World War II. Anna’s mother goes through the village, trading her valuables for the services of a spinner, a weaver, and a tailor. With brilliant pictures that capture the aura of the era, this heartwarming book will make children consider how precious the ordinary can be in times of difficulty.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
A little girl and her father go late at night into the forest, looking for owls. As they quietly walk along, trees and animals silently keep them company. Her father makes the call of the Great Horned Owl, and they wait for a reply. Is there an owl in the forest? Will they see one tonight? This Caldecott Medal winner is a verbal and visual treasure that celebrates the special companionship between a parent and child as they share the beauty of nature together.
The Big Snow by Berta and Elmer Hader
If your family enjoys animal stories, this beautifully illustrated Caldecott winner is a must-read! You’ll meet Mrs. Cotton-Tail, little ground-hog, and many other woodland creatures and learn how they survive when snow blankets their forest home.
Paddle-to-the-Sea by Holling Clancy Holling
In the Nipigon country north of the Great Lakes a young boy carved the figure of an Indian in a canoe and christened him Paddle-to-the-Sea. He sets his carving melting snow bank which the spring sun turns into a tumbling mountain stream. You’ll follow Paddle on a journey that takes him hundreds of miles from his birthplace through the Great Lakes, down the Saint Lawrence River, and out to sea.
Brave Irene by William Steig
Your children will be inspired by the example of Irene as she overcomes adversity. When Irene’s mother, the dressmaker falls ill, it’s up to young Irene to deliver the beautiful ball gown she’s made for the duchess to wear that evening. Despite the fierce snowstorm that’s brewing, Brave Irene overcomes many obstacles, including the wiles of the wicked wind, to complete her mission and receive the warmhearted thanks of a grateful duke and duchess.
Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
Katy is a big bulldozer that plows snow in the winter. But when winter comes and there isn’t much snow, all the other plows are put to use and Katy is kept in. Until one day, a great snowstorm hits and everyone in the town, including all the other snow plows, are stranded! Now, it’s up to Katy and her “chug, chug, chug” endurance to get the town moving again.
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Snow in Vermont is as common as dirt. Why would anyone want to photograph it? Snowflake Bentley is a biographical portrait of a farm boy who loved snowflakes. He loved them so much that as he grew up he learned to photograph them and share them with the world.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost
Illustrations by Susan Jeffers perfectly portray the stanzas in Robert Frost’s classic poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. White woods, towns, and snowflakes play up the warmth of colors on the man’s plaid jacket and sleigh blanket. A perfect way to snuggle up a cold night, and introduce young children to the beauty of Frost’s poetry!
Other Books You Might Enjoy:
Picture Books
- The Snowy Nap by Jan Brett
- Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak
- The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett
- Winter on the Farm by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Sugar Snow by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Winter Days in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- The Story of Snow by Mark Cassino and Jon Nelson
- Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
- When Winter Comes by Nancy Van Laan
- The Hat by Jan Brett
- The Winter Visitors by Karel Hayes
Early Readers
- Mr. Putter and Tabby Hit the Slope by Cynthia Rylant
- The Cat in the Hat Comes Back by Dr. Seuss
- Nate the Great and the Snowy Trail by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
- Cam Jansen and the Snowy Day Mystery by David A. Adler
- Hank the Cowdog and the Case of the Twisted Kitty by John R. Erickson
We hope these book recommendations are a blessing to your homeschool this winter! For more Homeschool Compass book lists, head here.
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