Picture Books About Winter
Whether you are doing a unit about seasons or are simply wanting to read some short stories about winter, today I’m going to share some of our favorite picture books about winter.
From frosty cold temperatures and snow days to winter animals and owling, I’ve got a list of wonderful winter books you can read to your kids.
Without further ado, here are our favorite picture books about winter…
Picture Books About Winter
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Sleep Tight Farm by Eugenie Doyle
Follow a family as they put their farm to bed for the winter season. The pictures delightfully depict the coldness of the outdoors and the warmth and coziness of the indoors. Sweet little winter book!
The Big Snow by Berta and Elmer Hader
This is an older book, but its still a winter classic! Learn about geese migration, rabbits burrowing, and deer foraging. Then learn about kindness as an older couple leaves out food for the animals to feed on during the big winter storm. Note: this book has lengthy, but has rich vocabulary.
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak
Follow a brother and sister has they walk around their town greeting the winter season. With the simplistic text, I would say this book is geared for young children (3-4yrs) This was not our kids favorite though it has a 5-star review on Amazon.
Winter on the Farm by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Another great book from Laura Ingalls Wilder. I love that she teaches about the season of winter while engaging kids in a story line. This one features Almonzo (from Farmer Boy) as he does is chores and heads inside for a big family dinner around the table.
Brave Irene by William Steig
Irene’s Mom is a dressmaker and she just finished a ball gown. It needs to be delivered, The only problem is, she is sick. Irene decides to take on the job. Follow Irene’s great adventure through the snow to deliver the package. I liked that this book featured the character traits of endurance and perseverance.
The Mitten by Jan Brett
Nicki’s grandmother knits him a pair of white gloves. He drops one while he is outside and the winter woodland animals start piling in. I love the beautiful, detailed illustrations. While the main images tell the story, the framed illustrations show the boy searching. (Family favorite)
Bear Has a Story to tell by Phillip and Erin Stead
Bear has a story to tell but his friends are busy preparing for winter. Watch as he helps his friends and they help him. A sweet little book about patience, friendship, kindness, and gentleness!
Quiet Bunny and Noisy Puppy by Lisa McCue
Here is one for the little ones! Everyone is hibernating, Quiet Bunny wonders who he will play with? Then comes along Noisy Puppy. Enjoy the pictures and story has they romp around in the snow together.
Winter Story (Brambly Hedge) by Jill Barklem
The mice of Brambly Hedge wake up to piles of beautiful snow! Follow them around their warm bustling kitchens as they put together a huge winter ball. This book (along with the others in this series) are absolutely delightful to read.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
A girl and her father go owling on a late winter’s night. The air is cold, the world is silent, and the shadows are mysterious. They call and they wait. Until at last, an owl lands on a branch in plain site. This book about winter is poetic and suspenseful and our kids have enjoyed it for years!
Waiting for Winter by Sebastian Meschenmoser
This is a fun winter story about three animals, who normally hibernate for the season. Read their story as they try to stay awake to see the snow. Cute picture book about winter!
The First Day of Winter by Denise Fleming
This is an ode to winter with a reference to the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ song. This was a fun book to read, but we probably won’t be revisiting it.
A Hat for Mrs. Goldman by Michelle Edwards
The kind Mrs. Goldman knits hats for people around town and Sophie helps by making the pom-poms. However, when winter comes Sophie realized that Mrs. Goldman doesn’t have a hat for herself. To fix the problem, Sophie gets creative. I love that this book not only features items for winter but also kindness, and determination.
Mice Skating by Annie Silvestro
While most field mice burrow for the winter Lucy does not. She loves the crunchy snow and the frosty cold air. And most of all, she loves to skate! Can she get her friends to see the fun in winter and join her? I love the wintery illustrations and the humorous puns were an added bonus!
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
This is one of the best classic children’s winter books! Peter puts on his snowsuit and steps outside to play in the snow. This book captures a child’s wonder and excitement of winter and the first snowfall of the year.
Favorite Picture Books about Winter for Preschoolers
Looking for some books about winter for preschoolers? If so, Let me share a few of our favorite books about Winter for preschool. (Note: The titles in this list are linked to thriftbooks.com which is one of my favorite thrifty books sites to shop through.)
Books about Winter for Preschoolers:
- The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
- Quiet Bunny and Noisy Puppy by Lisa McCue
- Bear Has a Story to tell by Phillip and Erin Stead
- The Mitten by Jan Brett
- Winter on the Farm by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Sleep Tight Farm by Eugenie Doyle
Best Picture Books about Winter for Kindergarten
Ready for our favorite books about winter for Kindergarten? Six year old approved and well loved, here are our top picks for books about winter for kindergarten. What you you add?
Books about Winter for Kindergarten:
- Mice Skating by Annie Silvestro
- A Hat for Mrs. Goldman by Michelle Edwards
- Winter Story (Brambly Hedge) by Jill Barklem
- Brave Irene by William Steig
- Waiting for Winter by Sebastian Meschenmoser
- The Mitten by Jan Brett
- Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
- The Big Snow by Berta and Elmer Hader
Want to do a Unit Study About Winter Animals?
With beautifully painted illustrations and tons of winter vibes, try our printable Winter Animals Unit! The Winter Animals Unit features 12 winter animals, winter animals book lists, vocabulary, activities, math, language arts, handwriting, poetry, and more!
What are your favorite children’s picture books about winter?
*This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.
Oh my gosh I need to get to the Library Jessica! Thanks so much for sharing . How are YOU ? I have been busy , Its a crazy time all leading to the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. Have a lovely Sunday, Terri xo.
Yes! This season is so busy. These book lists give me a nice excuse to sit down with my little ones. 🙂 Hope the rest of your day is lovely!
I can’t wait until we have access to a good library again!
Aw! Yeah, I’m not sure what I would do without access to our local library!
We have a library, but I swear they only get the books that are rejects from other libraries.
Thats a bummer:/