Wintertime is here!
Which means it’s the perfect time to introduce you to 10 magical picture books to celebrate winter!
But before we get to it, I want you to take a moment and consider how you normally feel during the winter season.
Is it a time of year that you relish; full of holiday traditions, celebration, and meaningful moments?
Or is winter a tough time of year for you? Shorter days with less daylight, possible holiday stress, and societal busyness can be incredibly overwhelming for some.
Whether you adore the winter season, or don’t consider yourself a fan at all, there’s one simple and low-stress activity that is practically guaranteed to bring plenty of joy.
Reading picture books about winter!
This list of 10 magical Picture Books to celebrate winter includes some fantastic titles to help celebrate the season.
1. the shortest day
by Wendy Pfeffer and Linda Bleck
This book offers a wonderful explanation of the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere. It describes what takes place in nature and explores how various cultures and traditions have celebrated the season throughout time and across the globe.
This is an excellent way to celebrate winter’s arrival.
2. bedtime for little bears
by David Bedford and Caroline Pedler
The picture book is simple, magical, and lovely.
As Mother Bear and Little Bear are out walking, they observe how their friends are preparing to go to bed.
Among their observations they see Little Owl stretching her wings before bedtime and Baby Hare having a bath in the snow. As they continue walking, Little Bear begins to get sleep himself, until he’s ready to return home and snuggle up for the night.
This story makes for the perfect bedtime read. It’s peaceful, cozy, and reassuring.
3. the snowy nap
by Jan Brett
As winter arrives and snow days are soon to arrive, Hedgie’s friends tell him all about the winter fun he will miss while he’s hibernating. From icicle decorations and building snowmen, to seeing the pond freeze over, he doesn’t want to miss a moment of the excitement!
Hedgie decides that instead of returning to his burrow, he’s going to stay for all of the excitement. But once a snowstorm starts, he ends up back in his burrow where he discovers that enjoying winter from the warmth of his home has its own magical and cozy joy.
Jan Brett is a master of creating detailed and exquisite illustrations. This book is no exception!
4. when this world was new
by D.H. Figueredo and Enrique O. Sanchez
A young boy who recently immigrated to New York misses the warm climate he came from and is apprehensive about living in this new big city. But when his father takes him outside through freshly fallen snow, he sees firsthand the wonder and magic of the winter season in his new home.
A compassionate story highlighting the magic of new discovery and overcoming fear.
5. snow
by Uri Shulevitz
The man with the hat, the lady with the umbrella, and the weather forecasters are all convinced that a couple of snowflakes aren’t going to turn into a large amount of snow.
But a boy and his dog have faith that these simple snowflakes will turn into something grand. And as the snow really starts to come down, they are the ones able to truly embrace and enjoy it.
A delightful read that captures the anticipation and wonder of snow.
6. cold snap
by Ellen Spinelli and Marjorie Priceman
The town of Toby Mills is in the middle of a deep freeze. Temperatures are nearing zero, the town statue has a hanging icicle that’s nearly touching the ground, and the local newspaper headlines the alarming words “Cold Snap!”
The freezing townspeople are losing hope until that is, until the mayor’s wife offers hope through a warm treat.
This book has sweet whimsical illustrations and offers a great reminder of small actions often having big and positive results.
7. immi’s gift
by Karin Littlewood
In this story, two children who live very far from each other, end up connected through objects they discover in the ocean.
One day, a young girl who lives in a snowy climate up north, is fishing. Instead of finding fish, she ends up with a painted wooden bird. Over the next few days, she continues
finding new surprises on the end of her fishing line. Then one day, she drops a small wooden bear into the icy waters.
A great distance away, a young boy is walking on a sunny beach. As he tosses a colorful object into the water, he notices a small wooden bear has washed up on the beach.
Through this touching, impactful story, we’re reminded of how connected human beings are all across the planet.
8. mice skating
by Annie Silvestro and Teagan White
Lucy the mouse wants to be out playing in the snow, even though it’s really cold outside. While the other mice are staying in and getting cozy, Lucy is eager to ice skate. She wants nothing more than for her friends to join her but the other mice just aren’t interested. Will Lucy be able to convince the other mice to join her and “mice skate” too?
Offers a sweet read to embrace winter.
9. mrs. Biddlebox
by Linda Smith and Marla Frazee
Mrs. Biddlebox wakes up on the wrong side of the bed and continues to have a really bad day. Screeching birds, a grumbling tummy, and stale crumpets leave her feeling grumpy and irritable.
Then, out of the blue, Mrs. Biddlebox comes up with an idea that might just turn her day around!
You might be asking yourself why I would include Mrs. Biddlebox in a list of winter picture books when it doesn’t in fact, have anything specifically to do with winter.
Well, so many of us are impacted by shorter winter days, less daylight, and inclement weather. It’s very common to experience seasonal affective disorder or at the very least, plenty of “off” days during the winter months. This is a simple and sweet picture book to remind us of how powerful our actions can be.
Humor, creativity, and magic combine to create a story perfect for turning a bad day around.
10. the snowy day
by Ezra Jack Keat
This classic feels like an ideal selection to end this list with. Following a little boy’s adventures in the city on a snowy day, we’re transported to an enchanting snowy wonderland filled with possibility.
A lovely story highlighting the joy and wonder of the season’s first snowfall.
As you settle in for the winter season, I encourage you to check out some of these wonderful picture books. I hope you feel inspired and make some special memories after reading these 10 picture magical picture books to celebrate winter!
And be sure to check out my other seasonal picture book lists!
- 10 Lovely Picture Books to Welcome Spring
- 10 Picture Books to Celebrate Summer
- 10 Cozy Picture Books to Welcome Fall
Do you have any favorite picture book titles that are perfect for winter? If so, let me know!
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