Reading winter picture books is a great way to spend a warm and cozy day inside. Winter picture books teach kids about the winter season while providing a fun learning experience! So, next time you’re looking for an exciting and educational indoor activity, cozy up and explore some picture books about winter.
In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite winter picture books for children. Our list includes picture books about snow, hibernation, and stories with diverse characters. So, no matter what type of winter story you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone on our list of the best winter picture books.
Ready to learn about and celebrate the winter season? Here are 25 picture books about winter your child will love.
What are winter picture books?
Picture Books About Hibernation
Benefits of Reading Winter Picture Books
The Magic of Winter Picture Books
Before we jump into our list of the best picture books about winter, let’s discuss what winter picture books are.
Winter picture books are books with words and pictures or just images. These books explore the wonders of winter, including seasonal changes and winter activities.
With the help of winter picture books, kids can learn about the transition from fall to winter, explore the beautiful phenomenon of snow, or join animals as they get ready to hibernate. Many picture books about winter also let kids explore the fun activities winter offers. Thus, picture books about winter help convey the magic and excitement of the winter season!
Now, let’s look at the best winter picture books for kids.
Top 25 Best Winter Picture Books to Read at Home
Below is a list of some of our favorite picture books about winter. These easy-to-read stories are fun and engaging and can be read independently by your child or as a family.
TIP FOR PARENTS: Turn these winter picture books into read along books by reading aloud to your child - or use the Booka Read To Me feature to bring these stories to life!
1. Winter Fun
Authors: Kim Mitzo Thompson and Karen Mitzo Hilderbrand
Illustrator: Jackie Binder
Reading Age: 0 - 4 years
Kids can explore words related to the season in this picture book about winter. “Winter Fun” features black and white illustrations with vibrant strands of color throughout (which also offers the perfect opportunity to practice color recognition). The book is sure to capture your younger reader's attention and help build their winter vocabulary!
Winter Themes: Winter-themed vocabulary
2. Caillou Learns to Skate
Author: Marion Johnson
Illustrator: Eric Sévigny
Reading Age: 5 - 7 years
Winter picture books for children that feature seasonal activities are always fun! In “Caillou Learns to Skate,” children join Caillou as he learns to ice skate. Best of all, this story shows young readers how, with perseverance and encouragement from his parents, Caillou starts to get the hang of this challenging skill.
Winter Themes: Winter activities, Winter fun
This story is available as a read to me book on Booka.
3. Wonderful Winter
Author: Jennifer Marino Walters
Illustrator: John Nez
Reading Age: 5 - 7 years
From building a snowman to sledding and making snow angels, there are many fun outdoor activities to do in the winter. “Wonderful Winter” explores these exciting activities and all the joy the winter season brings!
Winter Themes: Winter fun, Winter activities, Wonders of winter
“Wonderful Winter” is available as a read along book on Booka.
4. Winter
Author: Booka
Illustrator: Booka
Reading Age: 1+ years
“Winter” helps early readers learn about the coldest season of the year. This winter picture book explores winter and all the fun that comes with it!
Winter Themes: Winter fun, Winter activities
This picture book about winter is exclusively available on Booka!
5. ABCs on Skis
Author: Jennifer Marino Walters
Illustrator: Nathan Y. Jarvis
Reading Age: 4 - 8 years
“ABCs on Skis” is a fun and colorful alphabet book that explores the letters (and words) associated with winter! As children explore this winter picture book, they’re challenged to uncover letters of the alphabet scattered on the slippery slopes. Can they find them all!?
Winter Themes: Winter fun, Winter words
6. Let's Build a Snowman
Authors: Kim Mitzo Thompson and Karen Mitzo Hilderbrand
Illustrator: Iesha Wright
Reading Age: 0 - 4 years
“Let’s Build a Snowman” uses delightful rhymes and read-along words to help build early literacy skills. This fun story/song combination will have the whole family singing along!
Winter Themes: Winter songs, Winter activities, Wonders of winter
This winter picture book is a read along book.
7. Ick and Crud The Big Snow
Authors: Wiley Blevins
Illustrator: Jim Paillot
Reading Age: 5 - 8 years
In this picture book about winter, kids join Ick and Crud, two best friends, on a winter adventure. Your young reader will follow Ick and Crud as they discover the first snowfall of the season!
Winter Themes: Winter fun, Winter activities
“Ick and Crud The Big Snow” is available as a read to me book on Booka.
Picture Books About Snow
Looking for winter picture books about snow? These snow-themed stories will prepare your young reader for all the fun and excitement snowfall brings!
8. Snow
Author: Christina Earley
Illustrator: Anastasia Kleckner
Reading Age: 7 - 11 years
“Snow” is a fun picture book filled with facts about winter. In addition to exploring winter facts, this story emphasizes phonics - focusing on words with a long o (ow) sound.
Winter Themes: Facts about winter
“Snow” is available as a read along book on Booka.
9. First Snow
Author: Nancy Viau
Illustrator: Talitha Shipman
Reading Age: 3 - 5 years
This fun and exciting winter picture book follows a group of friends as they enjoy the first snowfall of the season. Your young reader can tag along on the adventure and discover all the joys of snow and winter. From snowball fights and sledding to building igloos and drinking hot chocolate - every page offers another reason to love this snowy season!
Winter Themes: Winter activities, Wonders of winter
10. I Spy White in the Snow
Author: Amy Culliford
Illustrator: Srimalie Bassani
Reading Age: 5 - 7 years
In “I Spy White in the Snow,” your young reader will travel north with a spy for an exciting adventure! Surrounded by ice and snow, the spy needs help finding all the white things in nature. With simple text and captivating illustrations, this picture book about winter offers a fun and educational activity.
Winter Themes: Winter words
“I Spy White in the Snow” is available as a read to me book on Booka.
11. The Snowy Day
Author: Ezra Jack Keats
Illustrator: Ezra Jack Keats
Reading Age:1 - 5 years
“The Snowy Day” is a timeless favorite! In this story, children join a young boy, Peter, as he explores the wonders of the first snowfall.
Winter Themes: First snowfall, Winter activities
Funny Winter Picture Books for Children
What’s better than adding a little humor to your day? These funny winter picture books for kids will have you, your child (and possibly the whole family) laughing out loud.
12. Knock Knock, Jingle Jingle!
Author: Brenda Ponnay
Illustrator: Brenda Ponnay
Reading Age: 6 - 12 years
“What did one snowman say to the other snowman? - Do you smell carrots?”
“Knock Knock, Jungle Jingle!” is a hilarious Christmas joke book for kids. You’ll laugh along with funny jokes about Christmas, snowmen, and other winter topics!
Winter Themes: Winter jokes, Christmas jokes for kids
This Christmas joke book is available as a read along on Booka.
13. Just Snow Already
Author: Howard McWilliam
Illustrator: Howard McWilliam
Reading Age: 3 - 5 years
This funny winter picture book explores a young boy's excitement as he waits and watches for forecasted snow to fall. While waiting, he is oblivious to the silly events happening around him. You and your child will laugh along as the chaotic adventure unfolds. Best of all, you’ll both be reminded about the joy of living in the moment.
Winter Themes: Waiting for snow
14. The Mitten
Author: Jan Brett
Illustrator: Jan Brett
Reading Age: 1 - 5 years
“The Mitten” is a picture book about winter that follows a boy named Nicki. Nicki’s lost mitten takes him on a snowy adventure! In this silly Ukrainian folktale, children encounter various animals as they squeeze into the mitten to keep warm. Will Nicki’s mitten hold them all?
Winter Themes: Winter adventures, Animals in winter
Diverse Winter Picture Books
The winter season brings different experiences for all of us. Have you ever wondered what winter means to other people, their families, and cultures? These diverse winter picture books feature diverse characters and look at the different experiences winter offers.
15. When This World Was New
Author: D. H. Figueredo
Illustrator: Enrique O. Sanchez
Reading Age: 5 - 8 years
In this diverse winter picture book, young readers follow Danilito on his first day in America. Danilito’s family has just moved from the Caribbean to New York City. Tall buildings and crowded streets now replace the palm trees and ocean he is familiar with. Follow along as Danilito and his Papa explore their new home and experience snow for the first time!
Winter Themes: First snowfall, Winter activities, Winter in the city
16. SkySisters
Author: Jan Bourdeau Waboose
Illustrator: Brian Deines
Reading Age: 5 - 8 years
“SkySisters” follows two Ojibway sisters as they set off across the icy north to see the SkySpritis - northern lights - dancing. After an exciting walk and a lot of patient waiting, the sisters are rewarded with the sight of the northern lights dancing across the night sky.
Winter Themes: Northern Lights, Winter adventure
17. Tracks in the Snow
Author: Wong Herbert Yee
Illustrator: Wong Herbert Yee
Reading Age: 2 - 6 years
In “Tracks in the Snow,” a young girl notices tracks outside her window after a fresh snowfall. She decides to follow them - who do they belong to, and where do they go? You and your child are in for a surprise at the end of this picture book about winter!
Winter Themes: Winter adventure
Picture Books About Hibernation
What if we curled up and stayed inside for the winter season, only to wake up and arrive at spring? The winter picture books below explore the fascinating world of hibernating animals.
18. Over and Under the Snow
Author: Kate Messner
Illustrator: Christopher Silas Neal
Reading Age: 4 - 8 years
While the snowy winter wonderland above ground seems quiet, the world underneath is bustling. In this winter picture book about hibernation, children can explore the exciting world over and under the snow. From the animals above, like deer and foxes, to the creatures below, like bullfrogs and bears, this fun picture book is full of surprises!
Winter Themes: Hibernation, Winter animals
19. The Snowy Nap
Author: Jan Brett
Illustrator: Jan Brett
Reading Age: 4 - 8 years
In “The Snowy Nap,” children follow Hedgie, an adorable hedgehog who decides to stay awake instead of hibernating in his burrow. Hedgie wants to experience all the wonders of winter above ground - from snowmen and snowflakes to sleighbells and pond ice! See Hedgie’s adventure unfold as he experiences his first winter.
Winter Themes: Winter wonders, Winter activities, Hibernation
20. Dormouse Dreams
Author: Karma Wilson
Illustrator: Renata Liwska
Reading Age: 3 - 5 years
Dormouse is cozy and all snuggled up in his pine tree house as winter becomes spring. In this whimsical picture book about winter, kids join dormouse as he dreams of adventures with his friends while hibernating.
Winter Themes: Hibernation
Winter Holiday Picture Books
Not only is winter a time of wonder and snowy, fantastical activities, but it’s also a season full of celebration! The winter picture books below explore the various celebrations that occur during winter.
21. Jingle Bells
Authors: Kim Mitzo Thompson and Karen Mitzo Hilderbrand
Illustrator: Ivy Dad
Reading Age: 0 - 4 years
Do you love a good sing-along? This sing-along story pairs the classic Jingle Bells song with captivating illustrations. Follow along as Santa and his reindeer deliver presents in the snow!
Winter Themes: Winter holidays, Christmas, Christmas songs
22. Caillou - Chinese New Year
Author (Adapted By): Corinne Delporte
Illustrator: Mario Allard
Reading Age: 3 - 6 years
Caillou’s friend Sarah invites him to join her and her family in celebrating Chinese New Year. He soon discovers the fun traditions that come along with the celebration. Join Caillou as he experiences Chinese New Year for the first time in this winter picture book!
Winter Themes: Winter celebrations, Chinese New Year
23. Jolly Old St. Nicholas
Authors: Twin Sisters
Illustrator: Twin Sisters
Reading Age: 2 - 7 years
This winter holiday picture book brings the spirit of Christmas alive with a sing-along version of the song “Jolly Old St. Nicholas.” In addition to being fun and entertaining, this rhyming Christmas book encourages learning through music and introduces children to essential early literacy skills.
Winter Themes: Winter holidays, Christmas, Christmas songs
This picture book about winter holidays is available as a read along on Booka.
24. Merry Christmas Little Hoo!
Authors: Brenda Ponnay
Illustrator: Brenda Ponnay
Reading Age: 0 - 6 years
Little Hoo is trying to get to sleep for the big day - Christmas! Falling asleep is not easy on Christmas Eve! The night is full of noises that are magical and mysterious. Could there be reindeer on the roof? Join Little Hoo on this fun-filled Christmas Eve adventure!
Winter Themes: Winter holidays, Christmas, Christmas Eve
25. I Hope it Snows on Christmas Day
Authors: Kim Mitzo Thompson and Karen Mitzo Hilderbrand
Illustrator: Iesha Wright
Reading Age: 0 - 4 years
Waking up to snow on Christmas is one of the many joys of winter! This winter picture book is a song and story that explores the wonder of waking up to a fresh blanket of snow on Christmas morning! In addition to being a fun sing-along, “I Hope it Snows on Christmas Day” combines music and rhymes to reinforce early literacy skills.
Winter Themes: Winter holidays, Christmas, Christmas songs
Now that you have a wide selection of winter picture books to choose from, let’s explore the benefits of reading winter stories.
Benefits of Reading Winter Picture Books
Picture books about winter spark imagination and create an enchanting experience for young readers. Thus, winter picture books for children offer various benefits by providing a glimpse into the magical world of winter.
Here are some valuable benefits of reading winter picture books with kids.
- Social-Emotional Learning
The social-emotional benefits of reading picture books about winter include exploring differing perspectives and experiences. When kids can experience winter activities and holiday celebrations through the eyes of others, they are more likely to develop empathy and acceptance.
- Cultural Awareness
Learning about different winter traditions, festivals, and customs can also foster cultural understanding and appreciation.
- Comprehension Skills
Reading winter picture books can help children improve their comprehension skills. For example, these stories can help develop the ability to better understand narratives and cause-effect relationships.
- Development of World Knowledge
By reading picture books about winter, kids can learn seasonal facts and examine the seasonal changes that affect our daily lives. Winter picture books also promote a basic understanding of science by helping kids learn about winter animals and nature. Finally, these stories help children explore different winter celebrations around the world - offering a fun and insightful learning experience.
- Vocabulary Development
Picture books about winter help children expand their winter-related vocabulary.
- Inspiration
Seeing characters partake in fun winter activities may inspire your young reader to try a new winter activity!
- Envoke Curiosity
Winter picture books for children help spark wonder about the world, evoking curiosity.
- Imagination and Creativity
Picturing winter landscapes and imagining winter events promotes creativity and the development of a strong imagination.
- Attention and Focus
Following along with a story enhances a child’s attention span and focus.
You must choose the right picture book to ensure your child experiences the benefits above. Below, we’ll share some tips for finding the perfect story.
Tips for Choosing the Best Winter Picture Books for Your Child
Looking for the perfect picture books about winter? Here’s what to look for when choosing a winter picture book for your child.
- Age-appropriate content
- Topics that interest your child
- Characters your child can connect with
- Picture books about winter that showcase diversity and inclusion
- Stories that explore fun new activities (that your child may want to try!)
- Picture books with words your child can read (they should be able to read most but not all of the words if reading on their own)
- Winter picture books that teach life lessons
Learn more about choosing books that are “just right” here - Choosing Just Right Books
Get Unlimited Winter Picture Books with Booka
Winter is the perfect time to curl up with cocoa and a good book! To access the picture books above (and more!), you’ll need a great reading app for kids.
Booka is one of the best picture book apps for kids. With Booka, your child will have unlimited access to a wide variety of picture books - all from the comfort of home. Plus, with Booka’s Read To Me feature, your young reader can explore stories and topics they love, regardless of their reading level.
Try Booka today for free!