Favorite children’s books about winter, including fictional winter read-aloud choices and non-fiction picks, are perfect for learning about the season and its animals.
Children’s Books About Winter: Top 15 Favorites
As the winter weather rolls in, bringing the twinkling lights and chilly nights, there’s nothing more magical than curling up with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate. The wonder of winter can be ignited in the heart of every child through stories that transport them to lands of ice and snow, friendships, and heartwarming adventures.
After diving into the literary world of winter tales for children in Kindergarten through 2nd grade, I’ve found treasures that are perfect for this season. These winter read alouds aren’t just stories; they’re gateways to worlds of imagination and joy. Picked from a pile of highly recommended reads from fellow educators, I have compiled my ultimate top 15 winter-themed children’s books.
So, get ready to spark a love of winter reading in your classroom. Wrap up in a cozy blanket of words and illustrations with these top children’s books, and watch as your students fall in love with reading during the most wonderful time of the year.
Table of Contents
- Children’s Books About Winter: Top 15 Favorites
- 1. The Mitten by Jan Brett
- 2. Snowballs by Lois Ehlert
- 3. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
- 4. Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester
- 5. Winter Wonderland by Jill Esbaum
- 6. The First Day of Winter by Denise Fleming
- 7. Animals in Winter by Henrietta Bancroft
- 8. The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder by Mark Cassino
- 9. Snow by Uri Shulevitz
- 10. Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright
- 11. Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner
- 12. The Biggest Snowman Ever by Steven Kroll
- 13. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
- 14. Polar Bears by Laura Marsh
- 15. Penguins by Anne Schreiber
- Final Thoughts
- More Ideas and Activities About Winter
1. The Mitten by Jan Brett
A story based on a Ukranian folktale and is great for K-2. Use it to teach cause/effect, implicit reasoning, the character’s feelings, and the author’s tone.
2. Snowballs by Lois Ehlert
Lois Ehlert wrote and illustrated a book called Snowballs, which is a big hit. It’s not just another winter picture book; its artwork is captivating, and kids love discovering what everyday objects are used to adorn the snow families he creates.
3. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
A delightful book showing the adventures of a little boy exploring the snow in a big city.
4. Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester
This book will satisfy the curiosity of your most active little ones. A bit odd and possessing strange habits, Tacky is a lovable character who ultimately surprises everyone.
5. Winter Wonderland by Jill Esbaum
This National Geographic Picture the Season book is a beautiful photograph of the winter landscape. It’s the perfect non-fiction choice for young readers this time of year.
6. The First Day of Winter by Denise Fleming
This is a fun book that includes rhyme and song. You know the 12 Days of Christmas song, right? Then you could sing this book to your kids, and they’ll get a kick. If you can’t sing, they’ll love it even more!
7. Animals in Winter by Henrietta Bancroft
Include Science in your read-aloud by choosing this book. Kids will enjoy looking at the brightly painted pages (in the recently updated version) and learning about animals in their natural habitats.
8. The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder by Mark Cassino
Are your students curious about how snow crystals form, their individuality, and seeing beautiful pictures of real snowflakes? Then, show them this book!
9. Snow by Uri Shulevitz
Enjoy the beautiful story written and illustrated by Caldecott winner with your students. It’s a heartwarming story about hope and wonder that will be a yearly favorite of your own.
10. Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright
Laughter is key to keeping the children’s spirits high before the holiday break. Share this hilarious and silly book with them.
11. Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner
What do snowmen do at night? Pique your students’ interest with the open-ended question, and then read this entertaining book about snowmen’s secret lives.
12. The Biggest Snowman Ever by Steven Kroll
This cute story is the sequel to The Biggest Pumpkin Ever (you may also know that one). Pair it with a writing assignment about building a snowman, and see what cute steps your students describe!
13. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
Play some classical or instrumental music softly, and share the wordless story with your students. The pictures are captivating, and this book is a long-time favorite. There’s even a movie based on the book that you could watch afterward.
14. Polar Bears by Laura Marsh
National Geographic readers are the perfect addition to your classroom bookshelf. In this one, students can learn everything they ever wanted about polar bears.
15. Penguins by Anne Schreiber
This is another National Geographic reader that will enthrall your little animal lovers. Students will learn all about penguin life, habitat, and more while observing photographs of them.
Final Thoughts
Look no further for a better list of primary grade books about winter! These are my top 15 choices; I know you and your students will love them too. These have been the best-loved winter books on my classroom shelves for years.
But why stop there? I see these books as more than just paper and ink. Each one is a versatile tool in your teaching toolkit. Whether you plan to use them for engaging read-aloud sessions during winter days, for focused small group instruction that fosters reading skills, or as fresh and exciting additions to your classroom’s seasonal bookshelf, these titles are sure winners.
These are not just any books; they are the stories with beautiful illustrations that children ask for by name, the ones that they will insist on hearing “just one more time.” They are the books that will make your students giggle, gasp, and grasp the true joy of reading. Enjoy!
More Ideas and Activities About Winter
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