Winter Books for Kids – Kindergarten, Preschool, Toddler

Get ready to cuddle up and read some fantastic winter books kindergarten, preschool, toddlers, and elementary age students! This selection of 50 winter books for kindergarten is perfect for improving vocabulary and literacy skills while having fun. The delightful stories in these children’s books are perfect for January.

winter books kindergarten

Get ready to cuddle up and dive into a world of imagination with our selection of 50 winter books perfect for kindergarten, preschool, toddlers, and elementary students! As January brings the chilly weather, it’s the ideal time to snuggle under a warm blanket and explore delightful stories that foster a love for reading.

These carefully chosen winter-themed books not only entertain but also play a crucial role in improving vocabulary and literacy skills for young readers. Engaging storylines, whimsical illustrations, and rich language will captivate children’s imagination, while simultaneously enhancing their understanding of words and phrases.

Research has shown that reading aloud to children can significantly boost their literacy development, especially during the formative years. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, reading books with children helps to build their vocabulary and listening skills. These winter tales offer relatable themes and characters that encourage kids to connect with the stories and the world around them.

From classic winter adventures to heartwarming tales of friendship and giving, each book provides an opportunity for discussions that can expand vocabulary and comprehension. Parents and educators will find a wealth of resources within this collection to inspire young minds and foster a lifelong love for reading.

As you settle in for the season, choose some of these fantastic winter reads to experience the joy and magic of storytelling with your little ones.

We have lots more kindergarten books recommendations to choose from! Plus don’t miss fluffy homemade snow slime, literacy winter worksheets for kindergarten, cute winter math worksheets pdf, there was a cold lady who swallowed some snow activities, and tons of fun winter activities for kids of all ages!

winter books for kindergarten

Barn in Winter was written by Chambrae Griffith and illustrated by Taia Morley. This cozy winter book visits a farm draped in snow, and all the farm animals dozing in the comfy barn. The simple text is paired with beautiful illustrations showing the animals all cozy and warm in the barn and the peaceful snowy weather.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Winter was written by Eric Carle. In this cute board book, the rhyming text and colorful illustrations highlight the sights and sounds of a winter day, and all the fun things that you can do.

Biscuit’s Snowy Day was written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and illustrated by Pat Schories. Join Biscuit, the beloved puppy, and friends as they head out to play in the snow and build a snowman together.

Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter was written by Kenard Pak. In this book, a brother and sister take a walk around town and notice all of the changes in nature that autumn and winter bring.

The Snow Thief was written by Alice Hemming and illustrated by Nicola Slater. Squirrel has never seen snow before, but just as he decides he likes it, it disappears! This cute book explores the changing of the seasons in an entertaining way.

winter kindergarten books

What’s a Season? Winter was written by Kelly Grettler. This cute rhyming book shares some of the fun things to do in winter, and the adorable illustrations show a group of kids in brightly colored winter gear enjoying wintry games and activities.

The Biggest Snowman Ever was written by Steven Kroll and illustrated by Jeni Bassett. Follow Clayton and Desmond, two determined little mice, as they work together to win their town’s snowman contest.

There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow was written by Lucille Colandro and illustrated by Jared Lee. This repeating book follows the old lady as she swallows a bunch of winter themed items and coughs up a wintry surprise at the end.

Snowmen at Night was written by Caralyn Buehner and illustrated by Mark Buehner. In this creative story, the rhyming text and soft illustrations imagine what snowmen get up to at night when humans have gone to sleep. Kids will love watching the snowmen participate in familiar activities.

The Snowy Nap was written by Jan Brett. Hedgie the hedgehog doesn’t want to hibernate this year and miss out on all the wintry fun. But when a snowstorm hits, he is unprepared and has to be rescued.

Snow was written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Lauren Stringer. This lyrical book uses descriptive and figurative language to describe the different types of snow and the feelings they bring. The beautiful illustrations highlight the beauty of snow and fun of the season.

best winter books for kindergarten

Winter is Here was written by Kevin Henkes and illustrated by Laura Dronzek. This sweet and simple book explores the joys of the winter season with easy to read text and adorable illustrations.

Pete the Cat: Snow Daze was written by James Dean and illustrated by Kimberly Dean. When school is cancelled because of snow, Pete the Cat can’t wait to spend the day outside with his friends. But when one snow day becomes another, he realizes there can be too much of a good thing.

Ten on the Sled was written by Kim Norman and illustrated by Liza Woodruff. This winter themed version of the popular children’s song “Ten on the Bed” follows a group of animals speeding down the hill on a sled. But one by one, the animals fall off, until only one is left.

A Thing Called Snow was written by Yuval Zommer. Fox and Hare have never experienced snow before. When the first snow begins to fall, they are impressed by the beauty of the season.

Just a Snowman was written by Mercer Mayer. Join Little Critter as he enjoys a snow day and goes out to build a snowman. But while he helps everyone else, will he have time to make his snowman?

The Snowy Day was written by Ezra Jack Keats. This classic book follows a young boy named Peter as he makes his way around the city in his snowsuit marveling at the first snow of the season.

best winter books for preschool

The Mitten was written by Jan Brett. When a young boy named Nicki drops his mitten in the snow, a growing group of animals find it and climb into it to hide from the cold weather.

Snow was written by Uri Shulevitz. When snowflakes start to fall, no one in this story thinks it will amount to anything. But one boy and his dog know that the snowflakes will lead to something spectacular.

Biscuit’s Snow Day Race was written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and illustrated by Pat Schories. Join Biscuit the beloved puppy for lots of snow day fun in this early reader.

Snowballs was written by Lois Ehlert. This adorable book uses simple text and colorful collage illustrations to celebrate the joys of winter as the narrator builds a snowman with found items.

Owl Moon was written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by John Schoenherr. Join a young girl and her father as they go owling one winter night.

Splat the Cat and the Snowy Day Surprise was written by Rob Scotton. Jon Splat the Cat and Seymour as they spend their snow day sledding, building a snow fort, and playing in the snow.

Fancy Nancy: There’s No Day Like a Snow Day was written by Jane O’Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. When a blizzard cancels school, Nancy, Jojo, Bree and Freddy are ready to have all kinds of snowy fun together.

Winter Sleep: A Hibernation Story was written by Sean Taylor and Alex Morss and illustrated by Cinyee Chiu. This peaceful story follows a young child and his grandmother as they wander through the woods in winter surrounded by animals sleeping for the season.

kindergarten winter books

The Berenstain Bears’ Winter Wonderland was written by Jan & Mike Berenstain. Join the beloved Bear family as they enjoy all kinds of wintry fun on a snowy day. Kids will love watching the bear cubs skating, sledding, skiing, and enjoying

Curious George in the Snow was written by Margaret and H.A. Rey. When George and the man in the yellow hat go to a winter sports competition, George’s curiosity gets the best of him and he explores the different winter sports.

The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice was written by Wendy Pfeffer and illustrated by Jesse Reisch. This lyrical book explores all the changes that come with the winter solstice and the changing of the seasons. It is paired with beautiful, colorful illustrations showing people and animals preparing for the winter season.

Winter Wonderland was written by Jill Esbaum. This nonfiction book from National Geographic Kids introduces readers to the winter season and different winter traditions. The informative text is paired with brightly colored photographs highlighting the traditions of winter.

Fox versus Winter was written by Corey B. Tabor. This early reader follows a little fox who does not like winter. is a charming tale of a clever fox who cleverly navigates the challenges of winter, showcasing themes of resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.

Books for preschoolers about winter

Little Owl’s Snow was written by Divya Srinivasan. Join the adorable Little Owl and his raccoon friend as they enjoy the beauty of the first snow of winter. The story is paired with cute illustrations of the big eyed Owl enjoying the joys of the winter season.

Katy and the Big Snow was written by Virginia Lee Burton. This book follows Katy, a brave little tractor, as she pushes a snowplow in the winter and allows townspeople to do their jobs.

Winter Days in the Big Woods was written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and illustrated by Renee Graef. Join Laura and Mary from Little House on the Prairie as they help their mother with chores and prepare for winter in the woods.

When Winter Comes was written by Aimee M. Bissonette and illustrated by Erin Hourigan. Join a family as they travel through the snow covered woods, celebrating all the wildlife living in the snowy forest.

A Cozy Winter Day was written by Eliza Wheeler. In this sweet story, the animals of Acorn Village participate in all kinds of activities perfect for a cozy winter day. Kids will love seeing the little animals doing their favorite cozy day activities too.

Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! was written by Maureen Wright and illustrated by Will Hillenbrand. Winter means it is time for Big Bear to hibernate, but he doesn’t hear very well and he keeps misunderstanding what Old Man Winter is telling him to do.

Winter Dance was written by Marion Dane Bauer and illustrated by Richard Jones. Winter is coming, so a fox makes his way around visiting his woodland friends and finding out what they are doing to prepare for winter.

Winter Pony was written by Jean Slaughter Doty and illustrated by Ruth Sanderson. Join a little girl named Ginny and her pony Mokey as they venture out into the snowy woods to have all kinds of wintry fun together.

Snow Dog Marley was written by John Grogan and illustrated by Richard Cowdrey. It’s a snow day, which means Marley could easily get into some mischief. But to his family’s surprise, Marley is on his best behavior in the snow.

Ten Ways to Hear Snow was written by Cathy Camper and illustrated by Kenard Pak. In this thoughtful book, a young girl named Lina walks to her grandmother’s house in the snow, and discovers all kinds of easily overlooked things on a snowy day.

winter books for preschool

The First Day of Winter was written by Denise Fleming. This winter twist on the song “The 12 Days of Christmas” celebrates each of the first 10 days of winter with a special gift for a friend. Kids will love singing along with the text.

The Story of Snow was written by Mark Cassino and Jon Nelson. In this nonfiction book readers are introduced to tons of fascinating facts about snow, from how it forms to how each snowflake can be different. The text is accompanied by large, clear photographs of snowflakes.

Charlie the Ranch Dog: Charlie’s Snow Day was written by Ree Drummond and illustrated by Diane deGroat. This early reader follows Charlie the Ranch Dog as he heads out to play in the snow. But when Walter goes missing, Charlie has to put play aside and get to work.

Ty’s Travels: Winter Wonderland was written by Kelly Starling Lyons and illustrated by Nina Mata. Join a young boy named Ty as his big imagination takes him and his mom on a trip to the North Pole.

Zack’s Alligator and the First Snow was written by Shirley Mozelle and illustrated by James Watts. In this early reader, Bridget the alligator grows from a keychain size to full grown alligator, and enjoys all kinds of wintry fun with her friend Zack.

All About Animals in Winter was written by Martha E.H. Rustad. Different kinds of animals react to winter in different ways. This nonfiction book uses simple language and colorful photographs to show how animals adapt to the winter season.

Snowflake Bentley was written by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and illustrated by Mary Azarian. This picture book biography shares the true story of Wilson Bentley and how his fascination with snow led to him creating detailed photographs of snowflakes.

Curious About Snow was written by Gina Shaw. This nonfiction book is packed with information about snow, sharing how snow is formed and other fascinating facts about it. The text is full of important nonfiction text features including captions, bolded vocabulary, and more.

Animals in Winter was written by Henrietta Bancroft and Richard G. Van Gelder and illustrated by Helen K. Davie. In this nonfiction winter book, readers learn all about how different animals adapt to the winter season. The easy to read text is paired with colorful illustrations of the different animals.

Over and Under the Snow was written by Kate Messner. Join a young child and father as they ski into the snowy woods and explore all the animal life living beneath the surface of the snow.