35 Best Winter Books for Kids: Cozy Reads for Snowy Days (2025 Edition)

The world is filled with wonderful books, and winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a great story! ❄️📚 Whether it’s snowflakes, sledding, or snowy adventures, winter-themed books can spark imagination, teach valuable lessons, and create lasting memories for kids. Here are 35 of our favorite winter books for kids that are sure to delight readers of all ages—this is not an exhaustive list, as there are so many more out there! We hope you enjoy these as much as we do, and if you haven’t read them yet, now’s the perfect time to dive in.

1. The Biggest Snowman Ever by Steven Kroll and Jeni Bassett

Written by: Steven Kroll (2005)

Synopsis: Two little mice, Clayton and Desmond, team up to build the biggest snowman ever for their town’s snowman contest.

Lesson Learned: Teamwork makes the dream work!

2. Imogene’s Antlers by David Small

Written by: David Small (1985)

Synopsis: Imogene wakes up one morning to find she’s grown antlers! This whimsical story follows her hilarious attempts to live with her new “accessory.”

Lesson Learned: Embrace what makes you unique.

3. The First Day of Winter by Denis Fleming

Written by: Denise Fleming (2012)

Synopsis: This cozy, cumulative tale follows the first ten days of winter, where a child receives special gifts to build the most perfect snowman ever. From one hat to ten birdseed treats, each day brings a new surprise, making it a delightful read-aloud for kids.

Lesson Learned: Winter is full of simple, joyful surprises, and creativity can turn everyday items into something magical.

4. The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder by Mark Cassino

Written by: Mark Cassino (2009)

Synopsis: A beautifully illustrated book that explains the science behind snowflakes and how they form.

Lesson Learned: Nature is full of magic and wonder.

5. Lemonade in Winter by Emily Jenkins

Written by: Emily Jenkins (2012)

Synopsis: Two siblings set up a lemonade stand in the middle of winter, learning about money and determination along the way.

Lesson Learned: Persistence pays off, even in the coldest weather.

6. Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Written by: Jacqueline Briggs Martin (1998)

Synopsis: The true story of Wilson Bentley, a man who dedicated his life to photographing snowflakes.

Lesson Learned: Passion and curiosity can lead to extraordinary discoveries.

7. The Reader by Amy Hest

Written by: Amy Hest (2012)

Synopsis: A boy and his dog brave the snow to deliver a special gift to a neighbor.

Lesson Learned: Kindness and bravery go hand in hand.

8. Thomas’ Snowsuit by Robert Munsch

Written by: Robert Munsch (1985)

Synopsis: A hilarious tale about Thomas, who refuses to wear his snowsuit, leading to a comical battle with his teacher and mom.

Lesson Learned: Sometimes, a little compromise is needed.

9. A Tale of Two Snowmen by Jill Eggleton

Written by: Joy Hall (2014)

Synopsis: When two snowmen named Jack and Bob realize the hot sun is coming, they refuse to melt away without a fight! This whimsical, rhyming story follows their adventurous journey to stay “chilled out” as they come up with a plan to avoid turning into puddles.

Lesson Learned: Never give up on your dreams, no matter what others say—creativity and determination can lead to amazing adventures!

10. Houndsley and Catina by James Howe

Written by: James Howe (2006)

Synopsis: Houndsley and Catina navigate friendship and winter adventures together.

Lesson Learned: True friends stick together through thick and thin.

11. Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester

Written by: Helen Lester (1988)

Synopsis: Tacky, the odd penguin, saves the day with his unique personality.

Lesson Learned: Being different can be a superpower.

12. This Place in the Snow by Rebecca Bond

Written by: Rebecca Bond (2004)

Synopsis: A snowy hill becomes a magical playground for kids in this poetic story.

Lesson Learned: Winter is a time for imagination and play.

13. Lucia and the Light by Phyllis Root

Written by: Phyllis Root (2006)

Synopsis: Lucia embarks on a brave journey to bring back the sun during a dark winter.

Lesson Learned: Courage can light up even the darkest days.

14. The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Written by: Laura Ingalls Wilder (1940)

Synopsis: The Ingalls family faces a harsh winter in this classic tale of resilience.

Lesson Learned: Perseverance and family can get you through tough times.

15. In the Snow: Who’s Been Here? by Lindsay Barrett George

Written by: Lindsay Barrett George (1995)

Synopsis: Two children explore the snowy woods, discovering animal tracks and clues.

Lesson Learned: Nature is full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered.

16. The Tree Snow Bears by Jan Brett

Written by: Jan Brett (1994)

Synopsis: A cozy story about a bear family preparing for winter.

Lesson Learned: Preparation and family are key to weathering life’s storms.

17. When Winter Comes by Nancy Van Laan

Written by: Nancy Van Laan (2000)

Synopsis: A lyrical exploration of how animals and nature adapt to winter.

Lesson Learned: Change is a natural part of life.

18. The Twelve Days of Winter by Deborah Lee Rose

Written by: Deborah Lee Rose (2006)

Synopsis: A classroom counts down the twelve days of winter with fun activities.

Lesson Learned: Winter is a time for creativity and learning.

19. The Iciest, Diciest, Scariest Sled Ride Ever by Rebecca Rule

Written by: Rebecca Rule (2003)

Synopsis: A group of kids takes on the ultimate sledding challenge.

Lesson Learned: Adventure is all about teamwork and courage.

20. Grandmother Winter by Phyllis Root

Written by: Phyllis Root (1999)

Synopsis: Grandmother Winter shakes her featherbed to create snow, bringing magic to the world.

Lesson Learned: Winter is a time of wonder and transformation.

21. Snow Ponies by Cynthia Cotten

Written by: Cynthia Cotten (2001)

Synopsis: A child imagines snow ponies galloping through the winter night.

Lesson Learned: Imagination can turn the ordinary into something magical.

22. Winter Walk by Virginia Brimhall Snow

Written by: Virginia Brimhall Snow (2014)

Synopsis: A grandmother and grandchild explore the winter woods, discovering animal tracks and nature’s beauty.

Lesson Learned: Winter is a time for exploration and connection.

23. On a Wintry Morning by Dori Chaconas

Written by: Dori Chaconas (2003)

Synopsis: It is a tender and heartwarming story that captures the special bond between a father and his infant daughter as they embark on a sleigh ride on a crisp winter morning

Lesson Learned: Simple moments can be the most joyful.

24. Dear Rebecca, Winter Is Here by Jean Craighead George

Written by: Jean Craighead George (1993)

Synopsis: A grandmother writes to her granddaughter about the arrival of winter.

Lesson Learned: Winter is a season of change and beauty.

25. Grandma Drove the Snowplow by Katie Clark

Written by: Katie Clark (2005)

Synopsis: Grandma saves the day when a snowstorm hits and the snowplow driver gets stuck.

Lesson Learned: Age is just a number—anyone can be a hero!

26. Seven Little Mice Have Fun on the Ice by Haruo Yamashita

Written by: Haruo Yamashita (2005)

Synopsis: Seven little mice enjoy a day of ice skating and winter fun.

Lesson Learned: Winter is a time for family and laughter.

27. Little Caribou by Sarah Fox-Davies

Written by: Sarah Fox-Davies (2000)

Synopsis: A young caribou learns to navigate the challenges of winter.

Lesson Learned: Growing up means facing challenges with courage.

28. White Snow, Bright Snow by Alvin Tresselt

Written by: Alvin Tresselt (1947)

Synopsis: A poetic story about the first snowfall and how it transforms a town.

Lesson Learned: Winter brings beauty and change to the world.

29. The Mitten by Jan Brett

Written by: Jan Brett (1989)

Synopsis: A young boy loses his mitten in the snow, and one by one, woodland animals squeeze inside to stay warm.

Lesson Learned: Sharing and kindness can bring unexpected joy.

30. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

Written by: Jane Yolen (1987)

Synopsis: A young girl and her father go owling on a quiet, snowy night, sharing a magical moment in nature.

Lesson Learned: Patience and quiet observation can lead to beautiful experiences.

31. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

Written by: Ezra Jack Keats (1962)

Synopsis: A young boy named Peter explores the wonders of a snowy day, from making footprints to building snowmen.

Lesson Learned: Simple moments can be full of wonder and joy.

32. Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton

Written by: Virginia Lee Burton (1943)

Synopsis: Katy, a brave and hardworking snowplow, saves the town after a massive snowstorm.

Lesson Learned: Determination and hard work can make a big difference.

33. Winter Is Here by Kevin Henkes

Written by: Kevin Henkes (2018)

Synopsis: A lyrical exploration of winter, from snowflakes to cozy moments by the fire.

Lesson Learned: Winter is a season of beauty, change, and quiet reflection.

34. Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner

Written by: Kate Messner (2011)

Synopsis: A child and their father explore the hidden world of animals living under the snow.

Lesson Learned: There’s a whole world of life beneath the winter surface.

35. Snow by Uri Shulevitz

Written by: Uri Shulevitz (1998)

Synopsis: A boy and his dog experience the magic of the first snowfall in a bustling city.

Lesson Learned: Even in a busy world, snow can bring quiet magic.

Why This List is Perfect for Your Family

These books are not only entertaining but also educational, teaching kids about teamwork, kindness, and the beauty of winter. Whether you’re looking for a cozy read-aloud or a fun story to spark imagination, these books are sure to delight kids of all ages.

Did we miss any of your favorite winter books for kids? Let us know in the comments below! 📚❄️ And don’t forget to save this list for your next cozy reading session. Share it with your friends and family to spread the winter reading joy and the Traveler Butterfly love! Happy reading!