We had our first snow a couple of weeks ago in Minnesota, so it’s safe to say that winter is on the way. How better to celebrate than by reading all the little kids winter books? (Non-lyrical Christmas music is allowed in our household, but nothing truly holly jolly until after Thanksgiving… idk why, it’s just the rule!)
I think we’ve read every book about the seasons and different holidays at our library. We are huge fans of Jan Brett (not so much Beatrix Potter–some of those are a little creepy). My olders also love books about the natural changes that take place as the seasons change, especially when we can get outside and see it in action later!
Our Favorite Little Kids Books About Winter
- Gingerbread Baby. A boy, Matty, checks on his gingerbread man too soon and it escapes from the oven! The village unsuccessfully attempts to catch the cookie, but Matty knows just what to do.
- The Wild Christmas Reindeer. This is a cute twist on how the North Pole prepares for Christmas Eve. It’s a good lesson about patience and communication for littles, too.
- The Mitten. Nikki wants white mittens, but they’re easy to lose in the snow. The lost mitten makes a good home for animals, though!
- The Hat. Hedgie gets stuck in a sock and pretends it’s intentional. He inspires the other animals on the farm to find their own hats.
- The Three Snow Bears. It’s Goldilocks and the three bears, but set in the Arctic.
- Over and Under the Snow. A dad and his child go cross-country skiing in the fresh snow and watch what all the forest animals do in wintertime.
- Winter Sleep. A grandmother and her grandson visit their favorite spot in the woods in wintertime. The boy is upset that none of the animals are there anymore, but his grandma teaches him all about hibernation.
- Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter. A girl goes for a walk through the woods and city. She notes all of the seasonal changes that happen as the weather grows colder.
- Once Upon a Winter Day. A boy follows the tracks of a mouse through the woods and finds clues about what other wildlife get up to during the winter, too.
- The Snowy Day. The classic about a little boy who goes out to play in the snow in the city and tries to save a snowball afterwards.
- Lucia Morning in Sweden. This is a great book that teaches about a non-American cultural tradition (although, some people in Minnesota do celebrate Lucia Day!). Two sisters and a brother prepare for and enjoy the Swedish holiday with their family and classmates.
- The Shortest Day. This book explains what the winter solstice is and how it’s been celebrated throughout history by different civilizations.
Your Favorites?
I have two favorites that aren’t on this list. First, a book about Hannukah that I had when I was little; it does a great job of explaining the holiday for non-Jewish kids. I can’t remember the title now. And of course, The Night Before Christmas! My family owns a pop-up version (from The Book Loft in Columbus, OH I think) that’s not in print anymore. My parents read it to me growing up and now my mom reads it to my kids 🙂
What are your favorite winter or holiday books for little kids?
xx Claire
