Brrr…it’s cold outside. Do you spend more time inside on chilly winter days? I know we do. And, that means that we have more time to read. Here is our list of not-to-be-missed winter books for preschoolers. It’s one of our lists of books about seasons.
This is a list filled with new discoveries, classics, all-around favorites, and very special books about snowmen. Keep reading.
Winter Themed Books for Preschool
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Newer Winter Favorite Read-Alouds
Here are some recently published books that are worth a read.
Counting Winter by Nancy White Carlstrom takes us north to see lots of animals who enjoy the winter scenery while counting up to twelve. The scratchboard art is what really makes this book shine.
A Cozy Winter Day by Eliza Wheeler leaves you with all the cozy vibes. Snuggle up with all the forest animals as they prepare their lodgings for warmth and comfort. You will be inspired to cozy up your own space.
Winter A Solstice Story by Kelsey E. Gross is beautifully illustrated by Renata Liwska. All of the forest animals come together to shed light and hope on the solstice. A cozy winter read.
Winter Lullaby by Dianne White is the story of a little bear questioning why it needs to go to bed for the winter when all the other animals appear to be awake and up. But, gently mama bear explains that each animal will find shelter for the winter and they need to do the same. For when it is spring, they will wake up together.
Best in Snow by April Pulley Sayre wins the most beautiful book on the list. I’ve always been a fan of Pulley’s work especially Raindrops Roll. The text is simple, but it’s full of wintry vocabulary.
Bunny Slopes by Rueda is an interactive book. Kids shake the book to make it snow and help the bunny down the slopes. Pure fun!
Sleep Tight Farm: A Farm Prepares for Winter by Eugenie Doyle is the story of how a farm is put to sleep for the winter. A neat look at all the preparations that have to be done if you live on a farm.
First Snow by Bomi Park reminds us what it feels like to wake up to the very first snow of the season.
If you are lucky enough to live or visit near the poles, then you might just catch the magnificent light show in the sky. Seeking an Aurora by Elizabeth Pufford is the story of a boy and his father in search of the splendor in the sky.
Taking a Walk Winter in the City by Sue Tarsky will inspire you to take a walk with the kids too. Because there is so much to see and do in the city. The cumulative text in this book makes it a fun read-aloud and children will be engaged with the story as they seek out to find items named in the busy illustrations. Take a walk with the students after reading and create your own class book about what you see too.
Hedgehog’s Home for Winter by Elena Ulyeva takes us on a journey with Hedgehog as he checks in on the forest friends before settling in for the winter hibernation. Some of his friends bunker down for the winter, some migrate, and some are equipped to live and work throughout the cold winter days.
Twelve Days of Winter by Sherri Maret is sung/read to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” We are introduced to all the wildlife one might see in winter from moose to trout to cardinals. A fun way to talk about winter animals, counting, and noticing details. Compare that moose from the beginning of the story to the end. What do you notice?
Hiders Seekers Finders Keepers: How Animals Adapt in Winter by Jessica Kulekijan takes us underground and all around to see how animals from bees to box turtles adapt to the cold. For younger preschoolers, you can just read the main text and for those with longer attention spans, you can enjoy all the sidebars.
Classic Winter Favorites for Preschool
Some of our oldest favorites that every preschooler should enjoy.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jacks Keats is a classic and is on my list of books that every child should hear before kindergarten. There is now a video of the story too. If you are an Amazon Prime member you can watch for free. And, don’t miss the theme song to the movie done by Boys II Men.
Bonus: Don’t miss the new book, A Poem for Peter which is all about The Snowy Day.
The Mitten by Jan Brett has been a favorite for years. Just how many animals can fit inside one mitten? You can even print out a set of mittens and animals from Brett’s site.
Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton has been read at least 50 times in our house. It’s always a winter favorite to watch Katy plow the streets of the town.
More Winter Books for Preschoolers
Here are more great titles to enjoy during the cold winter season.
Blizzard by John Rocco is one of my favorites on the list. Imagine getting so much snow that just about everything is closed in the town. The snow is so deep you can’t walk. But, there is much fun to have in a blizzard too.
Big Snow by Jonathan Bean is a great book to read with Blizzard. It’s all about that anticipation kids have right before that big snowstorm comes.
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner is an interesting look at what goes on underground beneath all the snow.
The Shortest Day Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer provides us some science background about the shortest day of our year.
Winter is Coming by Tony Johnston is full of gorgeous illustrations depicting the changing landscape as we move into winter.
Winter Days in the Big Woods takes us back in history to see what life in the winter is like in a log cabin with Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Winter Wonderland by Jill Esbaum showcases some beautiful photography capturing winter beauty.
Snow is Falling by Franklin Branley is another one that provides us the science behind winter.
Tracks in the Snow by Wong Herbert Yee is the simple story of a little girl following the tracks in the snow. Who do they belong to?
Red Sled by Lita Judge is an almost wordless book. A little one leaves a sled outside and during the night the animal creatures have a great time with it.
Books About Snowmen
One of the things that preschoolers most look forward to during winter is building a snowman. Here are some of our favorite books about snowmen.
Snowmen at Play by Caralyn Buehner was read nightly in our house for most of one winter. Not only is it fun to watch the antics of snowmen who come alive, but you can also hunt for a little mouse on each page spread. Snowmen at Work and Snowmen at Night are other favorites.
Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright is the story of a snowman who is just so cold that he tries to warm himself up, but what do you think happens to a snowman if it gets warm?
And, make sure to enjoy these Sneezy the Snowman activities too.—> Sneezy the Snowman Book Activities
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs is a wordless book which is one of the reasons I love to use it with preschoolers. It’s a great way to get little ones to study the illustrations and build their language skills by describing the story.
Snowman’s Story by Will Hillenbrand is another wordless book. It is the story of a snowman who comes to life and reads to his new friends. While he sleeps, a little bunny pops out of his hat and takes his book. The chase begins to hunt down the book and they find that it’s being put to good use. In the end, everyone gets to enjoy the book! It’s a perfect book to kick off a winter reading picnic.
For more books about snowmen, see this list.—> Books About Snowmen
So, cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy this list of winter books for preschoolers (and big kids too.)
Printable Winter Book List
Grab a printable list of the books above. It’s great for taking to the library or putting with your winter lesson plans.
RELATED POSTS
Books About Bears (includes books about hibernation)
P.S. Need more reading winter ideas? Get our Winter Preschool Literacy Unit full of reading and literacy activities.—>Get the Winter Preschool Literacy Unit
This post first appeared on Growing Book by Book on December 15, 2016 and has been since updated in 2021 and 2023.
allison longley says
Jodie — I am an elementary school Librarian (preK – 4th) and i love your lists of books. just looking at the winter one today (some of these titles i have in my library, but not all). i was wondering if you have any book lists in a printable format? usually, i just write down a few that i’m interested in, but printing would be easier. thanks!
Jodie Rodriguez says
Yes! Almost all of my book lists come with a free printable list including this winter book list. Just scroll about two-thirds of the way down the page and look for the purple printer button. Enjoy!