Winter is the perfect season to spend more time snuggled up reading with your little one. Here’s a collection of our favorite winter books for preschoolers for you to start with.
At the end, I’ve included a list you can print out to refer to.
I know a lot of us use Amazon as a go-to-place so I’ve included links but don’t forget you can find many of these books at the library, thrift stores, or yard sales.
This post contains affiliated links. For more information, please read my full disclosure.
Winter Books for Preschoolers
These winter-themed books share the excitment of the season like: sledding, building snowmen, and hibernating animals. There’s even a mystery or two to challenge your little one. These are sure to spark your child’s imagination and provide lots of fun ideas for them to try out themselves this winter. Enjoy the fun!
The Big Fuzzy by Caroline Castle
This is an adorable story about a young girl named Sira and her little brother who live in an igloo in Greenland. Sira’s mother is sick so she and her brother have to go out to catch fish for supper. Her brother’s encounters with a polar bear (Big Fuzzy, as he calls him) are comical. This is a story that illustrates the concept of reaping what you sow in a positive way.
Cozy by Jan Brett
This is an adorable tale of unusual friendships. Cozy is an Alaskan musk ox who gets separated from his family before a big storm. He’s not lonely though. One by one different animals approach him asking permission to use his fur for warmth and he kindly lets them. But first he has to set up house rules because many of the creatures seeking shelter in his fur aren’t naturally friendly to each other in the wild.
January Brings the Snow by Sara Coleridge
This is a beautifully illustrated book with a nursery rhyme about the months of the year. As your child reads through the book he can see the season changing. There are several versions of this book. This version is no longer printed but you may be able to find it at your library – I found this one at an out-of-state thrift store.
Do You Want a Hug? by Kevin Lewis
Do You Want a Hug? is a fun interactive book that’s a BIG hit with preschoolers. Olaf wants to hug the reader (your child), but he thinks your child is playing a game with him. He decides to play hide-and-seek in exchange for a hug. He hides and the reader has to count to ten and then find him. The last two pages open so your child can give Olaf a big hug.
One Winter’s Night by Claire Freedman
This book is brilliantly illustrated! This is a story about kindness. The woodland animals share food with a hungry badger even though they don’t have much themselves. While not a Biblical story it is a great example of reaping what you sow with a wonderful surprise for all the animals at the end.
When Will it Be Spring by Catherine Walters
Alfie is a little bear hibernating during winter – well at least he’s supposed to be. He is so anxious for spring to come that he keeps waking his mom up to ask her if spring has come yet. Preschoolers love this story because Alfie keeps making little mistakes about the signs of spring – like mistaking bats for butterflies and leaves for birds. Children enjoy trying to figure out Alfie’s mistakes before Alfie’s mom can point them out.
The Mitten is a story based on a Ukrainian folktale. This version is brilliantly illustrated by Jan Brett. On a cold winter day, a boy named Nicki loses a mitten that his grandmother had just knitted him. Your child will be drawn into the story as animals, one by one, amazingly slip inside the mitten to keep warm. Everyone is cozy and snug until the meadow mouse comes in. Be sure to check out the pictures on the sidebar of each page – they are telling a story within the story.
This is another version of The Mitten. This story is similar to the book above but it has different animals cozying up inside a mitten on the coldest day of winter, as well as a different ending. Older preschoolers may enjoy reading both of these books and making comparisons between the two.
Sadie and the Snowman by Allen Morgan
Sadie and the Snowman is a classic winter book for preschoolers. Sadie enjoys remaking her snowman over and over during the winter. Saddened to think the snowman will be completely gone when winter ends, Sadie gets an idea to save him! Your child might want to try her idea this winter.
Poppleton in Winter by Cynthia Rylant
Poppleton in Winter is part of the Poppleton Series by Cynthia Rylant. In this book, Poppleton is up to some silly winter fun – like trying to make an icicle garden! Like other books in this series, this book is a great way to introduce easy-to-read short-chapter books to preschoolers. Each chapter is a story by itself.
Dr. Seuss’s Winter Things by Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss’s Winter Things, is a whimsical story following the fun, winter adventures of Thing One and Thing Two. The story is told in simple rhyming text which makes it a fun book for preschoolers
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter is a story about a brother and sister taking a walk and saying, “Hello” to the animals and signs of winter that they see. This book is a great way to introduce the changing of seasons to preschoolers just before winter comes.
Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring by Kenard Pak
Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring, is a good book to read near the end of winter just before spring comes. Similar to the other seasonal books by Kenard Pak, this story follows a boy and his dog on their adventure to say, “Hello” to the signs of winter leaving. This story is told in two voices, the first is the boy talking and the second is nature (snow, ect) talking back to him. This is another great book that introduces the changing of seasons to preschoolers.
The Grasshopper and the Ants by Margaret Wise Brown
There are many versions of this classic Aesop fable The Grasshopper and the Ants. This is one of my favorites. The fable is the story of the ants working hard all day while the grasshopper takes it easy. When winter comes the ants are ready for the harsh weather but the grasshopper isn’t. I like this version because the ants give the grasshopper a second chance and in the end, the grasshopper learns his lesson.
Ten on the Sled by Kim Norman
Ten on the Sled is a winter sledding story about ten animal friends who start out on a sledding adventure. One by one they all fall out. The story is meant to be read in the sing-song style of the popular kid’s song, Ten in the Bed.
Winter is Here by Kevin Henkes
Winter is Here is a beautifully written book with vivid, descriptive words. As preschoolers listen to this story they can image the winter scene being described even if they live in a place that doesn’t have snow.
Big Bear Little Bear by David Bedford
This is a sweet story about a little polar bear wondering what it will be like to be as big as his mommy. Mommy Bear puts Little Bear on her back and gives him a glimpse of what it would be like to be big – running, leaping, and swimming with Little Bear clinging to her tightly. In the end, they both agree they don’t want Little Bear to grow up so fast, at least not just yet.
Winter in the Forest (Lift a Flap Surprise) by Rusty Finch
Winter in the Forest is one of 4 books, each featuring a different season. This book, like the other three in the series, is both a lift-a-flap and pop-up book in one. While this book can certainly be read alone, I personally think it would be more effective if your child has access to all 4 books, (Winter in the Forest, Spring in the Forest, Summer in the Forest, and Autumn in the Forest – all by Rusty Finch) Each has similar scene which makes it easy (and FUN!) for your child to compare the differences they see taking place in each season.
The Missing Mitten Mystery by Steven Kellogg
The Missing Mitten Mystery is a silly story about a little girl with a very creative imagination. She lost one of her mittens and tries to find it. As she’s searching for it, she comes up with possible, silly things that might have happened to it. In the end, she finds her mitten in a most interesting place.
Over and Under The Snow by Kate Messner
Over and Under the Snow lets preschoolers explore “the secret world under the snow”. While a young girl and her dad are out skiing over the snow they discover the amazing world of animals that are living under the snow during the winter. This is told in a fascinating way that will keep a preschooler’s attention. (Shhh! Don’t tell them it’s educational – lol)
Owl Moon is a beautiful adventure story of a young girl who finally gets to go owling with her pa on a cold winter night. This is a timeless classic story following their journey to find a great horned owl. They must be silent. They must be brave. And they must have hope.
Missing Mitten by Stuart J. Murph
Missing Mitten is part of the MathStart series and teaches the math concept of even and odd in a simple way older preschoolers will understand. This story is about a farmer who can’t seem to get the right amount of mittens for each of his farm animals. This is an amusing story told in rhyming text that is sure to keep a child’s attention. As with all of Stuart Murph’s MathStart books, there are suggestions for expanding the math concept taught to help reinforce learning.
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
In Bear Snores On, one by one, Bear’s woodland neighbors come into his cave to escape the winter cold and get warm. As his friends build a fire, enjoy eating snacks, and even throw a party inside his cave – Bear snores on – until he wakes up sneezing.
Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London
Froggy Gets Dressed is a funny story even the youngest preschoolers will enjoy. Froggy wakes up in the middle of winter and wants to go outside and play in the snow. Children love the sound effects that are made as Froggy gets dressed, over and over again, each time forgetting something important he should have put on.
Trouble With Trolls by Jan Brett
This is a winter favorite! Treva climbs a mountain with her dog so they can fly down the other side on her skis. But when she gets to the old trees trouble with the trolls begins. Children love seeing how Treva cleverly outsmarts the trolls and eventually gets to fly down the other side of the mountain. Like many of Jan Brett’s stories, this one has a story within the story told through illustrations at the bottom of each page.
Whose Tracks in the Snow? by Alexandra Milton
Whose Tracks in the Snow? is an interactive book that encourages your child to guess what animal left their tracks in the snow. This book has simple, rhyming text that gives preschoolers clues for each animal ( If your child looks hard enough they may find a glimpse of part of the animal peeking out of its hiding spot.) There is an additional section with brief facts that highlight the animal featured on that page. You can skip these for younger children without affecting the story.
Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner
Snowmen at Night is a fun and imaginative tale, where a child shares his ideas of what he thinks snowmen do during the night. Brought to life with rhyming text we see snowmen, sliding, drinking ice-cold cocoa, playing games, and having all sorts of exciting adventures.
As an added feature, this book has hidden illustrations on some of the pages – be sure to look for Santa in the snow, a bunny in the snow, a bunny cloud, a dinosaur on the moon, another dino in the snow, a dino on a fence and a cat shadow on a sidewalk.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
The Snowy Day is another timeless classic. Peter wakes up to find that it snowed. The story follows Peter’s winter adventures as he makes tracks, builds a snowman, makes snow angels, and even tries to save a snowball in his pocket. Preschoolers will be delighted following Peter’s adventures because it gives them ideas of things they can do too.
Winter Lullaby by Dianne White
Winter Lullaby is a charming story told in rhyming text and shares a sweet adventure of a baby bear observing his animal friends getting ready for their winter nap. With each encounter, Little Bear has questions which Mama Bear patiently answers. The simple way Mama Bears answers her little cub makes this a great intro to hibernation for preschoolers.
When Winter Comes by Aimée M. Bissonette
When Winter Comes is a story about a family enjoying the outdoors while at the same time becoming aware of all the animals that are sharing the same winter wonderland with them.
A Loud Winter’s Nap by Katy Hudson
In A Loud Winter’s Nap Tortoise thinks he doesn’t like winter and tries over and over again to find a quiet napping place. When a bed he finds turns out to be a sled that takes him down a snowy hill, Tortoise realizes maybe winter isn’t so bad after all.
The Snowy Nap is a story about a hedgehog named Hedgie who decides he wants to stay up this winter and see all the wonderful things the other farm animals get to see. Like all Jan Brett books, the illustrations are beautiful and full of details.
Winter Books for Beginner Readers
These are wonderful winter books for beginner readers. The text is designed to help new readers build confidence in their reading skills while at the same time enjoying a good story. Even if your child isn’t a beginner reader yet these are books they will still enjoy as read-alouds.
Snowball Soup by Mercer Mayer
Little Critter and his sister enjoy a fun day playing in the snow. Before they go inside for lunch they make a big pot of snowball soup for their snowman. When they come back out they are shocked to see their snowball soup is being eaten, but not by the snowman.
Footprints in the Snow by Cynthia Benjamin
Footprints in the Snow is a great beginner-reader book about animals trying to get home as a snowstorm starts.
Plenty of Penguins by Sonia W. Black
This is a great introduction to the world of penguins, told by a penguin expert – the penguin himself! This cute little fellow shares simple interesting facts about penguins that preschoolers will be excited to listen to. The remarkable illustrations make this book even better.
Charlie the Ranch Dog: Charlie’s Snow Day Ree Drummond
Charlie the Ranch Dog: Charlie’s Snow Day follows Charlie’s adventures as he enjoys a winter snow day with his friends and family. This book makes a fun way to practice reading.
Fox Versus Winter by Corey R Tabor
Fox Versus Winter is a story about a fox whose friends all took off for the winter. Fox eventually decides to join them but can’t because he waited too long. So, he decides to go to sleep instead. But that doesn’t work, so he decides to fight winter. That doesn’t work either. Then he meets Rabbit who helps him to see that maybe winter isn’t so bad after all.
Here Comes the Snow by Angela Shelf Medearis
Here Comes the Snow is a story about two children who are waiting for the snow to come and then all the winter fun they have together when it arrives.
Millions of Snowflakes by Mark McKenna Siddals
A little boy shares his snow adventures in a simple short story. Even though it’s not marked as a beginner reader book, the predictable, rhyming words, and familiar vocabulary make this a good choice for beginner readers to practice reading.
A Bed for the Winter by Karen Wallace
A Bed for the Winter This book is about a dormouse on her quest to find a bed before winter sets in. She passes a number of other creatures on her journey for a perfect spot. The book uses short sentences and repeated text and It’s packed with colorful photos children will love!
Henry and Mudge in the Sparkle Days by Cynthia Rylant
Henry and Mudge enjoy winter adventures together in this 3 chapter book – Sparkle Days, Christmas Eve Dinner, and Firelight. Each story can stand alone. The first is about Henry and Mudge waiting for the first snow. The second is about the family’s Christmas Eve Dinner and the third is about a night walk the family takes together and making a wish on a shooting star.
Snow by P.D.Eastman
Snow is another tried and true classic. This book is about the many adventures children can have on a snowy winter day. The text is done in simple rhymes, typical of a Dr. Seuss book.
Be sure to print out your Winter Book List!
Looking For More Winter Activities?
We have a fun Mitten Match-up Game and Winter Bible Coloring Pages in our Etsy Store. Both would be great follow-up winter activities for some of these books.
Be sure to also check out these book lists:
- Christmas Books for Preschoolers
- Groundhog Day Books for Preschoolers
- Valentine Books for Preschoolers
Hi! I’m Debbie Brown. I created Tothood 101 because I’m passionate about sharing preschool activity ideas, and resources I’ve gleaned from 20+ years of experience teaching preschoolers at home and in the classroom. My goal is to encourage, guide, and help inspire you to make learning SUPER FUN for your preschooler at home! Check out the ABOUT page to learn more.
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