Winter Books for Children - a Collection Curated by Cindy Anderson

Several weeks ago, my area experienced several days of extreme weather, including slanting winds and frigid temperatures. When the evening thermometer was going to descend below freezing, I ventured outside to cover our outdoor faucets in preparation.

All of a sudden, I felt something ice cold sprinkling the back of my neck. I turned around and looked up to see the most beautiful snow flurries I have ever seen. The wind was blowing them in mini cyclones, and I stood to watch the flurries dance under the spotlights and street lights. I ran inside, grabbed my dog, and we enjoyed a long walk in the short-lived snow. The beauty and surprise of it all made it feel magical.

Winter can be hard. It just is. If you search enough, though, you will find moments of beauty that will surprise you.

I’ve chosen books for this list that remind us of winter’s beauty in nature, community, and snowfalls. I hope you find moments of quiet to read and enjoy these winter-themed stories.

Twelve Kinds of Ice by Ellen Bryan Obed

Twenty vignettes, filled with lovely pen-and-ink illustrations, describe the beauty and excitement of each kind of winter ice. Once the skating ice arrives, a family creates their annual backyard skating rink, and hockey games, figure skating, neighborhood gatherings, and skating parties commence. This book is a lovely celebration of winter and childhood.

(Recommended ages 5-10)

Wind Honey from the Moon by Kenneth Kraegel

It’s a cold winter evening, and baby shrew is terribly sick. Mother shrew learns that the only cure for her little one is wild honey from the moon. Brave mother shrew embarks on a grand adventure to bring wild honey from the moon to save her baby. She encounters owls, mares, butterflies, and angry bees, but nothing will keep her from her task. This clever and sweet story makes a perfect winter read.

(Recommended ages 5-9)

A Snow Day for Amos McGee by Philip and Erin Stead

A Snow Day is the newest addition to the Amos McGee books. Amos is waiting and waiting for a winter snowstorm. When it finally arrives, he must tend to each of his animal friends. Erin created her illustrations using a woodblock printing process that yields soft, detailed images. The interactions between Amos and the animals are delightful.

(Recommended ages 3-7)

Winter is Here by Kevin Henkes

Winter is Here is part of Kevin Henkes’ Seasonal Book series for young children. The bright illustrations and short-and-sweet wording work perfectly together to introduce children to the wonders of winter.

(Recommended ages 2-7)

Snow by Uri Shulevitz

A boy and his dog celebrate the first snowflake. Then two snowflakes. Then, a snowstorm transforms the gray city. The short lyrical text and whimsical illustrations invite children to extend their imagination. Snow earned a Caldecott Honor Award in 1999.

(Recommended ages 2-7)

Counting Winter by Nancy White Carlstrom

Counting Winter is a visual celebration of the wonders of the winter world. It is a delightful combination of a counting book and an animal study, complete with animal profiles in the back. Claudia McGehee’s wintry illustrations will enchant young children.

(Recommended ages 2-5)