20 Best Picture Books about Winter for Preschoolers

November 5, 2020
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Winter is a season that is full of beautiful sights, and lots of fun activities. From snowy landscapes and icy windows to snowmen and winter sports, there are lots of things to celebrate about winter. And it is the perfect time to cuddle up on the couch in front of a warm fire and read some beautiful picture books about winter together. You will love this book list filled with favorite winter picture books! Each of these winter books for preschoolers are perfect for toddler, preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, and elementary age students. So pick one of these best winter picture books and start reading this January!

read some beautiful picture books about winter together. You will love this book list filled with favorite winter picture books! Each of these winter books for preschoolers are perfect for toddler, preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, and elementary age students. So pick one of these best winter picture books and start reading this January!

Winter Picture Books

Curl up with one of these super cute winter picture books. These beautifully illustrated snow books tell stories, rhyme, and catch the interest of toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners, grade 1, and elementary age kids during the cold winter months in December, January, and February. From snow, snowflakes, snowmen, winter animals and mittens, these fun-to-read winter books for kids are sure to grab your attention. Plus you will love the pretty pictures and catchy text too.

Picture Books About Winter

Start out by reading some delightful snow books for kids:

Snow was written and illustrated by Uri Shulevitz. This playful story follows a young boy and his dog as they wait excitedly for a snowy day. They know that the few snowflakes will amount to something wonderful, despite what everyone else says. The simple text is paired with engaging and lively illustrations that bring the magic of a snowy day to life.

Snow was written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Lauren Stringer. This beautiful book uses lyrical and descriptive text to share all the different kinds of snow that can fall, and the amazing adventures that a snowy day can bring. The illustrations are gorgeous, and they make you want to play in the snow with the children.

The Snowy Day was written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats. This classic story follows a young boy named Peter as he ventures out into the city and explores on a snowy day. The brightly colored and soothing illustrations showcase some of the fun activities that kids tend to engage in while exploring the freshly fallen snow. Check out these fun activities to pair with the book!

Little Owl’s Snow was written and illustrated by Divya Srinivasan. This sweet story follows the adorable Little Owl as she witnesses the seasonal changes in the forest around her, and watches her animal friends prepare for winter. The poetic text is spread across the pages, becoming a part of the vibrant and tranquil illustrations.

Curious About Snow was written by Gina Shaw. This fascinating non-fiction book explores the science behind snow. The informational text is full of interesting facts about snow crystals, snowstorms, the background of “Snowflake” Bentley, and more. The text is accompanied by large, clear photographs that celebrate the beauty of snow.

Snowmen Books for Preschoolers

Next, add in some favorite books about silly snowmen and their crazy antics during winter:

Snowmen at Night was written by Caralyn Buehner and illustrated by Mark Buehner. Have you ever thought about what happens to that snowman in your yard after you go to sleep at night? This imaginative story suggests what snowmen get up to at night, to end up looking so disheveled and different in the morning. The rhyming text has a great rhythm to it, and the illustrations are full of fun and creative details. Check out these snowman activities to bring this book to life!

The Biggest Snowman Ever was written by Steven Kroll and illustrated by Jeni Bassett. This sequel to The Biggest Pumpkin Ever revisits the cute mouse pals Clayton and Desmond as they learn to work together to win the local snowman contest. The story has a sweet message of cooperation and teamwork, and the illustrations are adorable and full of comforting snowy scenes.

Snowman Magic was written by Katherine Tegen and illustrated by Brandon Dorman. This story follows a young boy named George as he celebrates a snow day by making a snowman. The snowman then comes to life, and they have all kinds of fun playing together. But what happens when his new friend melts? This sweet story is accompanied by beautiful illustrations that capture all the magical fun of a snowy day.

The Snowbear was written by Sean Taylor and illustrated by Claire Alexander. This sweet story follows two young kids as they play in the snow and build a happy looking snowbear. When they get into trouble sledding in the woods, the snowbear comes to life and rescues them. The story is full of imagination and wonder, and kids will love the adorable snowbear.

Winter Books for Preschoolers

Winter means lots of extra gear to go outside and play. These fun winter books for toddlers explore the mittens, hats, coats, and other clothing children will need to put on to keep warm while exploring the outdoors during wintertime.

The Mitten was written and illustrated by Jan Brett. When a young boy named Nicki drops his mitten in the snow, it soon becomes a cozy hideaway for a growing number of woodland creatures. As more animals cuddle up in the mitten, it grows and stretches until a funny turn of events brings it back to Nicki again. The story is fun and creative, and the illustrations are beautiful, with detailed sidebar illustrations done in Jan Brett’s signature style.

The Mitten Tree was written by Candace Christiansen and illustrated by Elaine Greenstein. This heartwarming story tells the tale of an elderly woman named Sarah who watches the children playing at the bus stop, and decides to knit a pair of mittens for a boy who doesn’t have any. She leaves them on a nearby tree and watches as he discovers them. The boy is so excited to have mittens, that Sarah decides to start knitting more mittens for the other children who need them. The sweet story is full of great messages about helping others, and giving without the need for recognition. Spread kindness with these fun activities based on the story!

The Missing Mitten Mystery was written and illustrated by Steven Kellogg. This fun story follows a young girl named Annie as she searches for her missing red mitten. She explores the areas where she played in the snow with her friends throughout the day, reminiscing about her adventures. She imagines all of the animals that may be using her mitten for good, and even thinks about growing a mitten tree to replace the missing one. The story has a sweet conclusion, and the engaging and colorful illustrations are full of personality.

Winter Animal Books

Explore the adventures of animals during the cold months from hibernating to snowy tracks, looking for food, and feeling lonely:

Winter Dance was written by Marion Dane Bauer and illustrated by Richard Jones. As the animals all prepare for winter, the fox isn’t sure what to do. His animal friends all try to share their own ideas, but nothing seems to suit him. This exploration of animals and their winter preparations is told through poetic text and beautiful illustrations that are full of impressive textures and colors.

Animals in Winter was written by Henrietta Bancroft and Richard G. Van Gelder and illustrated by Helen K. Davie. This informative book uses short sentences and simple text to introduce readers to the winter habits of various animals and creatures. The illustrations are colorful and full of details, and the book also includes information on helping animals to get food in the winter.

Over and Under the Snow was written by Kate Messner and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal. When a young girl and her father see a red squirrel disappear under the snow that they are skiing on, she wonders about the animals beneath their feet. The informative text shares lots of facts about animals that live beneath the snow during the winter, and the tunnels and caves in which they make their homes. The retro themed illustrations use soothing colors to create a winter landscape, and the back of the book also includes more information about the animals featured in the book.

Bear Has a Story to Tell was written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead. This sweet story follows Bear as he tries to tell a story to his friends, but finds them all preparing for winter. He helps them get ready, and eventually falls asleep himself. When he wakes up in the Spring, he goes in search of his friends again so he can finally share his story. The book has a great message about patience and friendship while also touching on the winter preparations of different animals. The illustrations steal the show with the delicate pencil and watercolor artwork showcasing the beauty of their natural surroundings.

Frederick was written and illustrated by Leo Lionni. In this sweet story, a little mouse named Frederick is expected to gather corn, straw, and other items for winter. Instead, Frederick chooses to colors, words, and sun rays for dismal winter days. During the dark days of winter, the other mice learn the importance of Frederick’s poetic soul and the power of words and imagination. The illustrations are done in Lionni’s signature collage style, with the vibrant textures popping on the white background.

Best Winter Picture Books

Winter is a great time to get active enjoying some activities like skiing. Kids will learn and explore new concepts in these fun books:

Bunny Slopes was written and illustrated by Claudia Rueda. This fun interactive book encourages the reader to take part in the story by turning, shaking, and manipulating the book to help Bunny fly down the slopes and face the obstacles in his path. The text is playful, with Bunny speaking right to the reader, and the illustrations are simple and adorable.

Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee was written and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. Mr. Magee and his little dog Dee head out for a day of skiing, but quickly run into trouble. A curious moose puts them into a precarious situation, but he may just save them in the end! The rhyming text has a great rhythm to it, and the illustrations are brightly colored and full of fun retro style.

Squirrels on Skis was written J. Hamilton Ray and illustrated by Pascal Lemaître. This funny story follows the troubles of a small town that is overrun by squirrels on skis. While some townspeople want to use a vacuum device to get rid of them, reporter Sally Sue is determined to find a humane way to get rid of them. The rhyming text is lots of fun to read aloud, and the illustrations are entertaining and funny.

 

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  • Cute and creative snowman craft ideas to make adorable snowman suncatcher craft. Perfect winter craft for preschoolers and up in January!!
  • This outrageously FUN snowman activity is a combination craft, activity, and winter stem activities too! This snowman launcher is simple to make and loads of fun as a snowman activity for toddler, preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade and up! Follow our step-by-step how to make a snowball launcher for an adorable snowman craft and winter activities for preschoolers in January!
  • add vinegar to the ziplock bag to make a cute melting snowman that is about to explode!
  • Kids will love this fun snowman activity that allows them to sneak in a little science to a cold, winter day! Snowman eruptions are so easy, and this is such a cute project for toddler, preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, and first grade students.  In these winter science experiments children will watch the effect of baking soda and vinegar in a silly and outrageously FUN snow experiments.
  • Circle Snowman Winter Craft - two clever and simple ideas for making this easy snowman craft with toddlers, preschoolers, and kndergartners for Christmas or winter craft. #snowman #wintercrafts #snowmancrafts
  • Wow! This 2 ingredient snow dough is amazing! This snow dough recipe is quick and easy to make, plus it feels just like snow. Let us show you how to make snow dough for your toddler, preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, and first graders to build sculptures, icebugs, snowman, and other winter activities. This snow sensory play smells amazing and is perfect for a penguin activity, inside snow activities, and to explore other habitats as an antarctica activities for preschoolers. Ready to play? Come take a peak at baking soda snow!
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  • Whether it’s cold and snow outside or not, this snow slime is the perfect winter activity for kids! The fun textures, shimmer, and beauty make this one of our favorite January activities for preschoolers. Use this snow activities in your winter theme with toddler, preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd graders.
  • Whether you are looking for snowman card ideas to send out as Christmas cards or in January as a winter craft for kids - these handmade greeting cards are super cute and fun to make! Use our free snowman printables to make these DIY snowman cards quick and easy to make. This snowman craft for kids is sure to be a hit with preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and up!
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    • Winter Activities

  • Looking for a fun way to work on r-controlled vowel syllables? This r-conrolled syllable activity is a great way to get practice with ar, or, and er (which can be spelled er, ir, or ur) sounds. Use this winter theme r-controlled vowel activities as a fun snowman activity with first graders during January! Simply print r controleld vowel sort to play and learn with with free snoman printable phonics activity!
  • Sneak in some fun math practice with kindergarten, first grade, and 2nd graders too with this snowman place value! This place value snowman is a fun way to practice  number recognition and place value including the ones, tens, and hundreds places! This snowman math makes it exciting and enjoyable for students to learn. Simply grab the snowman printables, print, and cut part - you are ready for FREE snowman math activities!
  • Kids will love learning about the different parts of speech with these fun and free printable Parts of Speech Worksheets.  These cute snowman worksheets allow 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6th graders learn about nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. Simply print the winter worksheets filled with fun activities to make learning about the eight different parts of speech through fun.
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  • These Winter Word Searches are fun, engaging activity for kids during the cold months of December, January, and February. These winter word search free printable pages have varying degrees of difficulty making these winter word search printable fun for children in preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th graders too. Simply print the winter word search pdf for kids to play and learn while finding words to do with winter like snow, hot chocolate, winter sports and more.
  • Make practicing adding fun for preschool, pre-k, and k5 kids with these free printable math addition worksheets for kindergarten. These addition worksheets for kindergarten allow children to work on their addition skills within 10. The fun, playful winter math for kindergartners addition activity is perfect for keeping kids engaged and eager to learn in December, January, and February!
  • Looking for a fun winter rhyming center? These snowballs match the rhyming words game is perfect for practicing! Use the rhyming words with pictures as a hands-on rhyming activity for your Kindergarten. Grab this free rhyming activities for preschoolers to have fun practicing rhyming  words which have the same ending sounds.
  • Providing seasonal writing prompts for children helps them get more excited about writing! These super cute winter story starters have images to color and a word bank to help pre-k, kindergarten, and first grade students work on writing skills.  Kindergarten story starters are perfect for helping your young writers get their creative juices flowing. Simply download pdf file with winter writing prompts
  • Kids will have fun decorating these super cute, winter coloring pages with crayons, markers, and colored pencils! From snowmen, penguins, snowballs, sledding, and more - we've got lots of fun winter coloring sheets to choose from. Simply download pdf file with free winter coloring sheets for toddler, preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, and 2nd grade students to colour this December, January, and February.
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    • Winter Printables

  • Picking out really good books kids will WANT to read can be challenge and time consuming. I’ve done all the work for you in this 4th grade reading list.  This fourth grade reading list includes lots of engaging books filled with exciting story lines and characters. Plus I've put together a printable 4th grade reading list for you to print and take to the library. Simply print 4th grade reading list pdf and you are ready to head to the library to get some really fun-to-read 4th grade reading books.
  • Picking good book for kids can be a challenge.  This 5th grade reading list has over 50 fun-to-read and engaging fifth grade books that will help get your grade 5 students excited about reading! You will love the variety of topics and styles in this 5th grade reading book lists  to help kids get excited to read and learn to love to read. Simply print 5th grade book list and you are ready for fifth grade reading list.
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  • Are you working on picking books for 3rd graders? Let me help you pick 3rd grade reading books that are engaging to kids and filled with rich vocabulary and story lines. Instead of spending hours at the library or searching through books on Amazon, check out these fun-to-read Books for Third Graders. Simply download pdf file with printable 3rd grade reading list and you are ready to help your third grader love reading!
  • Reading family picture books is important for toddler, preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, and 2nd grade children. It helps them understand our family structure, that kids are loved and care for, and more. We have so many really cute and fun-to-read picture books about family.  Come take a peak to find your new favorite picture books about families.
  • Zoo Theme Books For Kids There are so many fun ways to use zoo themed books in your learning program. You can read a different book each day of the week, Monday through Friday, or read your favorite book (s) every day of the week. Kids love repetition, so don’t worry about boring them!
  • Learn about history with fun and exciting historical fiction for kids. These historical fiction books for kids are the best way to get kids excited about history. Vivid stories make the sights, sounds, and feelings of that moment in history come alive. Kids won’t even realize they are learning because they will be having so much fun enjoying a really great story! We have historical fiction children's books for kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, historical fiction books for 3rd graders, 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade students. These children's historical fiction cover ancient civilizations, middle ages, early explorers, colonial america, world war 1, and more!
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  • Looking for a book your grade 2 student will love? Check out this free printable list of Read Aloud Chapter Books for 2nd Grade! You and your child will love these book recommendations
  • 20+ Amazing First Grade Read Aloud Chapter Books to help kids get excited about reading and let their imaginations soar. Includes fre printable 1st grade book list to take to the library #grade1 #firstgrade #1stgradebooks
  • 100 Books for 1st Graders to Read on their own (arranged by reading level) - includes FREE printable book list to print and take to the library and use as book mark. lots of great choices of printable and books!!! Perfect for summer reading and year round first grade book list! #1stgrade #firstgrade #booklists
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  • 25 amazing Chapter Book Series for Kids - help kids get excited about reading with these great chapter books for kids in first grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade. These are great book recommendations for picking books at the library with the (FREE printable book list), summer reading, reading clubs. #chapterbooksforkids #bookrecommendations #booklists #chapterbooksforkids #firstgradebooks #2ndgradebooks #3rdgradebooks
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  • Looking for some really great books to read aloud that your 1st grader will love? We have a free printable first grade read alouds picture books you must read with your child while they are in grade 1. 
  • Are you trying to figure out what books should be on your second grade reading list? We've done all the work for you and compiled the best books for your 2nd grade reading list with a free printable. Here are over 40 must read books for your 2nd grade book list that your child will love; arranged conveniently by book level. Simply download pdf file with 2nd grade reading list printable and you are ready to head to the library to get your books!
  • If you are trying to pick really good 3rd grade books, check out this Third Grade Books list printable for grade 3

    • Book recommendations for Kids

  • Download the free book report forms for your homeschool
  • Young kids will love learning about the parts of a book with these fun and free parts of a book worksheets. These fun book reports for young children are so handy. Being no-prep, these identifying parts of a book worksheet pages help to ensure readers are understanding what are the parts of the books they are reading including the title, author, and the illustrator. Simply print label parts of a book worksheet and are ready to learn with your kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 4th graders too.
  • Looking for a fun, clever, and EASY book report idea? You will love these clever, free printable pizza reading comprehension slices. Not only do they help kids summarize what they read, but they are a great way to motivate kids to read  and understanding what they've read. Fun resource for parents, teachers, and homeschoolers of kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade students.
  • Make sure kids are understanding what they read with these book report worksheets. These fun, free printable book report template pages are perfect for older kids in 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade students. Being no-prep, these book report forms help to ensure readers are understanding what they are reading. Simply print the printable book report template to write down information about the book including the title, author, setting, main characters and the ending.
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  • These fun, free printable Aesops's Fables worksheets are a great way to learn morals, read some quality literature, and work on reaching comprehension too. Use these printables to teach Aesop's Fables for kids. There are 10 different fable worksheet pages for kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd graders to learn to read, have fun and understand the meaning of different morals. Simply print fables for 2nd grade and you are ready to go!
  • Make sure kids are understanding what they read with this free book report template. This 1st grade book report is a handy, NO PREP way to ensure early readers are understanding what they are reading. The book report template 3rd grade has a spot for first grade, second grade, third grade, and fourth grade students to write down book title, author, rate the book, tell their favorite part, give a summary of the book, and more. This is such a handy, free printable, book report template 2nd grade.  Simply grab the free downloadable book reports and you are ready to go!
  • Make sure kids are understanding what they read with these free book reports. This 3rd grade book report is super handy, as it is no-prep and works with any book. Use this book report template to ensure readers are understanding what they are reading. These book report form has many spots for children from second grade, third grade, fourth grade, and fifth graders to write down information about the book including the title, author, setting, main characters and the ending. Simply print the free book report templates and you are ready to go!
  • FREE Printable Reaidng Comprehension Bookmarks - work on reading retention and comprehension with this activity that helps students learn to take notes and prepare for book reports in grade 2, grade 3, grade 4, grade 5, and grade 6. #homeschool #readingcomprehension #reading
  • FREE Bookshelf Reading Log - super cute printable booklog to help encourage kids to read picture books, readers, and chapter books. Use as a weekly motivator for toddlers, preschoolers, prek, and kindergartners or monthly summer reading program. Plus makes a great family book club printable.
  • Kids will enjoy searching for different books and information in books with this fun and free Reading Scavenger Hunt. This free printable scavenger hunt is fun for kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade students. Using thie literacy scavenger hunt is a great way for kids to become familiar with the library and how to find different resources. Simply print library printable pdf file with the scavenger hunt pdf in color or black and white and you are ready for these library activities!
  • Do your kids love playing with play dough? I know mine do. That is one reason why I love incorporating playdough activities using playdoh mats into other aspects of our learning. So as we were learning what are the parts of a book I decided I'd make playdough mats to learn the parts of a book for kids. Simply print the parts of a book worksheet and set out some playdough to teach preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd graders the basic parts of a book.
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  • Book reports are a great way for kids to recall what they’ve read, help with reading comprehension, and improve writing too. But not all kids enjoy filling out book report forms. Here are 26 creative, fun, and unique book report ideas. So if you are looking to make book reports more fun, you will love these clever creative book report ideas for kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, and 6th grade students.  Which book report projects will you try first?

    • Reading Comprehension

    Beth Gorden is the creative multi-tasking creator of 123 Homeschool 4 Me. As a busy homeschooling mother of six, she strives to create hands-on learning activities and worksheets that kids will love to make learning FUN! With over 20 years educating children, she has created over 1 million pages of printables to help teach kids alphabet, math, science, English grammar, history, and so much more! Beth is also the creator of 2 additional sites with even more educational activities and FREE printables - www.kindergartenworksheetsandgames.com and www.preschoolplayandlearn.com. Beth studied at the University of Northwestern where she got a double major to make her effective at teaching children while making education FUN!

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    2 Comments

    1. Shannon flaherty says:

      Your list is wonderful.
      I work at a library. May I please share it with some patrons?

      Reply