Winter Magic in Picture Books

This collection of winter books may be specific to a season but the stories are universal. They are warmhearted, thoughtful and inclusive. These books are perfect for cuddling inside with a cup of hot chocolate or even before bundling up to enjoy the beauty of winter.

You can read about some of our favorites below. For the complete list of recommended books, visit our Bookshop.

Winter's Gifts

Author: Kaitin B. Curtise | Illustrator: Gloria Felix | Publisher: Convergent Books

"A vibrantly illustrated children’s book about an Indigenous girl who finds awe in the resting and waiting that winter teaches us and shares with her friends how Creator’s gift of gratitude can transform the way we see the world."

I'm Going to Build a Snowman

Author/Illustrator: Jashar Awan | Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

"In this sparkling picture book celebration of winter and creativity, a boy’s snow day efforts show that perfection is relative and what’s important is taking pride in what you do!"

The Snow Man: A True Story

Author: Jonah Winter | Illustrator: Jeanette Winter | Publisher: Beach Lane Books

"Meet the man living alone in the mountains whose hobby of measuring snowfall led to a global understanding of climate change in this nonfiction picture book from celebrated mother-son team Jonah and Jeanette Winter."

Twelve Dinging Doorbells

Author: Tameka Fryer Brown | Illustrator: Ebony Glenn | Publisher: Beach Lane Books

"A cumulative all-holiday carol packed to the brim with family, food, love, and Black joy, especially perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, graduations, and all family celebrations."

The Hockey Skates

Author: Karl Subban | Illustrator: Maggie Zeng | Publisher: HarperCollins

"It was almost the first day of winter, and PK still has no skates to wear.

This time, PK waited impatiently for one more week before his skates arrived in the mail.

With a knock, knock, knock on the door, the mailman delivered the skates in a box. PK couldn’t wait to open it . . ."

Skating Wild on an Inland Sea

Author: Jean E. Pendziwol | Illustrator: Todd Stewart | Publisher: GroundWood Books

"Two children wake up to hear the lake singing, then the wind begins wailing … or is it a wolf? They bundle up and venture out into the cold, carrying their skates. On the snow-covered shore, they spot tracks made by fox, deer, hare, mink, otter … and the wolf! In the bay, the ice is thick and smooth. They lace up their skates, step onto the ice, stroking and gliding, and the great lake sings again.

In her signature poetic style, Jean E. Pendziwol describes the exhilarating experience of skating on the wild ice of Lake Superior, including the haunting singing that occurs as the ice expands and contracts. Accompanied by Todd Stewart’s breathtaking illustrations, this book will make us all long to skate wild!"

Just One Flake

Author/Illustrator: Travis Jonker | Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

"Just One Flake is a hilarious celebration of wintertime, curiosity, and outdoor play in this author-illustrated picture book debut from acclaimed creator and elementary school librarian Travis Jonker."

The Little Forest Keepers

Author/Illustrator: Mary Lundquist | Publisher: Balzer + Bray

“A winter wonderland of a picture book about being kind to friends and strangers alike, perfect for the holiday season.

Ash and Pudd take care of everyone in the woods, from their furry and feathered friends to the shivering trees. But then one day, a strange new creature appears in the forest. Could it be a new friend?

This story about kindness and generosity is as cozy and sweet as a mug of hot chocolate on a chilly day.”

Wibble, Wobble, Boom

Author: Mary Ann Rodman | Illustrator: Holly Sterling | Publisher: Peachtree Publishers

“Today's my first ice skating class. I'll fly through the air, land on one foot, and spin so fast you can't see me!

Claire can't wait to get out on the ice and skate, skate, skate! She's going to jump, leap, and twirl! Just you wait--pretty soon she'll be on TV and dazzling audiences everywhere. But when Claire and her mom arrive at the Ice Center for Claire's very first skate lesson, it's not everything Claire was dreaming it would be. Beginners wear ugly brown skates, and who wants to practice marching in place when you can get right to it? But not so fast, Claire! One overeager foot on the ice, and…

Wibble.

Wobble--

BOOM!

In this humorous tale of expectation meets reality, Claire discovers beautiful performances require lots of skill, and it's going to take many small failures and perseverance if she wants to skate like a pro.”

Hiders Seekers, Finders Keepers

Author: Jessica Kulekjian | Illustrator: Salini Perera | Publisher: Kids Can Press

"A poetic and informative exploration of the many ways animals face the challenges of winter. When the autumn days grow shorter and the temperatures cool, animals prepare for winter. Some, the hiders, choose a place to rest and wait out the winter, hibernating under the ground or snuggling in a sheltered spot. Other creatures are seekers, migrating to new locations where the weather is milder and the food sources more plentiful. And then there are the finders, who keep warm and fed by adapting to the new conditions. Every animal knows just what to do --- following an ingenious plan that's just right for them!

This is also a perfect read-aloud for a snowy day!"

A Sled for Gabo

Author: Emma Otheguy | Illustrator: Ana Ramirez Gonzalez | Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

“The Snowy Day meets Last Stop on Market Street in this heartwarming classic in the making about a young boy who is in a new town and doesn't have much, but with the help of a loving community discovers the joys of his first snowy day.

On the day it snows, Gabo sees kids tugging sleds up the hill, then coasting down, whooping all the while. Gabo wishes he could join them, but his hat is too small, and he doesn't have boots or a sled.

But he does have warm and welcoming neighbors in his new town who help him solve the problem in the sweetest way possible!”

Go, Sled, Go!

Author/Illustrator: James Yang | Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

“Go, sled, go!

What could be more exciting than a thrilling sled ride?

Maybe when a few unexpected creatures join the adventure?

Before long, there's a bunny, a moose, a snowman, and even a baker with cakes on the sled, and more surprises are headed their way.

Repetitive words and large type make this a perfect book for beginning readers. And the laughs and surprises keep coming until the very satisfying end.”

Logan’s Greenhouse

Author: Janay Brown-Wood | Illustrator: Samara Hardy | Publisher: Peachtree Publishers

“Logan searches for carrots in his wheelchair-accessible greenhouse in this vibrant exploration of gardening and healthy eating, from the Where in the Garden? picture book series.

Logan is organizing a pet playdate at his greenhouse for all of his friends, and his treats won't be the same without his carrots. He's searched and searched, but his greenhouse is filled with plenty of plants and Logan needs our help to identify them. What do we know about carrots? They're long, orange, and have bushy leaves at the top--and, wait a moment, is that a carrot? No, that's a turnip. Where, oh, where could those carrots be? Can you help Logan find them in time for his playdate?

The third title in JaNay Brown-Wood and Samara Hardy's Where in the Garden? picture book series stars Logan, a young boy who uses a wheelchair and accessible tools while gardening in his greenhouse. Playful text guides young readers to hunt for visual clues and compare and contrast the unique characteristics of carrots against sweet potatoes, leeks, turnips, and other produce that grows in Logan's greenhouse.

Artist Samara Hardy brings this multi-layered story to life with vivid, cheerful illustrations created from layers of hand painted ink and watercolor texture. Back matter includes a delicious winter carrot soup recipe for little chefs and their adult helpers to try together.”

Twelve Days of Winter: A Wildlife Celebration

Author: Sherri Maret | Illustrator: Thomas Hilley | Publisher: Muddy Boots

“In this reimagined version of The Twelve Days of Christmas, winter wildlife is observed as the snow comes. What animals do you think you might see? Do you think bears will be included? Why or why not? The only way to find out is to read or sing along as animals watch their world get blanketed by gentle layers of snow.”

Bus Stop

Author: Angela H. Dale | Illustrator: Lala Watkins | Publisher: Cameron Kids

“In the spirit of The Snowy Day, a group of kids from A to Z arrive at the bus stop only to discover that the bus is a no-show--snow day!

It's time for school, and all the neighborhood kids, from Antoine to Mahmoud to Zoey, gather one by one in the frosty dawn to wait for the school bus. But something more thrilling arrives first. Snowflakes fall, transforming the bus stop into a winter wonderland--and an official snow day. No school!”

Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light

Author/Illustrator: Apryl Stott | Publisher: Simon and Schuster

“A little girl and her friend Bear learn the true meaning of selfless kindness in this sweet, stunningly illustrated debut picture book.

Bear is sad. All the other animals think he's mean because he's so big. But his human friend, Coco, offers to help him. Coco shares her grandmother's advice: "When life gets dark as winter's night, share some kindness, bring some light."

They decide to bake cookies to "share some kindness" and make lanterns to "bring some light." But when the cookies and lanterns don't work, they must look for another way to win over the other animals. And while they're at it, Coco and Bear just might discover that kindness is a gift that only comes from the heart.”

We Want Snow! A Wintry Chant

Author: Jamie A. Swenson | Illustrator: Emilie Boon | Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press

“In this raucous, rhyming plea for snow, a group of youngsters imagines the cold-weather delights they'll enjoy once winter arrives. From sledding down hills and skating on ponds to building snow forts and snowmen to sharing crackling fires and mugs of hot cocoa, they want snow and plenty of it! The snow can't arrive soon enough. But once the flakes start to fall, are the youngsters in for more than they bargained for? Readers young and old will enjoy this celebration of winter's snowy activities, recalling past pleasures and imagining future ones.”

A Loud Winter’s Nap

Author/Illustrator: Katy Hudson | Publisher: Capstone Young Readers

“Every year Tortoise sleeps through winter. He assumes he isn't missing much. However, his friends are determined to prove otherwise! Will Tortoise sleep through another winter, or will his friends convince him to stay awake and experience the frosty fun of winter? Best-selling author Katy Hudson's charming picture book will convince even the biggest winter grouch that winter can be magical if you have friends by your side.”