The Coziest Winter Picture Books for Little Readers

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Winter is here. I know for many it is the hardest and longest season. We often forget though, that winter can be very beautiful. From beautiful snowstorms to the wonder of snowflakes and even ice storms can bring a lot of beauty-IF we don’t have to go out in it! There is nothing like the beautiful illustrations of picture books that make you see the wonder of winter and all that it holds.

When my children were young, I loved to bring seasonal books out to celebrate all the new seasons or holidays. I have put together a beautiful list of books to help you and your little ones bring in the springtime!

Winter Picture Books

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

On a snowy morning, a young boy named Peter bundles up and steps outside to discover his neighborhood completely transformed by fresh snow. Delighted by everything he sees, he spends the day exploring—making snow angels, building a snowman, climbing snowy hills, and sliding across icy paths. When he finally heads back indoors, Peter believes his snowy adventures have come to an end. But when he wakes up the next day, he’s thrilled to find that a new blanket of snow has fallen, ready for even more fun.

Beloved by generations, The Snowy Day captures the simple magic of childhood and the joy of seeing the world with fresh eyes. It’s a timeless story that celebrates curiosity, imagination, and the quiet wonder of a snowy day—perfect for sharing together when winter calls for cozy reading.

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

On a cold winter night, a young girl and her father step into the stillness to go owling together. The trees are frozen in place, and the night feels hushed and dreamlike. The father calls softly into the darkness, hoping for a response from the unseen owl—but none comes.

They continue walking in silence, because owling isn’t about talking. It’s about patience and hope. Sometimes you don’t find an owl at all, and sometimes, if you’re lucky, you do.

Written with tenderness and grace, Owl Moon beautifully captures the quiet bond between a child and her father, along with a deep respect for the natural world. Paired with John Schoenherr’s delicate watercolor illustrations, this timeless story is a peaceful and meaningful read—perfect for sharing together at bedtime. 🌙🦉

Wintergarden by Janet Fox

Winter lingers outside the window, but on the sill, a small garden begins to grow.

With a little care, a handful of seeds, and a sunny windowsill, a mother and daughter discover that winter is the perfect time to start an herb garden together. As snow falls outside, they gently tend pots of oregano, parsley, baby greens, and more—watching each tiny plant stretch and thrive indoors. Harvesting fresh greens again and again helps brighten the cold, dark days and brings warmth to the season. And when spring finally arrives, the girl knows exactly what she wants next: even more seeds. 🌱

Snowflake Bentley by Jaqueline Briggs Martin

Although my children are grown, and I don’t have grandchildren yet, I will always love children’s literature. There is just something magical about it and I’m constantly checking out what is new in the children’s section. I love to pick up a middle grade or a beautifully illustrated picture book. We never get too old for the magic.

This is a great non-fiction picture book. The illustrations about beautiful!

Wilson Bentley was captivated by snow for as long as he could remember. From childhood into adulthood, he saw every snowflake as something extraordinary and felt driven to understand their delicate beauty.

His parents encouraged his curiosity, eventually saving enough money to buy him a camera and a microscope. At the time, many people didn’t understand his passion, but Wilson stayed patient and determined. Over the years, he photographed and carefully recorded hundreds of snowflakes, shared what he discovered through public talks, and finally published a book of his photographs at age sixty-six.

His groundbreaking work changed how we see snow forever and laid the foundation for what we know today about the intricate and one-of-a-kind nature of snowflakes.

The Mitten by Jan Brett

When Nicki accidentally drops his white mitten in the snow, he keeps walking, completely unaware it’s gone. Before long, the mitten becomes an unexpected shelter as woodland animals discover it one by one—a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger, and more—each squeezing in after the last. Even a big brown bear manages to fit inside, followed by a tiny mouse, leading to a moment that’s both surprising and delightfully funny.

As the animals’ story unfolds, glimpses of Nicki’s snowy adventure appear along the edges of each page, adding another layer to the tale. With her signature warmth and humor, The Mitten comes alive through richly detailed illustrations inspired by Ukrainian folk tradition, making this a wintertime favorite full of charm and visual surprises. 🧤❄️

Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner

Have you ever noticed that a snowman looks a little different the morning after you build him—his smile slightly off, his stick arms shifted—and wondered what he might be up to after dark? This cheerful winter story answers that very question, imagining the secret adventures snowmen have once everyone’s asleep.

With clever, rhythmic verse full of silly surprises, Snowmen at Night brings snowmen to life as they sneak off for nighttime fun. Paired with Mark Buehner’s round, expressive illustrations, this frosty favorite is packed with humor, imagination, and personality—making it a laugh-out-loud read that’s perfect for winter storytime. ⛄️✨

Snow by Uri Schulevitz

In the city, a few falling snowflakes barely get noticed—not by the man in the hat, the woman with the umbrella, or even the weather forecasters on TV and radio. But one boy and his dog believe the snow is just the beginning of something special. As the flakes grow thicker and the city slowly turns white, they’re the only ones ready to truly savor the magic of the moment.

With gentle, poetic language and bright, expressive illustrations, Snow beautifully captures how an ordinary city can be transformed by snowfall—and how wonder often belongs to those who expect it. ❄️🐕

Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton

Katy is a hardworking little tractor who never gives up. In the summer, she pushes a bulldozer, and in the winter, she becomes a snowplow—helping keep the town moving so everyone can get where they need to go. Thanks to Katy’s determination, the townspeople are able to do their important jobs, no matter the season.

Full of heart and perseverance, Katy and the Big Snow is a wonderful choice for holiday storytime and cozy family reading. Brimming with warmth, wonder, and seasonal spirit, it also makes a thoughtful Christmas gift for readers of all ages. 🚜❄️

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

Told entirely through pictures, this wordless story captures the soft, misty quiet of a snowy day. A young boy eagerly heads outside to build a snowman, and that simple winter joy follows him into his dreams, where the snowman magically comes to life. It’s an experience that lingers long after the snow melts—one that stays with both the boy and the children who share in his story.

With its atmospheric illustrations and heartfelt sense of wonder, The Snowman is a timeless winter classic that invites readers to slow down, imagine, and remember the magic of childhood. ❄️✨

Snow by Sam Usher

Follow a young boy and his grandad as they head out to make the most of a snowy day together, enjoying the park covered in winter white. I love Sam Usher’s books. I have his fall one and spring one in my picture book lists that goes with those seasons.

Blizzard by John Rocco

Inspired by a real childhood memory, this story is rooted in author John Rocco’s experience during the legendary Blizzard of 1978, when more than four feet of snow buried his Rhode Island town. The book begins with a boy’s thrill as he spots the very first snowflake drifting past his classroom window and ends with the neighborhood’s collective relief when a snowplow finally reaches their street.

Between those moments, the boy watches his familiar world slowly change into something strange and overwhelming—and in the process, he rises to the occasion, thinking of others before himself. Told through spare text and bold, energetic illustrations that grow increasingly white as the storm intensifies, Blizzard captures the awe, challenge, and quiet heroism of a winter storm. It’s a cozy, powerful story that feels as comforting as sipping hot cocoa by the fire while snow falls outside.

The House with the Little Door by Grace Easton

Olivia lives in a house with a little red door, while Mouse makes his home in an oak tree behind it. When a powerful storm knocks the tree to the ground, Olivia sets out to help her small neighbor find a new place to live. They explore one house after another, but none of them quite feel right—until Olivia comes up with an unexpected solution.

With gentle charm, Olivia and the Little Way explores what truly makes a house feel like home. Grace Easton’s expressive characters, hand-painted landscapes, and interactive die-cut flaps bring depth and coziness to a story about kindness, friendship, and finding comfort together after a storm.

Winter is Coming by Tony Johnston

Each day, a young girl returns to her special spot in the woods, watching from her tree house as chipmunks, deer, and rabbits go about preparing for winter. As the days grow colder and the sun sets earlier, the world slowly shifts into a new season. In silence, she notices the small details and hidden rhythms of nature, learning that change reveals itself only with time and patience. Little by little, winter settles in.

With its calm, observant tone, Winter Is Coming beautifully captures the gentle transition from fall to winter and the quiet rewards of slowing down long enough to truly see the world change

Winter Bees by Joyce Sidman

In this remarkable collection of picture-book poems by Newbery Honor–winning poet Joyce Sidman, readers discover how animals survive the winter and uncover the hidden lives unfolding beneath the snow. Each poem offers a glimpse into the quiet resilience of nature during the coldest months.

Paired with Rick Allen’s striking linoleum-print illustrations, Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold celebrates the beauty, mystery, and strength of the natural world, making it a captivating read for curious minds and nature lovers alike

Hush Hush Forest by Mary Casanova

While we’re tucked in under warm blankets, listening to bedtime stories, the forest outside is settling into its own quiet routine. As golden leaves drift through deepening shadows, the loon sings a final song, the hummingbird takes one last sip, and the beaver works tirelessly on her lodge. Night gently falls, and winter begins to draw near in the North Woods.

In the soft glow of twilight, raccoons pause to groom, a doe and her fawn curl up together, the season’s last bat disappears into the dark, and the owl watches as the rabbit darts past. The bear settles in, ready for her long winter rest. Moving from falling leaves to falling snow, this tender story traces the rhythms of animals preparing for the cold months ahead.

With poetic language and richly atmospheric illustrations, Hush, Hush, Forest captures the wonder of nature slowing down and gently wishes the forest—and its readers—a peaceful good night.

IN CONCLUSION

This is the perfect time to read some beautiful picture books for winter. It creates special memories with the young ones in your life. And, let’s be honest you don’t have to even have children to love picture books. They still delight me in every way!

I hope you enjoyed our favorites. I would love to hear yours, I may just add to this list. Leave them in the comments!

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