Now that snow has fallen in many places throughout the land, it’s time to celebrate the frozen crystals in picture books, nonfiction, and early chapter books. We encourage finding your coziest chair and curling up with your favorite reading partner and any or all of these books!
Clicking on a book cover will help you purchase the book from Bookshop.org. If there is no link, the book can be found at your favorite public library or used bookseller.
Before Morning
written by Joyce Sidman
illustrated by Beth Krommes
Clarion Books, 2016
A young girl wishes for a snow day so her family can slow down and spend time together.
Curious about Snow
written by Gina Shaw
Smithsonian series
Grosset & Dunlap, 2016
Making use of Wilson Bentley’s snowflake photos taken in the 1890s, and in the Smithsonian’s collection, this book looks at snow from many angles, including science, history, and fun.
Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring
by Kenard Pak
Henry Holt & Co, 2017
A boy and his dog walk through the countryside, noting the changing seasons, having conversations with a brook and a bird about the changes they observe.
Goodbye Autumn, HelloWinter
by Kenard Park
Henry Holt & Co, 2020
A brother and sister walk through their town, greeting all the signs of the coming season. Big fan of Pak’s illustrations, so evocative of the change from autumn to witner.
Grandmother Winter
written by Phyllis Root
illustrated by Beth Krommes
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1999
There is magic in winter and this book is a charming read-aloud. Grandmother Winter shakes out the feathers she has collected all year … which transform into snow. Hibernating animals, burrowing children, a good conversation starter!
The Longest Night
written by Marion Dane Bauer
illustrated by Ted Lewin
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2020
Such a beautiful book, set on the longest night of the year, as the wind calls to Chickadee to wake the sun.
The Mitten
written and illustrated by Jan Brett
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1990
When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is missing. One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes for a wonderfully funny climax. As the story of the animals in the mitten unfolds, the reader can see Nicki in the borders of each page, walking through the woods unaware of what is going on. (contributed by Wendy Behrens)
North Woods Girl
written by Aimée Bissonette
illustrated by Claudia McGehee
Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2015
It’s grandma who is the north woods girl! When her granddaughter comes to visit they spend time outdoors doing things they both love. Grandma’s getting older. Should she come to live in the city with her daughter?
One Winter Up North
by John Owens
University of Minnesota Press, 2022
Set in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a family goes winter camping and revels in the joys of winter. Read our full recommendation.
Over and Under the Snow
written by Kate Messner
illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
Chronicle Books, 2011
As a parent and child go cross-country skiing, a great deal is happening over and under the snow, from squirrels and hares to bullfrogs and bears.
Owl Moon
written by Jane Yolen
illustrated by John Schoenherr
Philomel Books, 1987
A young girl and her father go owling on a silent winter night. Poetic in words and illustrations, this is a well-loved classic read-aloud.
Red Sled
by Lita Judge
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011
A nearly wordless book to pore over, woodland animals take a child’s red sled for a joyous romp through the snow-covered hills and woods.
The Sea in Winter
by Christine Day
Heartdrum / HarperCollins, 2021
A middle-grade novel about a girl for whom ballet is everything. When she suffers a torn ligament, she slides into depression. Her blended Native American family heads out on a road trip along the west coast, near the Makah community where her mother grew up. An upbeat book, set at midwinter.
The Shortest Day
written by Susan Coopoer
illustrated by Carson Ellis
Candlewick Press, 2019
Originally written for The Midwinter Revels, a theatrical production, this book celebrates the shortest day of the year and a yearning for peace. Ellis’ illustrations are awe-inspiring.
Sleep Tight Farm
written by Eugenie Doyle
illustrated by Becca Stadtlander
Chronicle Books, 2016
A lyrical and pictorial representation of how a farm family prepares its farm for winter, honoring how hard it has worked to shelter us, feed us, and keep us warm, See our full recommendation.
Small Walt
written by Elizabeth Verdick
illustrated by Marc Rosenthal
Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster, 2017
When a heavy snowstorm falls, the bigger plows don’t believe Small Walt will be helpful, but he’s determined to show them all.
Snow
written by Cynthia Rylant
illustrated by Lauren Stringer
Clarion Books, 2008
Lyrical descriptions of the sights and feelings evoked by falling snow are beautifully illustrated, bringing us along on an outing with a young girl, her friend, and her grandmother enjoy the many things a snowy day has to offer.
Snow
by Uri Shulevitz
Square Fish, 2004
A 1999 Caldecott Honor book, Uri Shulevitz’ playful depiction of a snowy day and the transformation of a city is perfectly captured in simple, poetic text and lively watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations.
Snowballs
written and illustrated by Lois Ehlert
Clarion Books, 1995
Employing cut papers and found objects, Ehlert creates a wintry, snowy world that will inspire young readers’ own snow-inspired creations.
Snowflake Bentley
written by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
illustrated by Mary Azarian
Clarion Books, 1999
In this Caldecott Medal – winning picture book, the true story of farmer Wilson Bentley and his singular fascination with snowflakes is rendered in rich prose and gorgeous artwork, perfect for the holidays, snow days, and everyday.
The Snowy Day
by Ezra Jack Keats
Viking Press, 1962
The magic and wonder of winter’s first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keat’s Caldecott Medal-winning picture book. This celebrated classic has been shared by generations of readers and listeners.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
written by Robert Frost
illustrated by Susan Jeffers
Dutton Books, 1978, reissued 2001
An illustrator’s beautiful interpretation of this Robert Frost poem, inspiring readers to feel the cold and experience the quiet of a winter forest.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
written by Robert Frost
illustrated by PJ Lynch
Candlewick Press, 2022
Sixty years after the poem by Robert Frost was originally published, outstanding illustrator P.J. Lynch uses a blue and green color palette to express winter on the outskirts of a small village.
The Story of Snow:
The Science of Winter’s Wonder
written by Jon Nelson, PhD
photographs by Marc Cassino
Chronicle Books, 2017
How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered inside this exploration of the science of snow, featuring photos of real snow crystals in all their beautiful diversity
Sugarbush Spring
written by Marsha Wilson Chall
illustrated by Jim Daly
HarperCollins, 2000
Of course, snow lingers on into spring. This is a wonderful book about making maple syrup, with prose by Marsha Wilson Chall and exuberant illustrations by Jim Daly.
Ten Ways to Hear Snow
written by Cathy Camper
illustrated by Kenard Pak
Kokila / Penguin Random House, 2020
Having grown up in Wisconsin and Minnesota, I appreciate how accurately and emotionally all the ways to hear snow are depicted by both the author and illustrator. Read our full recommendation.
Trouble with Trolls
written and illustrated by Jan Brett
G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1992
Treva’s trouble with trolls begins when she climbs Mount Baldy with her dog Tuffi. The trolls who live there long for a dog, and they try to kidnap him. But Treva is brave and quick-thinking. She outwits one troll after another until she reaches the very top of the mountain, where five trolls are waiting — and they want her dog! (contributed by Wendy Behrens)
Ty’s Travels: Winter Wonderland
written by Kelly Starling Lyons
illustrated by Niña Marta
HarperCollins, 2022
In this beginning reader, Ty takes his mother on a fanciful trip to the North Pole to meet Santa. Will he?
Under the Snow
written by Melissa Stewart
illustrated by Constance R. Bergum
Peachtree Publishing, 2009
When snow falls, we go home where it is warm and safe. What about all those animals out there in the forests and fields? What do they do when snow blankets the ground?
We Want Snow! A Wintry Chant
written by Jamie A. Swenson
illustrated by Emilie Boon
Sleeping Bear Press, 2021
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!
Ten Ways to Hear Snow:
Discovering Wildlife in Our Snowy Woods
written by Aimee Bissonette
illustrated by Erin Hourigan
Little Bigfoot / Sasquatch Books, 2020
When Winter Comes celebrates the joy of playing and exploring in the outdoors during the winter months. What’s going on in hidden spaces outdoors, sheltering animals and insects and birds?
Winter Dance
written by Marion Dane Bauer
illustrated by Richard Jones
Clarion Books, 2017
Snow is coming, and it’s time to get ready! The squirrel gathers nuts, the geese soar south, and the snowshoe hare puts on its new white coat. But what should the fox do? Each animal advises the fox that its own plan is best.
Winter is Here
written by Kevin Henkes
illustrated by Laura Dronzek
Greenwillow Books, 2019
Snow falls, animals burrow, and children prepare for the wonders winter brings. The striking text introduces basic concepts of language and the unique beauty of the winter season while the expressive paintings beautifully capture the joyful wonders of winter.
Winter is the Warmest Season
by Lauren Stringer
Clarion Books, 2006
Most people think summer is the warmest season. This story, however, is brimming with evidence to the contrary — from roaring fires to grilled cheese sandwiches to toasty flannel pajamas.
Winter Lullaby
written by Dianne White
illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki
Candlewick Press, 2021
Mama Bear tries to settle Small Bear down for the winter. She has a cozy answer, painting a dreamy picture of the brightening colors and new adventures that will greet Small Bear in the spring. But first comes sleep, in this irresistible invitation to drowsy little cubs everywhere.
Woof & Quack in Winter
written by Jamie A. Swenson
illustrated by Ryan Stas
Clarion Books, 2017
A beginning reader: Winter is coming! Quack has decided he is absolutely not flying south this winter. He wants to play in the snow, sled, skate, and build snow ducks. His pal Woof is skeptical but goes along with the scheme until, BRRR! Woof insists he’s flying south. But wait! Dogs do not fly south in winter! Or do they?
Great list Vicki! I’d add two by Jan Brett, The Mitten and The Trouble with Trolls.
Excellent suggestions, Wendy. I’ve added them.
Excellent list!
Sigh…even just gazing at the covers and reading the blurbs – and remembering the times I’ve read most of these – was like a little mid-day winter break! Thank you :>)