Are you in search of the best winter theme books for your preschoolers? No sweat, I’ve done all the hard work for you! This winter themed book list has more than 30 read-alouds to capture the attention of your little learners. Your kids will love these read-alouds about about snow, snowmen, and animals in winter.
Some of the books on this list are must-read classics, while others are more recent finds – but there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Winter Books For Preschoolers
Red Sled, by Lita Judge
Almost wordless, Red Sled invites the reader to make predictions and help tell the tale. The playful watercolor illustrations in this sweet story are enchanting. Wordless picture books help develop oral language and retelling skills to support emergent readers. Young children love this book because they are able to successfully “retell” the story using their own words – which increases motivation to read.
The Mitten, by Jan Brett
The Mitten by Jan Brett is my favorite book to read aloud to my class, no early childhood winter theme would be complete without it! So much fun and so many opportunities for learning packed into one little book! Nikki loses one of his precious white mittens which is discovered by many winter animals. The playful tale accompanied by the rich, detailed illustrations of Brett are so entrancing that children stare at the pages, mesmerized, drinking it all in.
Snowballs, by Lois Ehlert
Young children always find Lois Ehlert’s signature style of cut paper collage designs intriguing. In this winter edition, a snow family is created using various found objects. This is another classic that lends itself well to open-ended art projects using loose parts.
Winter Books for Little Learners
The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats
This timeless classic about Peter’s adventures in the snow is a must read for all early childhood classrooms. In addition to being a classic, it can also lead to great science discussions about animal tracks, why things melt and more.
Sneezy the Snowman, by Maureen Wright
Sneezy the Snowman is freezing cold! He just can’t get warm. Bright, cartoon-like illustrations tell the hilarious story of the lengths Sneezy will go to to get warm, and the children who rebuild him time and time again.
Snowmen at Night, by Carolyn Buehner
This New York Times Bestseller exposes the secret life of snowmen and what they really do at night. The vibrant, full-page illustrations help bring this imaginative tale to life while the exuberant, rhyming text will charm and delight any young child. A great companion activity to this this book is to create a class book, ask each child to draw a picture of what they think snowmen do at night.
Bear Snores On, by Karma Wilson
Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman are at it again with Bear and his friends. While Bear sleeps the cold winter away, his friends are having a party in his warm cave. Find out what happens when Bear wakes up!
Books About Winter for Pre-K
The Hat, by Jan Brett
Brilliant illustrations accompany another amazing story told by award winning author, Jan Brett. In this tale, Lisa’s winter stocking is blown off the clothes line and found by numerous animals. This will quickly become a favorite in your classroom!
Check out this research-based, playful learning unit in our curriculum shop!
The Ultimate Pre-K Winter Lesson Plan Bundle
Winter bundle activities. Includes 22 resources for math, literacy, science, fine motor and dramatic play and more. Make learning fun!
Stella Queen of the Snow, by Marie-Louise Gay
Exquisite watercolor illustrations bring a winter day to life for Stella and her inquisitive brother Sam. In this amusing little story, Stella uses her clever imagination to explain the wonders of winter.
Over and Under the Snow, by Kate Messner
Beautifully illustrated pictures show the beauty in nature in this nonfiction book that teaches children about what happens both above and below ground in winter.
All About Winter Weather, by Kathryn Clay
Bright, vibrant photographs make this informative, nonfiction book about winter and snow a must read for students everywhere.
Winter Books for Preschool
There Was an Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow, by Lucille Colandro
Lighthearted rhyming text follows funny illustrations in this lively new twist on the familiar tale of There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.
Winter is Here, by Kevin Henkes
Using the expressive paintings by Laura Dronzek, award winning author Kevin Henkes tells of the long days of winter using descriptive, child-friendly, repetitive language in a book that will soon become everyone’s favorite read aloud.
Snow Dude, by Daniel Kirk
Join Snow Dude as he runs away from his builders, Nick and Kara in this spin off of the Gingerbread Man. “I’m a snow dude, as wild as can be. Run fast as you can, you won’t catch up with me,” Snow Dude taunts as he mischievously runs through the book.
What Can you See in Winter, by Sian Smith
Beautiful photographs take young readers on a tour of all the things they can see in winter, including the typical activities people participate in during winter and all the natural changes occurring around them.
The Best Winter Books for Preschool
How to Catch a Snowman, by Adam Wallace
The Catch Club Kids are at it again. This time, using their skills to try to catch a snowman.
Curious About Snow, by Gina Shaw
Vivid photographs from the Smithsonian’s famous Wilson Bentley snowflake photos show the science behind snow in this wonderful nonfiction book.
All About Animals in Winter, by Martha Elizabeth Hillman Rustad
Vibrant, up-close photographs and simple descriptive words tell readers all about how animals live in winter.
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter, by Kenard Pak
Beautiful illustrations follow a brother and sister as they explore nature in this whimsical and informational story. Follow along as they greet leaves and clouds and animals alike, describing the habits of animals and plants as they prepare for winter. Upon waking up to a bright wintry white snow, they reverse their journey greeting icicles, snowflakes, and frost, ending in them building a snowman.
More Winter Books for Preschoolers
Three Snow Bears, by Jan Brett
Jan Brett’s beautiful artwork is back again! This time using dramatic Inuit designs and clothing to illustrate this northern twist to an old fairy tale. Follow along as Aloo-ki makes her way through the Polar Bear’s igloo, eating their breakfast, trying on their boots, and finally taking a nap in their beds, all while the Polar Bear family is out rescuing her sled dogs.
The Snowy Nap, by Jan Brett
Hedgie the hedgehog, who is first introduced in The Hat, is back, and he’s hearing all about the beauty and splendor of winter from all of his friends on the farm. He’s determined not to hibernate this winter and stays awake instead of going to his burrow during the first snowstorm. Jan Brett’s signature illustrations depict what has already happened and what is yet to come, and how Hedgie stays warm and eventually is relocated to his burrow for the remainder of the winter.
How to Catch a Yeti, by Adam Wallace
Children will laugh their way through this hilarious tale of the Catch Club Kids and their quest to glimpse the legendary Yeti and prove to the world he does exist. Filled with clever traps and fun filled adventure, this book is bound to be a hit for preschoolers everywhere.
The Twelve Days of Winter, by Deborah Lee Rose
A teacher introduces her energetic class to a new winter activity each day until soon, a wintery chaos reigns. The counting rhyme in this story is sure to enthrall any young audience as it strengthens their numerical fluency and memory skills.
Ten on the Sled, by Kim Norman
Your students will love counting and singing along with this fun counting book about Caribou and his friends. They all go on a sled ride down the mountain, each one falling off, one by one until only Caribou is left.
If It’s Snowy and You Know It, by Kim Norman
You favorite cast of characters from Ten on the Sled are back together for another romp in the snow. This time the rhythmic text is based on the familiar “If You’re Happy and You Know It” song. Young readers will sing along all the way through the book.
Winter Books to Find at the Library
The following books are no longer in print, although you may be able to find used copies:
The First Day of Winter, by Denise Fleming
This twist on The Twelve Days of Christmas takes the reader on a snowman building adventure. This beautifully illustrated book is filled with vivid images that are sure to capture the attention of any young child and engage them in counting chants that will promote mathematical fluency.
The Jacket I Wear in the Snow, by Shirley Neitzel
Reminiscent of the snowsuit scene in The Christmas Story, readers follow along as the main character bundles up in layer after layer of winter clothing. The predictable rhyming text of this book invites the children to chant along. Rebus pictures are included to support emergent readers.
Snow Party, by Harriet Ziefert
Harriet Ziefert penned this unique tale of snow people who hold a party to celebrate the arrival of the winter solstice. The solstice is rarely, if ever, covered in your typical picture book, therefore I found this book to be both fascinating and appropriate for audiences of young children. Of course, this would be the perfect book to discuss the arrival of winter.
Stranger in the Woods, by Carl R. Sams and Jean Stoick
Winner of numerous awards, wildlife photographers and authors Carl R. Sams and Jean Stoick have crafted a stunningly beautiful tale of winter. A must for young and old alike, A Stranger in the Woods sends a much needed message of love and compassion for all living things.
Fun Ways to Stay Busy When It’s Cold Outside
Looking for more ways to keep your little learners active when it’s too cold to go outside? Just fill out the form below to have our FREE indoor recess printable emailed to you.
