We live quite simply. You won’t find anything all that extravagant out here, and thanks to a big de-cluttering movement last year, you won’t find much at all, really. Not too many toys, or clothes, or “stuff.”

With one exception.

Books.

We have bookshelves and bookshelves full of books. Mostly children’s books and hundreds of them. We have books from my days in the classroom, books gifted from retiring teachers, books from library clear outs… not to mention the ones we buy. There is just something about books that makes me unable to part with them.

Given all of the books in my home and all of the time I have spent reading said books to children, I believe I know a thing or two about really good children’s books.

So, today, I am going to share with you 10 of the most beautiful winter books for preschoolers in our home. 

Frozen Sensory Play with Preschoolers

Just before we get into the winter books for preschoolers, I have one more suggestion for you: Try letting your little one explore a wintery sensory bin while you read one of these books aloud! You could try a “free the frozen beads” activity or a simple snow sensory bin for your child to explore while you read.

You can also grab my Free Guide to Sensory Play below for some tips on how to incorporate sensory play while keeping the mess to a minimum:

10 Breathtaking Winter Books for Preschoolers

I hope you find one or two that are new to you! There is nothing quite like finding a beautiful new story to share with your little ones on a wintery day. I recommend taking a trip to your local library to take out these books, and I have included my affiliate links should you wish to add them permanently to your collection. 

#1 The Snow Tree

The Snow Tree by Caroline Repchuck and Josephine Martin

A little black bear wakes up to find a wintry world of white all around him. He wonders where all the colors have gone, and steps out into the softly drifted snow to look for them. The cub is soon helped in his search by a whole host of animals, including a raccoon, a blue jay, a lynx, and an arctic fox who bring the brilliant colors of the forest to him, one by one. What the animals finally create together with their treasures is a magical symbol of the Christmas season and a timeless testimonial to the joy of friendship and sharing.

#2 The Mitten

The Mitten by Jan Brett

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.

#3 Sadie and the Snowman

Sadie and the Snowman by Allen Morgan and Brenda Clark

As spring gets closer and closer, Sadie realizes that the snowmen she makes won’t last much longer…

#4 Jillian Jiggs and the Great Big Snow

Jillian Jiggs and The Great Big Snow by Phoebe Gilman

It’s a wonderful winter morning and Jillian can’t wait to get outside and play! Soon she and her friends are busy making a snowy masterpiece. But then Jillian loses her scarf… and her mittens… and her hat. Oh no! What will her mother say?

#5 Snowmen at Night

Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner

Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you’ve wondered… what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all!

#6 Snowballs

Snowballs by Lois Ehlert

It’s time to build a snowman in this fresh and imaginative winter classic by Caldecott Honor–winning author-illustrator Lois Ehlert.

#7 The Snowy Day

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

Universal in its appeal, this story beautifully depicts a child’s wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. The quiet fun and sweetness of Peter’s small adventures in the deep, deep snow is perfect for reading together on a cozy winter day.

#8 Stella Queen of the Snow

 

Stella Queen of the Snow by Marie Louise Gay

Stella and her little brother, Sam, are spending the day playing in the snow. The forest, snowballs, snow angels and the mysterious white stuff itself provide fuel for Sam’s questions and Stella’s answers as they discover the world of winter together.

#9 Bear Snores On

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson

One by one, a whole host of different animals and birds find their way out of the cold and into Bear’s cave to warm up. But even after the tea has been brewed and the corn has been popped, Bear just snores on! See what happens when he finally wakes up and finds his cave full of uninvited guests—all of them having a party without him!

#10 Christmas Wish

The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert and Per Breiehagen

Long ago, a brave little girl named Anja wanted to be one of Santa’s elves. So she leaves a note for her family and helps her elderly neighbor prepare for the holiday, then she straps on her skis, and heads out into the snowy landscape. From a red bird to a polar bear to a reindeer, a menagerie of winter animals help Anja make her way to Santa.

 

There you have it! The 10 breathtaking winter books for preschoolers that we have read again and again in my home. That’s the funny thing about books, isn’t it? No matter how many you have, you always seem to find those favorites and read them over and over.

I hope you have found a few new books or remembered some old favorites to read with your own little ones.

And if you’re ready to give your little one the best start—with activities that are engaging, fun, and full of learning—you’ll want to check out Play into Kindergarten Readiness! The preschool curriculum covers all core preschool skills in ONE 20-minute activity a day (and is packed full of awesome book suggestions, too!).

Take a peek at Play into Kindergarten Readiness and The Everything Preschool Bundle:

https://shop.howweelearn.com/collections/everything-preschool

Thank you for reading, friends! I hope you are having a lovely start to your new year.

xo
Sarah