Must Read Books about Snow for Toddlers this Winter
As the winter winds begin to whisper and snowflakes delicately blanket the world outside, there's a certain magic in the air that captivates the imagination of toddlers. The season of snow brings with it not just chilly temperatures but a world of wonder, discovery, and cozy moments indoors. What better way to embrace the charm of winter than by delving into enchanting stories with your little ones?
In this blog post, I've curated a collection of 20 delightful board books that celebrate the joy, beauty, and playful adventures inspired by snow. From classic tales that have warmed hearts for generations to newer discoveries that are sure to become cherished favorites, these books are crafted with the youngest readers in mind. Each page turns into a journey through a winter wonderland, inviting toddlers to explore the magic of snowflakes, the thrill of snowmen, and the joy of winter activities.
Must Read Books about Snow for Toddlers this Winter
Join us as we embark on a literary snowscape, where imagination knows no bounds, and the world is transformed into a snowy haven for toddlers and parents alike. Whether you're cuddled up by the fireplace at home or sharing these stories in a preschool setting, these board books promise to create precious moments of joy, learning, and connection. Let the snow-themed adventure begin!
Incorporating books about snow in both preschool and at home is a wonderful way to engage toddlers and enhance their understanding of winter. Here are some ideas for using these books in both settings:
Snowy Tales: A Winter Wonderland of Board Books for Toddlers
At Preschool:
Read-Aloud Time:
Designate a cozy reading corner with soft blankets or pillows.
Read one of the snow-themed books aloud, using expressive tones and encouraging children to ask questions or share their thoughts.
Themed Crafts:
Plan a related craft activity inspired by one of the books. For example, after reading "Snowballs" by Lois Ehlert, have the children create their own snowman crafts using paper and cotton balls.
Dramatic Play:
Set up a winter-themed dramatic play area. Use props and costumes related to the books, allowing children to act out scenes from "The Snowy Day" or "Bear Snores On."
Science Exploration:
Turn the concept of snow into a science lesson. Discuss how snow is formed and bring in sensory activities, like making fake snow or ice cubes with hidden treasures inside.
Outdoor Exploration:
If weather permits, take the children outside to experience real snow. Engage in simple activities like making snow angels or observing snowflakes.
Circle Time Discussions:
Have discussions during circle time about the characters and events in the books. This can help build language skills and promote comprehension.
At Home:
Family Reading Time:
Make reading a special family activity. Read a snow-themed book together before bedtime or during a designated family reading time.
Book-Based Play:
Use the stories as inspiration for imaginative play at home. Encourage children to reenact scenes from the books using toys or create their own snowy adventures.
Winter Walks:
Take advantage of the winter season by going for walks with your child. Point out the elements you've read about in the books, like snow-covered trees or animal tracks in the snow.
Art and Crafts:
Extend the reading experience with art projects. Create snowflakes, snowmen, or winter landscapes using various art supplies.
Cooking Adventures:
Tie in cooking activities with the books. Make snowman-shaped cookies or create hot cocoa together after reading a winter-themed story.
Nature Journals:
Encourage your child to keep a simple nature journal. Record observations about the winter weather and any snowy experiences inspired by the books.
Remember to adapt these activities based on the age and interests of the children. The goal is to make learning about snow enjoyable and hands-on, fostering a love for reading and exploration.
Children's books about snow for toddlers is a fantastic idea! Here's a list of delightful books that capture the magic and wonder of snow for young children:
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Here's a list of 20 board books about snow that are perfect for toddlers:
"The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats - In 1962, a little boy named Peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. Universal in its appeal, this story of snow 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. Young readers have loved this classic book and beautiful illustrations for generations.
"Baby Loves Winter!" by Karen Katz - Baby explores the wonders of winter in this seasonal lift-the-flap board book from Karen Katz! It’s wintertime! What will Baby see? What’s outside the window? Look! Giant snowflakes! Little ones will love lifting the flaps in this book to reveal lots of outdoor fun with a red sled, a giant snowplow, a cute furry groundhog, and everything else that Baby loves about winter! The sturdy format is an excellent choice for snow picture books and easy-to-lift flaps are perfect for parents and children to share.
"Little Owl's Snow" by Divya Srinivasan - Little Owl experiences his first snow and first winter in this perfect follow-up to Little Owl's Night and Little Owl's Day books! "Winter's almost here!" says Little Owl, as he observes leaves falling, animal friends hibernating, and a chill from his feathers to his feet. And just as he and his friend racoon are watching their breath make fog in the cold air, it happens: Snow!
"Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit: A Book of Changing Seasons" by Il Sung Na - Learn what animals do when the snow falls to the ground and all the trees are bare! Some fly long distances, while some swim to warmer waters. Some take a long, warm sleep where they live, while others have a thick, cozy coat and can stay in the snow! This sweet book is filled with rich illustrations, charming animals, and a simple, lyrical text, Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit is now available in a board edition for the smallest hands and youngest readers. It's a gentle introduction to the ideas of adaptation, hibernation, and migration, and an exuberant celebration of changing seasons.
"Peek-A-Boo Snowman" by Charles Reasoner When Mr. Snowman disappears under a drift during a snowy adventure, his friends come to the rescue! A bit more of Snowman is revealed with each page. Die-cut peek-a-boo windows reveal woodland friends, and a charming rhyme make this the perfect board book to cuddle up with after building a snowman of your own in cold weather.
Winter in the Forest - Explore WINTER in the forest with this lively, interactive Lift-a-Flap Surprise board fun book! Little ones will love learning all about wintertime fun in the forest while following two adorable little raccoons as they trek around the snow-covered woods soaking in all the sights and sounds and meeting new woodland friends. The birds are chirping, the owls are hooting, and the deer are frolicking in the snow. The little raccoons snuggle in their tree enjoying the winter days before spring arrives. What a wonderful snowy day to be two little raccoons! A perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with your toddler!
Babies in the Snow - Introduce your little one to arctic animals including polar bears, whales, caribou, walruses, seals, and more in this adorable lift-a-flap board perfect book. Take a journey with polar bears Pearl and Puff explore the artic and meet new friends hiding beneath the snow and ice. Packed with cute illustrations of all types of snow animals, this sturdy lift-a-flaps board book is perfect for babies and toddlers and enjoying the cold weather together during the winter time of year.
Itsy Bitsy Snowman - A fun and playful seasonal twist on “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” great book makes this favorite nursery rhyme perfect for wintertime! The itsy bitsy snowman went sledding into town, looking at the snowflakes softly falling down.
Out came his friends to lend a happy hand. And everything was perfect in his winter wonderland. Little ones will love this fresh winter spin on a classic nursery rhyme, as one little snowman sleds through a winter wonderland."Never Touch a Polar Bear!" by Rosie Greening - You must Never Touch a Polar Bear . . . unless it’s in this book! Aimed at toddlers and babies this wintery touch and feel board book is great for young kids. Silicone touches throughout the book introduce lots of winter themed animals.
"That's Not My Snowman..." by Fiona Watt Bright, colourful illustrations combine with a variety of different textures to touch and feel, helping very young children develop important language and sensory skills. An ideal gift for a baby or toddler, especially at Christmas time. This is a series of favorite books and a fun way to engage in reading with a young boy or young girl.
"Snowmen at Night" by Caralyn Buehner Snowmen at Night reveals a wonderful winter months secret--when we are sleeping, the snowmen are out playing! This exuberant, rhyming tale continues to delight young toddlers, as well as older readers, in a format that's just right for little hands.
"Winter Is Here" by Heidi Pross Gray - This board book is a great addition to the list of snow books with sturdy pages is perfect for little hands.Snow falls, animals burrow, and children prepare for the wonders winter brings. Caldecott Medalist and award-winning author Kevin Henkes’s striking text introduces basic concepts of language and the unique beauty of the winter season. Laura Dronzek’s expressive paintings beautifully capture the joyful wonders of winter.
A Little Book about Winter -Hello Winter! A new seasonal board book for the youngest fans of Leo Lionni--inspired by his bestselling books! A great gift that's perfect for winter reading! Little ones love this favorite on the winter book list! Cuddle up and share the magic of the season with this bright and engaging board book! With sturdy pages and colorful collage-style artwork, this winter-themed book is perfect for girls and boys.
S is for Snow - It’s time to catch a winter chill! With H for hot chocolate, J for Jack Frost, and T for toboggan, this colorful primer has everything you need to know about what makes the winter season cool. Take this wintry slope from A to Z, and you’ll never want the snow day or days of winter to end!
Little Owls Snow - "Winter's almost here!" says Little Owl, as he observes leaves falling, animal friends hibernating, and a chill from his feathers to his feet. And just as he and his friend racoon are watching their breath make fog in the cold air, it happens: Snow!
Snow by Jill McDonald - No one thinks one or two snowflakes will amount to anything. Not the man with the hat or the lady with the umbrella. Not even the television or the radio forecasters studying the science of winter. But one boy and his dog have faith that the snow will amount to something spectacular, and when flakes start to swirl down on the city, they are also the only ones who know how to truly enjoy it.
The First Snow - One cold day Mouse and Poppa venture into the clear white world. From sledding down hills of powdery snow, to skating across the ice, to meeting fluffy snow angels, Mouse finds that wintertime is full of surprises. And before it's time to go home, Mouse just might have time to "make" a special new friend!
"Baby Penguins Love Their Mama!" by Melissa Guion - When you're a mama penguin with lots (and lots) of little ones to take care of, the days can melt together in a blur. Monday: swimming lessons. Tuesday: sliding. Wednesday: waddling. And on and on. Mama loves her babies so much. Do they know, she wonders, just how much? As it turns out, they do--because they love her just as much! And to show it, they surprise her with a thoughtful gesture of their own on Sunday.
"Goodnight Snow" by Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper -Good Night Snow highlights building a snowman, sledding, making snow angels, blizzards, snowball fights, snow shoeing, skiing, snow plows, winter gear, shoveling, catching snowflakes, making snow treats, snow leopards, and more. Put on your winter boots and button up that warm jacket—
it's snowing! This frosty board book will have children of all ages racing out the door to frolic in that white, fluffy goodness.
This book is part of the bestselling Good Night Our World series, which includes hundreds of titles exploring iconic locations and exciting themes."Ten on the Sled" by Kim Norman- A favorite childrens song ("Ten on the Bed") gets a delightfully slippery, slide-y twist! In the land of the midnight sun, all the animals are having fun speeding down the hill on Caribous sled. But as they go faster and faster, Seal, Hare, Walrus, and the others all fall off . . . until just the caribous left, only and lonely. Now, a reindeer likes flying-but never alone, so . . . all the animals leap onto the sled again! This beloved story is new in board and abridged for a preschool audience, and its ideal for reading, counting, and singing along with, over and over.
As our snowy storytelling journey comes to a close, we hope this collection of snow-themed board books for toddlers has filled your hearts with warmth and wonder. The magic of snow extends far beyond frosty landscapes; it's a source of inspiration, joy, and endless possibilities for the little ones in our lives.
These carefully selected tales not only entertain but also foster early literacy skills, spark curiosity, and create lasting memories. Whether your toddler is just discovering the enchantment of their first snowfall or already a seasoned snow adventurer, these books provide a delightful way to celebrate the beauty of winter.
As you explore these snowy realms with your little reader, remember that each turn of the page is an opportunity for shared laughter, learning, and love. Whether it's the joyous adventures of "The Snowy Day" or the interactive delights of "Peek-A-Boo Snow," these board books are the perfect companions for creating cozy moments and building a foundation of literacy that will last a lifetime.
So, bundle up, snuggle in, and let the magic of snowy tales continue to unfold in your homes and classrooms. From our bookshelf to yours, may these stories of snowflakes and snowmen bring warmth and smiles to the coldest of winter days. Happy reading!
