24 Picture Books to Celebrate the Winter Season [2025]

Winter-themed picture books bring out the magic and wonder of the season with their beautiful illustrations and heartwarming stories. These stories capture the joy and excitement of the winter season for kids. Whether it's tales of overcoming challenges or the simple beauty of a snow-covered morning, these books can foster curiosity and creativity.

Winter books are a great way to celebrate the season beyond centering holidays!

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, educator, or someone who shapes little minds, these picture books will encourage children to explore new perspectives and embrace the magic of the world around them.

Let’s dive in.

1. Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner

This story explores the hidden world of animals beneath the snow during winter. As a child skis through the snowy woods with her father, she discovers various animals, like squirrels, snowshoe hares, and bears, living safely under the snow. It shares the secret life of winter wildlife, highlighting the wonders of nature that often go unnoticed.

2. When This World Was New by D. H. Figueredo

In this story, a boy named Danilito moves with his parents from their warm Caribbean island to the bustling city of New York. Overwhelmed by the cold, unfamiliar surroundings, and the language barrier, Danilito feels apprehensive about his new life. However, his father introduces him to the magic of the first snowfall, transforming his perspective and helping him embrace his new home.

3. Almost Time by Gary D. Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney

A young boy named Ethan eagerly anticipates the arrival of sugaring season, when maple syrup is made. He also looks forward to losing his loose tooth. However, his father gently reminds him that both events will happen in their own time. As they wait together, the story captures the passage of time, the changing seasons, and the joy of shared experiences between father and son.

4. Wintergarden by Janet Fox

A young girl and her mother create a winter garden in their apartment, turning a cold, snowy season into a time of growth and warmth. As they plant seeds and care for them, they watch the plants flourish, bringing life to their home. The book celebrates the joy of nurturing nature indoors during winter, inspiring children to appreciate the wonders of gardening in any season.

5. Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper

Lina wakes up to a snowy morning and walks to her grandmother’s house, discovering the different sounds of winter along the way. From the "scrape-scrape" of a shovel to the "crunch-crunch" of boots in the snow, she learns to appreciate the quiet beauty of the season through sound. This book celebrates mindfulness and the small joys of winter, capturing the peacefulness of a snowy day.

6. A Day So Gray by Marie Lamba

Two friends venture outdoors on a snowy winter day. One friend views the world as dull and gray, while the other points out the hidden colors and beauty in their surroundings. Through their journey, the book highlights the power of perspective and the joy of discovering the vibrant hues present even on the grayest days.

7. An Orange in January by Diana Hutts Aston

This picture book follows the journey of an orange from its blossom stage, where bees pollinate the flowers, to its arrival in a child's lunchbox during the winter months. It highlights the natural processes involved in the orange's growth and the extensive journey it undertakes to reach consumers. The book offers a celebratory look at the life cycle of an everyday object, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nature and the food industry.

8. Whose Tracks in the Snow? by Alexandra Milton

This book follows the journey of a young child as they explore different animal tracks in the snow. As they observe the prints left by animals like a hare, fox, and squirrel, the child learns to identify each animal based on the shape and pattern of their tracks. The story captures the wonder of nature and the creatures that live in the winter landscape.

9. Winter Tales by Dawn Casey

This book showcases the collection of folk stories from around the world, celebrating the wonders of winter and the qualities that warm our hearts during the cold season. It brings together a selection of wintery tales from diverse cultures, including North America, Siberia, Scotland, France, Russia, and Norway. 

10. The Shortest Day by Wendy Pfeffer

This book explores the science, history, and cultural significance of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. It explains how people once feared the shortening days, only to realize that after the solstice, the sun would start to return. The story highlights the winter solstice and its observance across different cultures, showing how many modern holiday traditions are rooted in ancient solstice celebrations. 

11. If I Lived in a Snow Globe by Chelsea McGlothlin

In this story, a young boy embarks on a journey through a snowy landscape, discovering the wonders of living inside his very own snow globe. As he explores, he encounters various winter scenes and experiences the magic of the season firsthand. 

12. Malaika's Winter Carnival by Nadia L. Hohn

Malaika moves from her warm Caribbean home to snowy Québec City to be with her mother and new family. Adjusting to the cold climate, a new language, and a different way of celebrating Carnival, Malaika feels out of place. Her new sister, Adèle, introduces her to the local winter festivities, but Malaika misses her homeland. A video call with her grandmother helps Malaika appreciate the good things about her new home and family.

13. Winter Is Here by Kevin Henkes

This picture book captures the essence of the winter season. It explores the sights, sounds, and feelings of winter—from the arrival of snow to the coziness of staying warm indoors. The book appreciates the beauty and quiet magic of the season. It's a gentle and heartwarming read that celebrates nature and the changing seasons.

14. Bear’s Winter Party by Deborah Hodge

This story is about a bear who lives alone in the forest and decides to host a winter party to make new friends. Bear decorates his home, prepares delicious food, and sends out invitations to all his forest neighbors. At first, the animals are hesitant, unsure about attending, but one by one, they arrive and are welcomed warmly. The party becomes a celebration filled with laughter, delicious treats, and new friendships.

15. Winter Is the Warmest Season by Lauren Stringer

This story presents an unexpected perspective on winter, celebrating the warmth that comes with the season. It highlights cozy moments like wearing fuzzy sweaters, sipping hot cocoa, and snuggling under blankets. The narrative contrasts the cold weather outside with the comforting warmth created inside homes.

16. One Winter Up North by John Owens

This story captures a family's experience of exploring a frozen, serene landscape filled with towering trees, icy lakes, and roaming wildlife. The narrative follows their activities, from setting up camp to observing the natural beauty around them. The family bonds as they hike through the woods, build a fire for warmth, and marvel at the quiet magic of winter.

17. A Hat for Mrs. Goldman by Michelle Edwards

This story follows a young girl who learns about kindness and giving through her friendship with her neighbor. The neighbor knits hats for everyone in the community but never keeps one for herself, despite the cold weather. The girl decides to create something special for her neighbor, taking on the challenge of knitting her very first hat.

18. Winter Sleep by Sean Taylor and Alex Morss

This story introduces you to the concept of hibernation through the perspective of a child visiting their grandmother's countryside home. As they explore the snowy landscape together, they discuss how various animals prepare for and survive the winter. From hedgehogs and frogs to bats and bears, the narrative highlights how creatures adapt to the cold season.

19. A World Full of Winter Stories by Angela McAllister

This collection brings together winter-themed folk tales and legends from across the globe. The stories capture the essence of winter traditions, from snowy landscapes to festive celebrations, and reveal how different cultures interpret the season. Each tale offers a glimpse into unique customs, myths, and lessons, providing learners with a sense of the diverse ways people connect with winter.

20. Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak

Two siblings, as they take a walk through nature, observing the transition from autumn to winter. Along the way, they notice the changing leaves, the arrival of chilly winds, and the first signs of frost. They greet the elements of nature, like the trees and animals, and witness how the world prepares for winter.

21. Wonderful Winter by Bruce Goldstone

The book provides a new look at winter, blending interesting facts, activities, and observations about the season. It explores various aspects of winter, from weather patterns like snow and ice to how plants, animals, and people adapt during this time of year. With interactive elements, it encourages learners to learn through fun activities such as crafts and experiments.

22. Bright Winter Night by Alli Brydon

On a bright winter night, a group of woodland creatures emerges from the forest, drawn together by a mysterious task. As night takes over the day, the animals, despite their differences, work together to build something from what they find on the forest floor. The story focuses on their collective effort and the sense of purpose they share, even as the task remains unclear.

23. When the Snow Falls by Linda Booth Sweeney

On a snowy day, a brother and sister, along with their Grandma, head outside to enjoy the winter weather. As they explore the woods, they observe how the wildlife is thriving under the fresh blanket of snow, creating a quiet, serene atmosphere. They also visit their Grandpa in town, helping him dig out from the snowstorm. Afterward, the family enjoys a fun and exhilarating sledding adventure.

24. The Snowbear by Sean Taylor

This story follows a winter adventure where two children, eager to play in the snow, decide to build a bear out of it. As they shape their creation, something magical happens—their snowbear seems to come to life! When the children find themselves in danger, the snowbear steps in to protect them, proving to be more than just a simple snow sculpture.

This is just the start!

There are so many great diverse picture books to use with young learners. For many more diverse kids' book recommendations, grab our Big List of Diverse Picture Books.