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Winter is officially here, so break out your snowshoes! Although winter looks different across the country, we more often than not associate the season with snow, cold, and ice. And for many, that’s what is! Whether you are located in a warm climate or not, there is something for everyone in this list of winter books for preschoolers.
Learn about animals and hibernation, spark your imagination with stories about snow creations and snowmen, and also teach lessons on kindness and generosity.
Books about Winter for Preschoolers
With snow falling and temperatures dropping below freezing, these 15 books tell the stories of surviving the cold, enjoying the snow, living in the snow, and everything in between. Whether you are enjoying a break from the heatwave in Texas, enduring the rainy season in Florida, or plowing through your typical 3 feet of snow in Wyoming, these books are perfect for celebrating and learning about all things Winter, no matter where you are!
The Mitten by Jan Brett
This classic Author/Illustrator made it onto our list three times because her books are Just. That. Good! With beautiful illustrations that bring the story to life, Jan Brett leads us through a charming winter adventure that starts with the loss of a mitten.
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
With fun rhymes and alliteration, this sweet story teaches about hibernation in a relatable way that will have your preschoolers laughing while also showing the importance of friendship.
The First Day of Winter by Denise Fleming
Set to the rhyme of the classic “12 Days of Christmas”, this story will bring the cold and snow right into your classroom! With repetitive chanting that your students can follow along with, this book offers a boatload of fun and plenty of creative ideas to go along with it.
Time to Sleep by Denise Fleming
This beautifully illustrated story is another timeless classic that explains the hibernation of animals in a simple way. Incorporate this book into a unit on Animals in Winter or use it to teach the importance of rest!
The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett
With her well-known, beautifully detailed illustrations, Jan Brett brings us another classic that is a retelling of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”. This book allows for a great introduction to comparing and contrasting while also showing us a glimpse of life in the Arctic.
Snowman At Night by Caralyn Buehner
This silly story will have your preschoolers laughing with glee while also sparking their imagination. Follow the snowmen and see what mischief they get up to while the world is asleep!
Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright
What do you do when your snowman gets sick? Find out in this hilarious book about a snowman with the sniffles and the unexpected way he gets better.
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
Have you ever wondered what life is like below the snow? Wonder no more! This nonfiction classic takes you beneath the cold snow and illustrates how animals survive the Winter underground for months at a time.
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle
From one of the most beloved children’s authors, Eric Carle and Bill Martin bring us yet another classic. Explore the sounds of animals from across the world and engage your students with the repetitive chorus to experience a group read aloud!
One Snowy Night by Nick Butterworth
With the snow getting higher and higher, many animals are left out in the cold and turn to their friend Percy for help. This sweet story of friendship and leadership is perfect for teaching about kindness and compassion around the holiday season!
There Was A Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow! by Lucille Colandro
A hilarious twist on the classic story “There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly” will have both you and your learners chanting along and laughing at the silliness. But who would expect such a twist at the end? Pair it with a snowman craft and you have yourself a fun group project!
The Hat by Jan Brett
This heartfelt yet funny story illustrates the importance of minding your own business in an unexpected way. Include this in your “All About Winter” unit and discuss the importance of dressing warmly in winter!
Snowballs (Rise and Shine) by Lois Ehlert
This creative masterpiece will challenge and stretch your learners’ imaginations about creating art! Pair it with a snowman building craft and allow your preschoolers’ imagination to go wild as they use items from the classroom to make their own unique snow-person or snow-pet!
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
This timeless classic takes us into the world of Peter as he explores the freshly fallen snow around his neighborhood. Pair it with a simple science experiment and explore what makes the snow melt and what keeps snow frozen when brought indoors.
The Snow Lady (A Tale of Trotter Street) by Shirley Hughes
This lesser-known classic tells a sweet story of neighbors who become unlikely friends. It teaches the importance of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Pair it with a lesson on being kind and create cards to give to your neighbors and classmates!