If I had to choose a favorite category of picture books, I would select “winter.” I find it so comforting and magical to look at books filled with snowy landscapes.
This year a lovely new crop of winter books sprouted up for my (and your) enjoyment. Choose one (or all) from this list, snuggle down in front of the fireplace (or radiator, in our case) and share a book with your child.
More: Click here for Winter-themed Chapter Books!
(Note: I love all these books! All book covers and titles are affiliate links.)
After you’ve checked out these books be sure to find more book lists on our new master list of all our book lists!
Cold Snap. The days are getting colder and colder, the icicles getting longer and longer. The whole town gets together for a winter surprise orchestrated by the mayor’s wife.
A Perfect Day. Carin Berger’s concise text about a sublime day of snowy play is accompanied by creative collage illustrations. It’s hard to beat this joyful winter picture book.
Twelve Kinds of Ice. This is a short chapter book, great for read alouds, chronicling the marvelous manifestations of wintery ice formations from glass-like ice to black ice. Ellen Obed’s lyrical phrasing is perfectly accompanied by McClintock’s old-fashioned black and white line drawings.
Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money. I know, it sounds crazy to set up a lemonade stand in the snow, but these young entrepreneurs will not be dissuaded. Your kids will be singing a catchy little tune, setting up their own stand and counting their change by the time you finish reading.
The Reader. A winter picnic, a dog and a book: what could be better? I confess I have a huge soft spot for Lauren Castillo, who illustrated one of my favorite picture books, What Happens on Wednesdays.
The Christmas Quiet Book. The cuddly-cozy text and pictures of this book mean you can enjoy it all winter long, not just at Yule.
When Blue Met Egg. Due to New Kid’s enthusiasm for it, this book about a bird who searches high and low for a snowball’s mama, made it on to our favorites of 2012 list.
Charley’s First Night. A beautifully illustrated story about a boy who lovingly cares for his new pet. Both kids and parents will relate to this story about spending the first night with the new object-of-your-affection.
The Iciest, Diciest, Scariest Sled Ride Ever! On a New England hillside, join a gaggle of kids on a super-long sled for the ride of your life! Humorous storytelling earned the author starred reviews.
Have you read any of these? What did you think?
Did you know I have an ever expanding collection of picture book boards on Pinterest? Follow me on Pinterest to see more of my recommendations and books I am looking forward to reading.
Disclosure: Don’t forget! This post uses affiliate links.
Even in Australia says
I love The Reader but the NYPL doesn’t have it! A Perfect Day by Carin Berger is also nice.
Mom and Kiddo says
Yup, BPL doesn’t have it either. We had to read it in the bookstore.
Megan D. Neal says
I’ve read a few of these, but some are new to me. Thanks for the heads up. Are these all books from this year?
Mom and Kiddo says
Yes, they were all published 2012 — some just recently but others back in the early months of the year.
Even in Australia says
I bought it… I think it was only $4.99 on Amazon. We do go to our indie bookstore a lot but that price was too hard to resist.
Mom and Kiddo says
Yes, I know what you mean. Whenever I buy books for gifts I go to the indie store, but when I come across books I wouldn’t normally buy but find a super deal online, I do use Amazon. I remember seeing that price for The Reader and being very tempted!
Natalie says
The Reader and The Blue were lovely, the rest we haven’t read. Our daughter is yet to see real snow 🙂
Book Lover says
I just found this one but I love winter picture books too! Winter Story and the Secret Staircase by Jill Barklem, A Coming of Winter in the Adirondaks, Snow Comes to the Farm, Angelina Ice Skates, and The Swan’s Gift.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thank you for the suggestions.
Suzanne Holt says
I was unfamiliar with these books which is surprising to me. Thanks for the suggestions. Pinned.
Erica MomandKiddo says
Thanks Suzanne!