When the weather turns chilly, I turn to winter picture books. Curling up with these titles transports me to a world transformed by snow while also saving me from bundling up to actually be in the snow! These cozy books talk about different traditions and stories from all over the world, while also discussing the wider theme of winter. Below you will find a list of comforting winter picture books that will hopefully give you some warm fuzzies as the cold weather approaches!
As of this writing, all of these titles are owned by the Davenport Public Library. Descriptions are provided by the publishers.
Alice in a Winter Wonderland written and illustrated by Jan Brett
A striking rendition of Alice in Wonderland transported to a shimmering Alaskan tundra, in Jan Brett’s rich signature style.
When Alice spies a white rabbit checking his pocket watch before hippity-hopping down a crevasse in an Alaskan glacier, she knows she must follow him. And so she pops down the rabbit hole, into a world of absurd personalities, topsy-turvy action, and laugh-out-loud silliness. Favorite characters like Cheshire Cat and the Duchess and King and Queen come to life as vibrant animals native to Alaska making this classic tale shine through a fresh lens, certain to appeal to readers of all ages. – G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Counting Winter written by Nancy White Carlstrom, illustrated by Claudia McGehee
Inspired by the author’s years in Alaska, this lyrical, beautifully illustrated counting book celebrates the rhythms of the tundra and its inhabitants.
One red fox walks across the white snow—quietly stalking winter. Two ravens croak and gurgle—raucously talking winter. Three snowshoe hares hop on big paws—silently tracking winter. Wherever you look, another creature is making its mark on the snow-covered season.
Author Nancy White Carlstrom used her years living in Alaska to inspire lyrical text celebrating the rhythms of the tundra and its inhabitants. Claudia McGehee’s stunning scratchboard art brings the winter season alive. For reading on chilly days—whether winter is just beginning or just starting to melt into spring. – Eardmans Books for Young Readers
A Cozy Winter Day written and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Eliza Wheeler welcomes readers to Acorn Village, where a community of adorable forest animals celebrates all the wonder that winter offers.
The busy animals of Acorn Village love to spend winter days doing all sorts of cozy activities together, whether they’re indoors reading, baking, and doing art projects or outside playing in the snow. And at the end of the day, the coziest activities await—sharing songs, hot drinks, and stories in front of a crackling fireplace, and then snuggling into bed and drifting off into dreamy sleep. Eliza Wheeler’s charming illustrations give her story the feel of a beloved classic and are full of rich, cozy details sure to ignite imaginations and make readers want to visit Acorn Village again and again. – Nancy Paulsen Books
Duck, Duck, Goose! written and illustrated by John Hare
Duck, duck, goose! Moose? From acclaimed author-illustrator John Hare, this funny picture book follows two ducks, a goose, and their unexpected friend, Moose, on a surprising journey. For fans of Suzanne Lang’s Grumpy Monkey and Kelly Bingham and Paul O. Zelinsky’s Z Is for Moose.
Join Duck, Duck, and Goose as they soar through the skies, leaving the cold weather behind on their annual migration south. Will Goose and friends catch a ride on a caboose? Will Duck’s truck get stuck in the muck? And why is there a moose in this book? Wait, where did Moose go?
John Hare, the acclaimed author-artist of A Mouthful of Minnows, has crafted a hilarious picture book full of rhyming wordplay, exuberant illustrations, and friendship—and featuring a sly nod to seasonal migration. Duck, Duck, Goose! is an innovative, playful, and unpredictable picture book that begs to be read again and again, making it a wonderful choice for emergent readers as well as family and storytime sharing. – Greenwillow Books
Hiro, winter and marshmallows written and illustrated by Marine Schneider, translated by Vineet Lal
A dreamlike tale about a bear, a boy, and the conversation they share one snowy evening.
Hiro is a bear too curious to sleep all winter long. So she packs her things, heads out of her cave, and follows some odd tracks in the snow…. straight into a bonfire party! Everyone runs away—except for Émile. He is a boy too curious to give up his chance to talk to a bear. “What it’s like, being a bear?” Émile asks Hiro. As bear and boy sit, talk, and roast marshmallows, a friendship sparks between them…
With wonderfully quirky narration and richly colored art, this enchanting book begs to be read aloud on cozy nights by the fire. Young readers will be delighted by Hiro and Émile’s winter world of crackling bonfires, bear songs, and ooey-gooey toasted marshmallows. – Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
In the Winter written and illustrated by Lauren Kukla
From the author of Being Me from A to Z comes the charming illustrated tale In the Winter. Travel through snowy woods, over frozen lakes, and beneath dark winter skies aglow with sparkling stars and northern lights. Animals make silent tracks in the snow, while others snooze in their burrows. Communities prepare for events and festivities. This delightful story celebrates the gentle beauty of winter, showing how it brings us together with a quiet sense of coziness and the warmth that comes from human connection.
In the Winter invites readers to embrace the season’s beauty while awaiting warmer days. With soft, cozy illustrations capturing the essence of winter, this book is the perfect companion for bedtime and cherished family moments. – North Star Editions
It’s Winter! written and illustrated by Renée Kurilla
There’s so much to love about winter! From snowball fights with friends to holidays spent with loved ones, cozy up with this celebration of a festive, favorite season from #1 New York Times bestselling artist Renée Kurilla.
Flurries flutter, soft and light. It’s winter, and our world is bright!
Pull out your warmest coat, mittens, and scarf! It’s time for sledding, skating, and snowmen! And don’t forget the hot chocolate, decorations, and special time with family and friends—it’s winter! From Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to Christmas and Valentine’s Day, get in the spirit of the season with this joyful rhyming follow-up to It’s Fall! from a New York Times bestselling creator. – Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
A Little Like Magic written and illustrated by Sarah Kurpiel
Winner of the Schneider Book Award and glistening with winter charm, this is an exhilarating, tender story of pushing past your comfort zone and finding inspiration in art and natural beauty.
Our young narrator doesn’t like itchy hats or cold wind, and she especially doesn’t like going places she’s never been before. But she reluctantly agrees to join her mom at an ice festival, where they watch sculptors chisel and drill until it’s too cold to watch anymore. That night the girl discovers that she has lost the horse figurine she’d brought with her, and she wishes she’d never gone . . . until the next night, when they return to the festival and see what the artists have created: sparkling, glorious sculptures that feel a little like magic. One surprise in particular seems even more magical to the girl. The ice art will stay with her long, long after it has melted away. – Rocky Pond Books
Ready for Winter written by Federico van Lunter, illustrated by Katya Longhi
Felix Fox is ready for winter.
He’s looking forward to a fun snow day!
But . . . not a single snowflake is falling.
That’s okay! Felix Fox’s friends remind him that
winter is beautiful, with or without snow. Just watch!
A cheerful and familiar book about the first snow.
For winter kids ages 3 years and up. – Clavis Publishing
Sally’s Snow Day written by Andrew Larsen, illustrated by Dawn Lo
Sally is going out in the snow!
It’s a winter’s day and Sally the dog is headed to the park! But first she has to put on some warm clothes: coat and boots. It’s not easy to zip up a pup, but finally she’s ready to sniff and snout her way through the snow. At the park she finds other pups to play with and sees people rolling snowballs to make snowdogs of all shapes and sizes! Sally sniffs them all before saying goodbye to her new friends and heading back home for a well-earned snooze. – Orca Book Publishers
Snow is… written by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez
From award-winning author Laura Gehl, a sparkling, lyrical picture book about the magic of an early snow.
It’s dawn and there is snow all around. The wonder of winter’s first snowfall brings the magic of changing seasons and sees a family sharing the perfect snow day with coziness and togetherness from dawn to dusk. – Simon & Schuster / Paula Wiseman Books
The Snow Thief written by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater
From New York Times bestselling author of The Leaf Thief comes the funny snowy companion picture book that teaches kids about winter, adapting to change, and the seasons.
Squirrel and Bird are back, and this time it’s winter! But squirrel has never seen snow before. Will he like it? You bet he will! Except, just as Squirrel starts to get used to the snow, it disappears. Is there a snow thief on the loose?
With vibrant art and captivating characters, the magic of winter is captured beautifully on each page as readers tag along Squirrel’s forest adventure. Is there truly a snow thief on the loose, or is something else going on in Squirrel’s forest? A perfect exploration of change—both seasonal, and the anxiety that change sometimes causes. Bonus material explaining about the changing of the seasons. Poised to be a new fall classic. – Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
So Cold! story by John Coy, illustrations by Chris Park
Embrace the cold with this engaging children’s book about a father and son who practice science experiments using household objects outside on a snowy day!
When the temperature drops far below freezing, many people plan to stay warm and cozy inside. But when it’s “so cold” that everyday things behave in unusual ways, it is worth the effort to get outside and play! In this vibrantly illustrated children’s story, a boy and his father dress in layer after layer before braving the cold, and the youngster declares: “Call me Freezeman!” Together the two experiment: What happens when boiling water is flung into the air? Or when maple syrup is poured on clean snow? The night before they left a banana outside: now it’s frozen solid. Can they can use it like a hammer? A helium balloon that floats inside the house changes dramatically in the freezing air. These and other discoveries await explorers bold enough to venture out on a bright and chilly day. Back inside at the end of the day, no wonder Freezeman declares: “so cold is so fun!” This playful narrative by John Coy celebrates curiosity and exploration, while Chris Park’s brilliant artwork illuminates a winter landscape that is anything but bleak. An author’s note explains the science behind the various experiments, leaving just one question: with all these amazing activities to undertake with your favorite adult when it’s “so cold,” why would anyone prefer to stay inside? – Minnesota Historical Society Press
Winter magic written by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Wendell Minor
A heartwarming, rhyming picture book that rejoices in the seasonal beauty of winter by the award-winning creative team behind The Great Zombie Pumpkin Parade.
Discover the magic of winter in this heartwarming read-aloud full of cozy charm and beautiful artwork. Best enjoyed with a mug of hot cocoa in hand, this seasonal celebration captures a beloved time of year—from making snow angels and gingerbread houses to sledding and ice-skating, to lighting the menorah and decorating with holiday wreaths and trees. It’s all inside this timeless gift book that brims with both seasonal and holiday cheer. Winter is special for all to experience and enjoy! – Christy Ottaviano Books
Winter Solstice Wish written by Kate Allen Fox, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
On the shortest day of the year, people reach out for light–and one another–in this luminous, lyrical winter solstice story.
Today we stretch the daylight as much as we can, trying to make it last.
On the shortest day of the year, when daylight slips by like sand through one’s fingers, people savor the light. As night falls, a community gathers on a beach and builds a bonfire of hope. Winter Solstice Wish is an ode to the winter solstice, human connectedness, and the hope of renewal.
Inspired by winter solstice bonfires built on a San Diego beach near the author’s home, Winter Solstice Wish combines scientific concepts with the intangible longing for connection and togetherness that people all over the world reach for on the shortest day. Backmatter includes information about global winter solstice celebrations and a brief scientific explanation of what’s happening on a solstice. – Beaming Books
