When the winter weather forces you to stay inside, think of it as an opportunity to catch up on your reading. A few good picture books later, and you’ll be ready for some winter fun . . . or maybe a long winter’s nap.

“Winter Is Here” written by Kevin Henkes and illustrated by Laura Dronzek (Copyright 2018, Greenwillow Books imprint of HarperCollins Publishers) uses colorful acrylic art and creative prose to beautifully illustrate the season of winter. The scenes depict memories being made in snow and ice, winter’s frozen staying power, and the familiar sights and sounds of the season.

“Snuggle Down Deep” written by Diane Ohanesian and illustrated by Emily Bornoff (Copyright 2018, Little Bee Books imprint of Bonnier Publishing USA) is about, you guessed it, sleep. The book begins with the arrival of winter or “slumber time” and uses rhyming verse to describe various animals and the many places and ways they tuck themselves in for winter hibernation. With sweet illustrations and repetitive verse, this will surely be a bedtime favorite for little ones.

“The After-Christmas Tree” written by Linda Wagner Tyler and illustrated by Susan Davis (Copyright 1990, Penguin Group) is a favorite from my collection of vintage picture books. The story begins on New Year’s Day, stating that it’s (sadly) time to take down the Christmas tree. After remembering the fun of the Christmas season and not wanting it to end, a winter party is planned. The old Christmas tree finds new life as it is moved to the backyard, where it is decorated with treats for the birds and wild animals to eat during the winter.