When I heard the weatherman say that we were having the coldest weather we’ve seen yet this season, I knew it was time to showcase some winter-themed picture books. These favorites are filled with winter wonder. They also serve as a reminder that while nature is preparing itself for the new beginnings that come in the spring, winter can be a time of reflection for the fresh new year that is ahead of us. So … grab a blanket, pour yourself some hot chocolate, and enjoy!

“Winter Dance” written by Marion Dane Bauer and illustrated by Richard Jones (Copyright 2017, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) has a young red fox trying to figure out what he should do to prepare for winter. Each beautifully illustrated, color-filled scene follows the fox as he consults with the creatures of the forest. They all suggest that he do what they are doing, but none of their plans seem right to him. When he finally listens to the “hush!” of the winter wind, his answer is found as he and another young red fox share a joyful winter dance together in the falling snow.

“When Winter Comes” written by Nancy Van Laan and illustrated by Susan Gaber (Copyright 2000, an Anne Schwartz book from Atheneum Books for Young Readers) is a rhyming story presented through the questions of a child who is outside on a family walk. Using vivid illustrations in acrylic on Bristol board, each alternating set of pages presents a question and then an answer about where some animals and plants go when the winter cold comes.

“Sleep Tight Farm” written by Eugenie Doyle and illustrated by Becca Stadtlander (Copyright 2016, Chronicle Books) takes a look at one family’s busy time getting their farm ready for winter. The beautifully painted illustrations will have you pausing to take in all the details. At the end of the book, there is a note from the author about school children and their teachers who visit her farm and see for themselves that a hard-working farm life also has many rewards.

Need more winter books? Try these poetry and non-fiction picture books:

“Winter Eyes: Poems and Paintings” written and illustrated by Douglas Florian (Copyright 1999, Greenwillow Books division of William Morrow & Company) is one of my favorite poetry books for children of all ages. It’s simply brilliant!

“Let’s Look at the Seasons: Wintertime” written and illustrated by Ann Schweninger (Copyright 1990, Scholastic, by arrangement with Penguin Books) describes how living things are able to endure the changing weather as the calendar moves through the winter months. This book also presents a few “winter-fun” activity ideas.

Happy Reading 🙂