For kids, there are few things more exciting during the winter season than a snow day. While adults may be preoccupied with shoveling, icing, and weatherizing, a hefty snowfall spells nothing but joy for little ones, as it means building snowmen, snowball fights, sledding, and even the promise of a school-cancelling snow day. To capture the joy of snowy weather, we’ve got ten brand-new picture books that would be perfect to curl up with after a day of playing in the frosty, frozen stuff.
The Snow Thief by Alice Hemming, Illustrated by Nicola Slater
A follow-up to the author-illustrator duo’s autumn-themed book, The Leaf Thief, Squirrel and Bird are back to ponder the joy of an unexpectedly snowy day. Squirrel has never seen snow before, and he is instantly enamored — until the snow begins to disappear! Is there a snow thief on the loose? A delightful combination of humor and learning, this one is great for kids who are starting to explore how our seasons change.
Snow Is… by Laura Gehl, Illustrated by Sonia Sánchez
To the child and loyal pup who star in this precious tale of winter fun, snow is many things. It’s a plop, a squish, a swish, and a flutter. It’s a feeling, a stillness, a dance, and a twirl. Most of all, it’s time spent with loved ones, indoors and out, enjoying the many things that snow can be. With spritely text by Gehl and peaceful yet playful artwork by Sánchez, this book lovingly captures the myriad promises of snow.
Snow Steps by Karen Latchana Kenney, Illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich
Sure, snow can be exciting for kids who have grown up with it — but what if you come from somewhere snow doesn’t exist? After emigrating to Minnesota from sunny, tropical Guyana, Lakshmi is trying hard to adjust to life in a new country, especially the slushy snow that seems omnipresent. She’s so scared of it that she refuses to walk on it until a new friend helps her fears melt away. Based on the author’s childhood experiences, this tender tale will encourage kindness and understanding, as well as having the courage to face new challenges.
Ruffles and the Cold, Cold Snow by David Melling
The latest title in Melling’s adorable Ruffles series, this edition sees the clever and curious pup faced with one of his great displeasures: snow. But his besties — five teeny, tiny kittens introduced in a previous book in the series — want to play in the flurries and drifts, so Ruffles tags along. And when the kittens find themselves in a spot of trouble, he’s glad he did! Melling’s simple text and darling illustrations are perfect for early readers who will fall in love with the loyal Ruffles and his kitty companions.
The First Snow by Marie Štumpfová & Radek Malý
When Agnes and Stefan wake to a winter wonderland outside their door, they are excited for what the day will bring. A marvelous fairytale about how a quiet, snowy landscape can inspire the imagination, the children’s day is soon filled with friendly polar bears, fields of ice floes, and more. Whimsical illustrations and a sweet story pair perfectly to excite the adventurous spirit of little winter merrymakers.
Sally’s Snow Day by Andrew Larsen, Illustrated by Dawn Lo
Fans of Larsen and Lo’s Sally’s Puppy Adventures series will love the third entry, which follows tooth-achingly adorable pup Sally as she explores a snowy day from a dog’s-eye view. Donning her purple puffy coat and rubber boots, Sally accompanies her human to the dog park to frolic with her friends in the winter weather. Simple phrases and charming illustrations make this fantastic book for early readers, and dog owners will appreciate the care with which Sally is prepared for her chilly day out.
Frostfire by Elly MacKay
A sibling tale that is as charming as it is magical, readers follow elder sister Miriam and younger sister Celeste as the two venture out to uncover a snow dragon hiding in the winter landscape. Readers with siblings will appreciate the authenticity of the pair’s relationship, which is filled with love and just a touch of annoyance that dealing with brothers and sisters often brings. MacKay’s story is full of wonder and imagination, as is the gorgeous, silvery artwork of the natural world that surrounds the fox girls.
So Cold! by John Coy, Illustrated by Chris Park
What could make a snowy day even more exciting? SCIENCE. In this STEM-inspired title by Minnesota natives Coy and Park, a father and child venture out into a cold and snowy day to conduct scientific experiments. Amongst the questions being tested: what happens when boiling water is flung into the freezing air? What happens to liquid maple syrup when it is poured on clean snow? Can the banana they left outside last night be smashed with a hammer? A fascinating and fun spin on the typical winter picture book, this title is sure to inspire curious minds.
Felix Fox and Friends: Ready for Winter by Federico Van Lunter, Illustrated by Katya Longhi
First in a planned series, readers join Felix Fox and his friends in this title as they prepare for a winter’s day… only to be left waiting as not a single snowflake or flurry is to be seen! Felix is disappointed; how can they enjoy a snow day without any snow? However, his friends are on the case, reminding him that a day spent with friends can be fun no matter the weather. Longhi’s loveable illustrations and Van Lunter’s light text keep things cheerful, but there’s also a great lesson on patience and appreciation.
A Cozy Winter Day by Eliza Wheeler
This positively adorable ode to a winter’s day is the perfect read for cuddling up and winding down after a day of play in the snow. Readers follow several woodland families in Acorn Village as they while away a frosty day, doing indoor activities like baking or reading, or venturing outside to stack firewood and make snow angels. As dusk approaches, the friends gather for a winter feast before cozying into their beds for the night. Heartwarming and wholesome, this is a winter classic in the making that readers of any age can enjoy.
There you have it, a bountiful bevy of brand-new and wonderful winter tales to share as a family as the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall. Wishing you and yours a safe and lovely season!
To see more of our favorite kid reads, check out our article on the Best Picture Books of 2024.
To see all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our bookshelf on Bookshop.
