Creating Cozy Moments with Winter-Themed Books: A Family Tradition
As the days grow shorter and the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like snuggling up with a good book to bring warmth and joy to your home. Over the years, I’ve found that curating a seasonal picture book basket has been a delightful way to celebrate the magic of winter while fostering a love of reading in my children.
This simple tradition has not only added coziness to our winter days but has also become a cherished part of our family culture. Let me share how you can create your own winter-themed book basket and my favorite winter book recommendations to inspire hours of cozy reading together.
Building Your Winter Book Basket
I keep my picture books organized in magazine holders, sorted by season, holiday, or theme. When winter arrives, I simply swap out the books from the previous season, pulling my winter-themed collection from its magazine holder and placing them in our basket. This system saves me time and keeps our books in great shape.
If you’re just starting out, don’t worry if your collection is small. Begin with what you have and make a list of winter-themed books you’d like to add. Clip this list to the back of your magazine holder or keep it in your phone for trips to the library, thrift stores, or yard sales. You can also request books from your library ahead of time, as seasonal favorites tend to go quickly.
The Joy of Familiar Stories
One of the best parts of this tradition is revisiting the same books each year. My kids love rediscovering their favorites and often exclaim, “Oh, I love this one!” These books have become treasured friends, helping my kids build confidence as they read familiar texts independently. Whether you’re reading together daily or picking up a book whenever time allows, this practice can spark a lifetime of joyful reading.
Winter Picture Book Recommendations
Winter Themed Books:
These books by Jan Brett. She is a master storyteller and her illustrations are incredible.
Animals in Winter- This nonfiction book is a great introduction to the behaviors of animals in Winter. Great to pair with making a bird feeder and observing who comes visiting.
Owl Moon- The illustrations in this book are phenomenal. Great inspiration for watercolor paintings, focus on perspective.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats- Total classic. I read this over and over again as a child.
Katy and the Big Snow by Viriginia Lee Burton- This book is a classic for a reason. Big hit with my son who loves trucks:)
Stella, Queen of Snow by Marie-Louise Gay- Great story of exploring winter with a younger sibling who asks a LOT of questions.
Frozen Noses by Jan Carr- Great read for toddlers and preschoolers.
The Biggest, Best Snowman by Cuyler- This tops the list as my kids favorite winter book. In this story a little girls wants to make a snowman, but her older sisters tell her she is too little. With the help of some animal friends, she makes a huge snowman and shows her family that she is not so little after all.
The Little Polar Bear by Hans de Beer- Ok, so this book isn’t really about winter as the little polar bear travels away from the north pole and has to find his way back home. I wasn’t sure what other theme this went with, so I put it in Winter and it is such a heartwarming story that I wouldn’t miss this one.
My First Little House Books….Of course, can’t have a book basket without Little House:) (Winter Days in the Big Woods, Sugar Snow, Winter on the Farm)
The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonders- This nonfiction book is a fascinating introduction to the science of snow.
Snowflake Bentley by Martin- Fascinating look at the man who first photographed snowflakes. The illustrations garnered the Caldecott medal.
Winter Chapter Books:
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder- This story of the Ingalls family when the blizzard of 1880 hit the dakota territory will make you want to curl under some blankets and sit by the fire.
Snow Treasure by McSwigan- This story set in Norway during World War II is full of action and suspense. Imagine carrying nine million dollars worth of gold on your sled! Your child will never see sledding the same again.
Hans Brinkler, The Silver Skates by Dodge- A Dutch brother and sister work toward two goals–finding the doctor who can restore their father’s memory and winning the competition for the silver skates. Great story of sibling love and determination.
Heidi by Johanna Spyri- So this book doesn’t take place only in Winter, but I love the images of the snowy alps and imagining those on a dreary Winter day.
Embrace the Wonder of Winter Reading
Whether you’re reading about snowy adventures, learning the science behind snowflakes, or simply marveling at the illustrations of a beloved picture book, creating a winter-themed reading basket can turn cold days into magical moments. Gather your favorite books, snuggle under a blanket, and let the stories transport you to frosty forests, snowy mountains, and heartwarming adventures.
Do you have a favorite winter book? Share it with us in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s in your winter basket!
