As the days get shorter and colder I love to heighten the anticipation of winter with my children through excellent winter-themed picture books. I find reading great books together draws us closer as a family, awakens our awareness of creation, brightens our imaginations and gives us great memories.
With that in mind I wanted to share 5 of our family favorites to enhance your family traditions and welcome winter as well!
1. Waiting for Winter by Sebastian Meschenmoser
Squirrel is curious about winter. He is always hibernating when it snows so he’s determined stay awake this year to see the first snow. Trouble is, he doesn’t know what snow looks like. He and a few forest friends try to find the first snowflake of winter based on a few clues. We love the dry humor and scruffy illustrations.
2. Snow Comes to the Farm by Nathaniel Tripp
A beautifully illustrated book about brothers who get permission to wait for the first snowfall in the woods. Filled with the wonder of childhood and the magic of the stillness before the first winter storm.
3. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
A child is finally old enough to go “owling” with her father at night in the winter. Through the deep snow in the light of a full moon they search for the owl in the forest. The child is thrilled to finally be able to go on this mysterious walk older siblings have already taken with their father but will they find the owl?
4. Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner
Have you ever noticed your snowman doesn’t look the same in the morning as it did last night? This hilarious book shows what snowmen (and women) get up to at night while everyone is asleep. A humorous family favorite.
5. Winter Story by Jill Barklem
A big snow has come to Brambly Hedge. The biggest in years. In celebration a snow ball (dance) is declared to be held in the ice palace. See how the community of mice prepare for the festivities to celebrate the season of abundant winter snow.
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Thanks for the list – two of these are new-to-us titles, so I’ve put them on hold at the library. Looking forward to tucking in and reading these with my crew.
My daughter is becoming very interested in reading books so this is a great list!