Winter has yet to officially start, but a large swath of the United States has already experienced the cold and snow. The following books celebrate the frosty season.
BOARD BOOK
WINTER LIGHT, by Aaron Becker, Candlewick Studio, Oct. 1, 2024, Board Book, $17.99 (ages 3-6)
With an eye to holiday rituals and nature’s rebirth, New York Times best-selling creator Aaron Becker offers a luminous die-cut companion to You Are Light, My Favorite Color, and One Sky.
Hush, now. Be still.
It’s time for winter light.
Come winter, the days grow short. Sunlight filters through bare branches as ice crystals cover the meadow. In this quiet time, we turn to warmth and light, to family rituals and traditions. With jewellike die-cuts revealing the colors of the season against soft painterly backgrounds, Caldecott Honoree Aaron Becker captures the light of winter skies and lengthening days, the glow of candle and hearth, and the heart’s yearning for spring’s return. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick Studio
Winter Light’s eye-catching design makes you want to pick it up. Hold it up to the light, and it’s magic. The snowflake’s diamonds are a kaleidoscope of colors, each a different hue found in the season. Though the suggested age range is 4-8, I’d probably skew younger on this on — ages 3-6.
AGES 2 AND UP
IT’S WINTER! (Celebrate the Seasons, 2), by Renée Kurilla, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Oct. 1, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 2-5)
Flurries flutter, soft and light. It’s winter, and our world is bright!
Pull out your warmest coat, mittens, and scarf! It’s time for sledding, skating, and snowmen! And don’t forget the hot chocolate, decorations, and special time with family and friends—it’s winter! From Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to Christmas and Valentine’s Day, get in the spirit of the season with this joyful rhyming follow-up to It’s Fall! from a New York Times bestselling creator. —Synopsis provided by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Nostalgic illustrations are full of cheer and charm. Rhythmic text makes this one a joy to read aloud.
A COZY WINTER DAY, by Eliza Wheeler, Nancy Paulsen Books, Oct. 15, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 2-5)
New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Eliza Wheeler welcomes readers to Acorn Village, where a community of adorable forest animals celebrates all the wonder that winter offers.
The busy animals of Acorn Village love to spend winter days doing all sorts of cozy activities together, whether they’re indoors reading, baking, and doing art projects or outside playing in the snow. And at the end of the day, the coziest activities await—sharing songs, hot drinks, and stories in front of a crackling fireplace, and then snuggling into bed and drifting off into dreamy sleep. Eliza Wheeler’s charming illustrations give her story the feel of a beloved classic and are full of rich, cozy details sure to ignite imaginations and make readers want to visit Acorn Village again and again. —Synopsis provided by Nancy Paulsen Books
A friendly cast of characters welcome readers to a snowy village. It’s a gentle read that little ones will love.
RUFFLES AND THE COLD, COLD SNOW, by David Melling, Candlewick Press, Nov. 5, 2024, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 2-5)
Ruffles loves a lot of things, like howling, scratching, eating, and playing with the teeny, tiny kittens. He does not love the snow. But when the kittens want to play outside, Ruffles decides to tag along. And it’s a good thing he does! The kittens quickly get stuck in the deep, cold snow. Even though Ruffles doesn’t like the snow, he knows he must bravely free his friends and bring them back to the warm and cozy house. And Ruffles discovers something new that he loves: helping his friends. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick Press
What’s better than a charming little dog paired with cute kitties? This sweet story is one kids will love.
AGES 3 AND UP
THE SNOW THIEF, Part of: A Squirrel & Bird Book (5 books) , by Alice Hemming and Nicola Slater, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-6)
From New York Times bestselling author of The Leaf Thief comes the snowy companion picture book that teaches kids about winter, adapting to change, and the seasons.
Squirrel and Bird are back, and this time it’s winter! But squirrel has never seen snow before. Will he like it? You bet he will! Except, just as Squirrel starts to get used to the snow, it disappears. Is there a snow thief on the loose? —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Follow along as a charming squirrel experiences snow for the first time. Like little kids, he’s got lots of questions about the whos, whats, wheres, and whys of winter. Kids will love his bigger-than-life personality.
OWL MOON, by Jane Yolen, John Schoenherr, Philomel Books, Nov 5, 2024, Board Book, $14.99 (ages 3-7)
Late one winter night a little girl and her father go owling. The trees stand still as statues and the world is silent as a dream. Whoo-whoo-whoo, the father calls to the mysterious nighttime bird.
But there is no answer.
Wordlessly the two companions walk along, for when you go owling you don’t need words. You don’t need anything but hope. Sometimes there isn’t an owl, but sometimes there is.
Distinguished author Jane Yolen has created a gentle, poetic story that lovingly depicts the special companionship of a young child and her father as well as humankind’s close relationship to the natural world. Wonderfully complemented by John Schoenherr’s soft, exquisite watercolor illustrations, this is a verbal and visual treasure, perfect for reading around and sharing at bedtime. —Synopsis provided by Philomel Books
Owl Moon was the Caldecott Medal Winner in 1988. Now in board book form, this classic story is a celebration of nature seen through the lens of winter. It’s a beautiful look at a parent-child relationship.
AGES 4 AND UP
COLD, by Tim McCanna and Ramona Kaulitzki, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, Nov. 5, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
This lyrical environmental picture book introduces readers to some of the most beautiful and fascinating cold climate creatures and habitats all over the world.
Cold is a morning dappled in dew; an ocean, swirling and deep; a desert shrouded by night; and tiny tracks on hills of snow. No matter where or how, life finds a way even in the coldest weather. From an octopus to an arctic hare, meet animals who thrive in chilly environments and learn about the climate phenomena that shape their homes. —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
This gorgeous picture book celebrates the winter chill.
WONDER & AWE, by Annie Herzig, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, Oct. 15, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
This enchanting debut picture book tells the story of two friends—a girl and a snowwoman—who help each other see the beauty and wonder in the world around them.
One magical morning, a little girl makes a new snow friend. She calls her Wonder. Everything is new to Wonder, and they spend many enchanting days together. But as winter turns to spring, Wonder must go. Without her friend, the little girl is sad… Until one day when she rediscovers her sense of wonder.
As the seasons continue to change, the little girl witnesses the beauty all around her and waits for the first magical snow of winter to bring Wonder back home. —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Annie Herzig’s sweet story is wonderfully illustrated. Her use of color is fantastic. It heightens the emotion and enhances the narrative.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WINTER, by Cristina Sitja Rubio and Vineet Lal, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Oct. 15, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
A cozy tale about a restless sleeper, his hibernating friends, and how he creates his best winter yet.
When snow begins to blanket the trees, naptime is here for the animals of the forest—everyone, it seems, except for Badger! He doesn’t feel like sleeping, and he’s got some big plans for the cold months ahead. But Mr. Bear has posted a “DO NOT DISTURB” sign. Marmot won’t answer the door. Even the nighthawk is sound asleep. Badger draws, knits, and reads for hours, but he doesn’t want to spend all this time alone. Can he find anyone to join his winter fun?
Featuring a delightful, crayon-illustrated cast of animals, The Most Beautiful Winter encourages children to make the most of the coldest time of year. An excellent pick for hibernation lessons, snuggly bedtimes, and winter parties, this amusing story will charm readers all season long. —Synopsis provided by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
COUNTING WINTER, by Nancy White Carlstrom and Claudia McGehee, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Sept. 24, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
An atmospheric tribute to the beauty of winter and its creatures.
One red fox walks across the white snow—quietly stalking winter. Two ravens croak and gurgle—raucously talking winter. Three snowshoe hares hop on big paws—silently tracking winter. Four red squirrels feast at their midden full of cones—hungrily cracking winter. Wherever you look, another creature is making its mark on the snow-covered season.
Inspired by the author’s years in Alaska, this lyrical book celebrates the rhythms of the tundra and its inhabitants. Poetic lines and stunning scratchboard art create the perfect read for chilly days—whether winter is just beginning or just starting to melt into spring. —Synopsis provided Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Stunning illustrations and lyrical text are the highlight of this counting book.
I DEFINITELY DON’T LIKE WINTER, by Fiona Barker and Christine Pym, Scholastic Press, Sept. 3, 2024, Paperback, $7.99 (ages 4-6)
Hank and Hoog are best friends! They do everything together in the summertime. But one morning, a single crisp brown leaf falls on the ground. Hank is devastated. Winter is coming… and Hank DEFINITELY hates winter. But Hoog LOVES winter: the snow, festive spirit, and snuggles.
Will their friendship survive the chilly weather?
I Definitely Don’t Like Winter is a humorous and heartwarming picture book about the friendship and what it means to meet in the middle with someone you love.
The perfect read-aloud story for warm- and cold-weather lovers alike! —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press
This fun look at two friends as they experience the changing of the seasons. Kids will love these cute characters and will appreciate the dueling attitudes.
HIRO, WINTER, AND MARSHMALLOWS, by Marine Schneider and Vineet Lal, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Hiro is a bear too curious to sleep all winter long. So, she packs her things, heads out of her cave, and follows some odd tracks in the snow…. straight into a bonfire party! Everyone runs away—except for Émile. He is a boy too curious to give up his chance to talk to a bear. “What it’s like, being a bear?” Émile asks Hiro. As bear and boy sit, talk, and roast marshmallows, a friendship sparks between them…
With wonderfully quirky narration and richly colored art, this enchanting book begs to be read aloud on cozy nights by the fire. Young readers will be delighted by Hiro and Émile’s winter world of crackling bonfires, bear songs, and ooey-gooey toasted marshmallows. —Synopsis provided by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
ANGELINA ICE SKATES (Angelina Ballerina), by Katharine Holabird and Helen Craig, Little Simon, Aug. 27, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (Ages 4-8)
The classic bestselling Angelina Ballerina picture book about a special wintry performance is back in a beautiful, refreshed hardcover edition!
Angelina is busy preparing for the Ice Dance with her friends Alice, Flora, and Felicity. Cousin Henry tries to help too, but nothing goes right. And the rehearsals are disrupted when two big boys from school tease the ballerinas, causing snowballs to fly. With the future of the show on thin ice, can Angelina find a way to keep the peace? —Synopsis provided by Little Simon
Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
