Winter is a season full of wonder for young children—from falling snow and chilly weather to cozy clothes and outdoor play. In this collection of Books About Winter for Pre-K, you’ll find favorite picture books that celebrate winter experiences while supporting early learning through themes like seasonal change, animals in winter, science concepts, friendship, and play.
These are our favorite books about Winter for Pre-K kids. This list contains Amazon affiliate links.
Visit the Winter Activities page for lots of Preschool & Pre-K lesson ideas.
Books about Winter
The Snow Thief, by Alice Hemming
The Snow Thief is a gentle winter story about a squirrel who worries that someone is stealing the snow as it slowly melts away. Through simple explanations from friends, the book introduces young children to seasonal change while reassuring them about the rhythms of winter and spring.
Snowballs, by Lois Ehlert
Snowballs celebrates winter creativity as children build snow people using found objects from around their homes. With bright collage illustrations, the book invites young readers to observe, imagine, and create while exploring winter fun.
A Thing Called Snow, by Yuval Zimmer
Fox and Hare hear that snow is coming and eagerly ask the forest animals what it will be like, receiving many different answers before discovering the truth for themselves. When the first thick flakes finally fall, young readers share in the wonder, curiosity, and joy of experiencing a magical first snowfall with two best friends.
Animals in Winter, by Henrietta Bancroft
This clear, engaging nonfiction book introduces young readers to basic science concepts by exploring how animals survive winter. Through simple explanations of migration and hibernation, children learn how different animals adapt to cold and snow.
The Jacket I Wear in the Snow, by Shirley Neitzel
The Jacket I Wear in the Snow uses playful rhymes to show a child being bundled into layer after layer of winter clothing—and the relief of taking it all off again. Clever rebuses and lively illustrations make this a fun, accessible read for prereaders and beginning readers.
The First Day of Winter, by Denise Fleming
A lively cumulative story filled with swirling snow and outdoor winter fun. As children chant along, they discover the special gifts needed to create the perfect snowman for a special friend.
Snow, by Uri Shulevitz
Snow tells the story of a boy and his dog who believe a few snowflakes will become something magical, even when no one else in the city does. As the snow transforms the streets, the lyrical text and expressive illustrations capture the quiet wonder of truly noticing and enjoying a snowy day.
The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats
The Snowy Day follows a young boy named Peter as he explores his neighborhood after a fresh snowfall, delighting in simple winter joys like making snow angels and building a snowman. The story captures a child’s sense of wonder and the magic of discovering that a snowy world can feel brand new all over again.
Snowmen at Night, by Caralyn Buehner
Snowmen at Night playfully imagines what snowmen do after dark, explaining their crooked smiles and moved arms by revealing their secret nighttime adventures. With witty rhyming text and charming illustrations, the story delights children as it brings snowmen’s hidden lives to joyful life.
Froggy Gets Dressed, by Jonathan London
This book follows Froggy as he eagerly rushes outside to play in the snow, only to keep forgetting important winter clothing. With repeated trips back inside and gentle reminders from his mother, the story humorously captures the excitement of getting ready for snowy fun.
The Mitten, by Jan Brett
The Mitten tells the story of a boy who drops his mitten in the snow, and one by one, woodland animals crawl inside to keep warm. As the mitten fills with bigger and bigger animals, the detailed illustrations and humorous ending delight young readers while showing Nicki’s snowy adventure unfolding in the background.
The Hat, by Jan Brett
The Hat tells the humorous story of Hedgie the hedgehog, who gets a woolen stocking stuck on his prickles and becomes the amusement of the farm animals. With rich winter illustrations and signature border details, the story follows both Hedgie’s adventure and the child searching for her missing stocking as snow begins to fall.
Missing Mittens, by Stuart J. Murphy
This book uses a fun farm mystery to introduce odd and even numbers as each animal is missing just one mitten. With humorous illustrations and built-in extension activities, the story makes early math concepts concrete, engaging, and easy for young children to understand.
Annie and the Wild Animals, by Jan Brett
This book follows a lonely girl named Annie as she tries to befriend woodland animals after her cat disappears during winter. Through gentle storytelling and signature border illustrations, the book celebrates love, patience, and the quiet transition from winter to spring.
Curious About Snow (Smithsonian), by Gina Shaw
This book explores the science behind snow, answering questions like why snow is white and how scientists know no two snowflakes are alike. Featuring full-color photographs and historic images by Wilson Bentley, the book also looks at famous snowstorms and the many ways people enjoy snow.
The Biggest Snowman Ever, by Steven Kroll
Over and Under the Snow, by Kate Messner
Books about Hibernating Animals
Books about hibernating animals help young children understand what happens to animals when winter arrives and food becomes scarce. These stories and nonfiction titles introduce simple science concepts—like hibernation and migration—through gentle narratives, engaging illustrations, and age-appropriate explanations that are perfect for Pre-K learners.
Bear Snores On, by Karma Wilson
Time to Sleep, by Denise Fleming
Hibernation Station, by Michelle Meadows
Sleep, Bear!, by National Geographic
Hiders Seekers Finders Keepers, by Jessica Kulekjian
Books about Polar Animals
Books about polar animals introduce young children to animals that live in some of the coldest places on Earth. Through engaging stories and nonfiction picture books, Pre-K learners can explore how animals like polar bears, penguins, and seals stay warm, find food, and survive in icy habitats while building early science knowledge and curiosity about the natural world.
Rory, by Sarah Cullen & Carmen Ellis
The Three Snow Bears, by Jan Brett
Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester
Three Cheers for Tacky, by Helen Lester
Polar Bears, by National Geographic Kids
Cuddly Dudley, by Jez Alborough
Polar Bear Son, by Lydia Dabcovich
Baby Beluga, by Raffi