Are you searching for the best children’s books for winter and how to use them in your classroom or your house? These 7 titles are sure to make students giggle, think critically and also warm their little hearts this long, snowy winter.
A Loud Winter’s Nap
What It’s About: “A Loud Winter’s Nap” is all about Tortoise, who just wants a quiet nap during winter. But guess what? His forest buddies have other plans, and poor Tortoise can’t catch a break. It’s a hilarious story that teaches kids about embracing differences and going with the flow.
How to Use It: I love using this book to talk about having a growth mindset. Tortoise works hard to change his mind about winter and ends up having the time of his life with his friends! The illustrations in this book are gorgeous, and there are so many skills you can focus on with A Loud Winter’s Nap.
Grab A Loud Winter’s Nap to add to your collection of children’s books for winter! Check out A Loud Winter’s Nap read aloud activities for k-3 students here.
Sneezy the Snowman
What It’s About: “Sneezy the Snowman” is a riot! Picture this snowman named Sneezy, who is extremely cold and wants to warm up.. but then keeps melting.
How to Use This Winter Book: This book is a fun way to explore problem-solving and learn that every action has its consequences. Perfect for sparking critical thinking in little minds.
Grab Sneezy the Snowman to add to your collection of children’s books for winter! Check out Sneezy the Snowman read aloud activities for k-3 students here.
Bear Snores On
What It’s About: “Bear Snores On” is a cozy tale where a bear misses out on a party thrown by his friends because he’s deep into hibernation mode. If you have not checked out the bear book series, don’t wait any longer! These sweet, heartwarming stories are a MUST HAVE for both your home and classroom library.
How to Use It: It’s a heartwarming lesson about friendship, inclusivity, and the joy of celebrating together. A must-read for teaching kids about the value of togetherness.
Grab Bear Snores On to add to your collection of children’s books for winter! Check out Bear Snores On read aloud activities for k-3 students here.
The Wish Tree
What It’s About: In “The Wish Tree,” there’s a magical tree that grants wishes to forest creatures during the holidays.
How to Use It: This is a feel-good story that opens up conversations about kindness, empathy, and being part of a community. It is ideal for nurturing compassion in the classroom.
Grab The Wish Tree to add to your collection of children’s books for winter! Check out The Wish Tree read aloud activities for k-3 students here.
Out Cold! A Bruce Book
What Out Cold is About: “Out Cold!” is all about friends diving into winter sports and discovering the power of teamwork. Bruce is stuck inside with a cold – so his friends try to bring the snowy fun to him… only as usual, this doesn’t go as planned.
How to Use It: This lively tale not only entertains but also teaches kids important lessons about collaboration and working towards common goals. Students can learn about compassion, intentions and what can happen when even the best intentions don’t pan out. Winter fun and life lessons rolled into one!
Grab Out Cold! to add to your collection of children’s books for winter! Check out Out Cold read aloud activities for k-3 students here.
Tacky the Penguin
What Tacky the Penguin is About: Meet “Tacky the Penguin” – the oddball penguin with a heart of gold. Tacky doesn’t quite fit in, but uses his unique ways to help save his fellow penguins from some suspicious wolves.
How to Use It: Through Tacky’s funny adventures, kids learn the importance of embracing their uniqueness and staying true to themselves. This is a fantastic resource for character education that’ll have everyone laughing.
Grab Tacky the Penguin to add to your collection of children’s books for winter! Check out Tacky the Penguin read aloud activities for k-3 students here.
Little Red Gliding Hood
What Little Red Gliding Hood is About: “Little Red Gliding Hood” offers a whimsical and frosty twist on the classic fairy tale we all know while also having surprise appearances from many other fairy tale characters! In this creative adaptation, Little Red exchanges her traditional hood for ice skates as she embarks on a charming ice-skating journey through the winter woods and eventually befriends the wolf.
How to Use It: Little Red Gliding Hood is a creative take that teaches kids about resilience, determination, and facing challenges head-on. A must-have for any elementary classroom library!
Grab Little Red Gliding Hood to add to your collection of children’s books for winter! Check out Little Red Gliding Hood read aloud activities for k-3 students here.
Favorite Children’s Books for Winter Read Alouds
What are your favorite children’s books for winter? Drop the titles and activity ideas in the comments!