The Best Books About Winter to Read to Your Grandchildren
Looking for the perfect winter books to share with your grandchildren? We've carefully selected 12 stories that celebrate the season, from simple board books to engaging picture books that explore the wonder of winter.
As winter settles in, there's nothing quite like snuggling up with a grandchild and a good book. We've searched through shelves of winter-themed stories to find the absolute best ones to share.
We looked for books that go beyond just snowmen and sledding (though we love those too!). Some explore the science of snow, others celebrate the quiet beauty of the season, and a few are simply delightful winter adventures.
How we choose books to share with grandchildren
Our criteria? The same high standards we always use: engaging stories that capture young imaginations, illustrations that draw little eyes back again and again, and text that holds up to those inevitable requests for 'just one more time.'
From board books perfect for tiny hands to more complex stories that grow with your grandchildren, we've found something for every young grandchild. Here are twelve wonderful winter books that will make story time extra special this season.
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The best books about winter
by Leo Lionni
This charming board book is perfect for sharing with a baby or toddler. The rhyming story and colorful pictures of winter activities will captivate those tiny grandchildren. Lionni’s signature mice romp through the pages, sledding, making snow angels, and celebrating winter with family and friends. Perfect for ages 0-3.
Richard Scarry's Busy Busy Winter
by Richard Scarry
Children adore Richard Scarry books, and the board book Busy Busy Winter is no different. The inhabitants of Busy Town go about all their winter activities, from playing hockey to clearing snow from the streets. Thanks to Scarry’s classic pictures with labels, you can read this over and over to a small grandchild, pointing out different items every time.
by Kevin Henkes
illustrated by Laura Dronzek
Some books are just a delight to read aloud, and this is one. Winter is Here reads like a poem, with words that match the beauty of Dronzek’s illustrations. It’s a simple book that explores the beauty of winter, but reminds us that it’s followed by spring. Grandchildren ages 1 and up will love it.
Snow (I Can Read It All By Myself)
by P.D. Eastman
It says something about a book’s appeal when it’s still on the market over sixty years later. Our kids loved Snow so much that it was in tatters by the time the youngest was through with it. A perfect book for grandchildren learning to read, and fun to read aloud to those who aren’t ready to read on their own.
by Ezra Jack Keats
If you haven't revisited this classic lately, you’re missing a treat. Another book that has stood the test of time, The Snowy Day continues to delight children over 60 years after its barrier-breaking publication. Children will love following Peter on his winter day, and probably be inspired to explore the same way when they have their own snowy day.
by Leo Lionni
This much-loved book by Leo Lionni tells the story of a mouse who stores things his fellow mice will need for winter. But instead of gathering food he stores colors and words and images to share during the cold, dark days of winter. Frederick is a book about winter, but also about the importance of art and the value of dreamers.
by Jan Brett
One of Jan Brett’s most loved books, The Mitten is full of marvelous animals trying to escape the cold. They find refuge in a young boy’s mitten, knitted by his loving grandmother. As with all Jan Brett books, there is a parallel story unfolding in the border illustrations, making this a book children will gaze at with delight.
by Cathy Camper
illustrated by Kenard Pak
Our granddaughters loved this story about Lina and her grandmother, Sitti. Not only does the story explore ways we hear something that seems silent, it also shows what a special bond grandparents can have with their grandchild. Before we read it for the first time, we thought of ways to hear snow. The girls were delighted when their ideas appeared in the story.
by Jan Brett
Jan Brett’s latest book is a celebration of the Arctic and its inhabitants. The story is a short retelling of Alice in Wonderland, but with a wintry twist. Brett’s colorful, detailed illustrations make this a book your grandchildren will want to read again and again as they follow Alice’s wild and wacky adventures.
The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder
by Mark Cassino with John Nelson, Ph.D.
This non-fiction book about how snowflakes form is fascinating to all ages. The Story of Snow explains the science in a really accessible way. Even better, it has both simple text and more advanced explanations on each page, so you can tailor your reading to your grandchild’s age. A fantastic book for those grandchildren full of curiosity.
by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
illustrated by Mary Azarian
Have you ever wondered how those photographs of snowflakes are made? Snowflake Bentley tells the story of a boy who was captivated by snowflakes. He spent a lifetime trying, failing, and ultimately succeeding in capturing them with a camera. If you buy this for your grandchildren, you’ll have trouble parting with it—it’s a book you’ll want in your own library.
Tips for reading to grandchildren
Whether you're sharing these books during cozy in-person visits, reading them over video chat, or sending recorded readings, winter stories create special connections with your grandchildren.
For video calls, try holding the book closer to your camera when sharing detailed illustrations like those in 'The Mitten.' When recording readings, take time to point out interesting details just as you would in person. And if you're lucky enough to read these stories side-by-side, don't forget to let little ones help turn the pages!
The most important thing isn't how you share these books—it's that you're creating warm winter memories together.
