When snow is falling or the air outside is crisp and cold, you may find yourself wanting to ride a sled down a hill, build a snow fort, or make a snow angel, but sometimes the best way to experience winter's magic is to nestle indoors with a good book. Explore the wonder of playing in the snow by diving into a few stories about the magic and wonder of snow, no matter the temperature outside!
Written by Jarret Pumphrey
Illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey
New York: Norton Young Readers, 2025. Picture Book.
A tender story that follows a man and a boy in a small, snowy town who use an old, horse-drawn sleigh to deliver firewood to their neighbors, bringing literal "warmth" and "light" to the community. As the town grows into a small city, the sleigh eventually breaks down and a new sled is needed to take up the work. But the tradition doesn't end when the sled breaks down instead it evolves and shifts as the boy, now older, makes a new sled from a plank of the original sleigh to continue the tradition of giving.
A warm and cozy book that reminds readers about the importance of community and kindness.
Written by Blair Braverman
Illustrated by Olivia When
New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2025. Picture Book.
Leap is a snow-loving puppy who is eager to join the sled team. Leap spends her days playing in the snow and waiting until she is old enough to run with the team. As she waits she watches her teammates and learns that each dog brings their own talents to the team. Boo has unmatched speed, Donut is brave, and Jenga is smart and can think through any challenge, and Leap wonders if the has a talent that she can offer to the team. Her big day finally comes and her first run is in progress when the dog sled team finds themselves facing a unique obstacle, and Leap discovers that she does have what the team needs at that moment to move forward.
A heartwarming picture book that captures the excitement of a pup's first sled run with vibrant multicolored illustrations that bring the dogs' energy to life. An inspirational book that is warm and cozy and perfect for a winter day spent reading indoors.
Written by Corey R. Tabor
Illustrated by: Dalton Webb
New York: Greenwillow books, 2025. Picture Book.
This sweet story follows three friends in the Ice Age: Wally, a gentle mammoth; Wolf, a competitive gray wolf; and Otto, an enthusiastic bird. Its race day, and while wolf and Otto are obsessed with winning the trophy, Wally is just happy to be there and have a good time. Wally truly believes that the race isn't about who wins or loses, it's all about having fun. As the race begins, Wolf and Otto both take the lead but they are running so fast that they swerve into each other, crash, and tumble down the hill, and now Wally is in the lead. Finally, the threesome roll across the finish line together and it's a three way tie for the win. The friends learn a valuable lesson about pride as well as the importance of cheering each other on.
If you are a fan of the Elephant & Piggie books, this book is a great alternative. The book uses humor and expressive art to teach gentle lessons. The text is almost entirely told through speech bubbles, making it perfect for early readers who are just starting to gain reading confidence.
Written by Beth Ferry
Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
New York: Clarion Books, 2025. Picture Book.
This story is a high-energy, rhyming picture book that follows two young neighbors, who come out of their homes to find a quiet snow covered landscape. They quickly get to work and turn their yards into a small battlefield. The two children begin by building elaborate snow forts and stocking their forts with snowballs in preparation of an epic snowball fight. But when a small avalanche of snow from a roof buries one of the forts the nemeses abandon their battle and work together to rebuild the fort. The snowy day turns into some winter fun, including sledding, snow angels, and eventually going inside for hot cocoa and cookies.
A sweet book that showcases a perfect snow day with no school, no rules, and fun abounding.
By Laura Gehl
Illustrated by Sonia Sanchez
New York: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2024. Picture Book.
Have you ever watched snowflakes fall from the sky and felt excited to run outside and play? This sweet winter story shows just how fun a snowy day can be - sledding, snowball fights, cold hands, and wet pant legs included! After all the outdoor fun, it's time to head inside to warm up and get cozy.
The illustrations are beautiful and full of cool blues and whites that make the snowy day feel real. This is a great book for kids who love playing in the snow - or for anyone who wants to enjoy winter while staying warm inside.
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