30 of our Favourite Children's Books for Winter

Here are 30 delightful winter-themed books for children, some of our favourites, that capture the magic and wonder of the season:

1. "The Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits: A Christmas Story for Advent" by Ulf Stark - This charming and funny Christmas story of a grumpy tomte and the hopeful little rabbits is told over twenty-five chapters -- one for each day of Advent.
   
   
   

2. "The Snowflake" by Benji Davies - An enchanting and timeless winter tale from one of today’s most celebrated picture book stars.
   
   

3. "Pick a Pine Tree" by Patricia Toht - Pick a pine tree from the lot – slim and tall, or short and squat! Long straight limbs or branches bent... Mmm! Just smell that piney scent!
   
   
   
4. "Snow in the Garden: A First Book of Christmas' by Shirley Hughes - This beautiful Christmas anthology contains winter adventures, seasonal poems, festive recipes and easy-to-make craft activities as well as Shirley Hughes' trademark warm and classic illustrations. 
   
   

5. "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats - A classic story about a young boy named Peter who experiences the joy of a fresh snowfall and all the fun that comes with it.
   
   

6. "Bear Snores On" by Karma Wilson - This charming rhyming tale follows a bear who hibernates through winter, while his friends gather in his den and have a party.
   
   

7. "The Snowman" by Raymond Briggs - Based on the much-loved film, fly away on a magical journey to the enchanting land of the Snowman! Don't forget the Snowdog too!
   
   
   

8. "Dream Snow" by Eric Carle - A beautifully illustrated story about a farmer who dreams of snow and wakes up to a magical winter wonderland.
   
   

9. "The Elves and the Shoemaker" by Ladybird - A Ladybird classic
   
   

10. "Winter is Here" by Kevin Henkes - A beautifully illustrated book that captures the essence of winter through the eyes of a young child, showcasing the beauty of the season.
    
    

11. "The Christmas Pine" by Julia Donaldson - This is the perfect picture book to snuggle up with and share at Christmas. Gorgeous, atmospheric illustrations whisk you from frozen forests to the sparkling city square in a beautiful, moving story of festivity and hope.
    
    
    

12. "Brambly Hedge Winter Story" - It was the middle of winter and very, very cold. The mice of Brambly Hedge forecasted snow.
    
    
    

13. "The Mitten" by Jan Brett - A beloved story about a boy who loses his mitten in the snow, which then becomes a cozy home for various animals.
    
    

14. "Snowflakes Fall" by Patricia MacLachlan - A poetic celebration of snowflakes and the wonders of winter, reflecting on the beauty of nature and the cycle of life.
    
    

15. "Stick Man" by Juila Donaldson - The heartwarming modern classic.
    
    
16. "The Gruffalo's Child" by Julia Donaldson 
    
    
    
17. "The Polar Express" by Chris Van Allsburg - Late on Christmas Eve, after the town has gone to sleep, a boy boards a mysterious train that waits for him: the Polar Express bound for the North Pole. 
    
    
18. "The Night Before Christmas" - a classic!
    
    
    
19. "Robin Robin" by Daniel Ojari - Robin Robin is a warm and funny story to win the hearts of families everywhere.
    
    

20. "It Was a Cold Dark Night" by Tim Hopgood - Ned the hedgehog is looking for a home in the cold, dark forest. He needs somewhere warm and cosy to sleep, but all he keeps finding are other creatures' homes: rabbits', foxes', owls', bats'. Will he ever find a snug safe bed of his own? 
    
    
    

21.  "Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter" by Kenard Pak - As leaves fall from their trees, animals huddle against the cold, and frost creeps across windows, everyone knows--winter is on its way!
    
    
    
22. "The Jolly Christmas Postman" by Janet and Allan Ahlberg - The Jolly Postman has a busy day ahead. It's Christmas Eve in Fairy-Tale Land and there's plenty of post for him to deliver!  
    
    
23. "The Nativity"
24. "You're Snug with Me" by Chitra Soundar (Author),  Poonam Mistry (Author) - At the start of winter, two bear cubs are born, deep in their den in the frozen North.
    
    
    

25. "The Wish Tree" by Kyo Maclear -  Charles wants to find a wish tree. His brother and sister don't believe there is such a thing, but his trusty companion Boggan is ready to join Charles on a journey to find out. And along the way, they discover that wishes can come true in the most unexpected ways.
    
    
    

26. "The Snow Dragon" by Abi Elphinstone - In Griselda Bone's gloomy orphanage, daydreaming is banned, skipping is forbidden and Christmas is well and truly cancelled. But for Phoebe and her sausage dog Herb, is it possible that, just when things seem at their bleakest, magic awaits in the swirling, snow-filled air? 
    
    
    

27. "The Message of the Birds" by Kate Westerlund - This appealing Christmas story with a poignant message for young and old alike will gently prompt discussion on important issues.
    
    
    

28. "One Snowy Night" by Nick Butterworth - Percy the park keeper always feeds the animals in the park where he lives. But one cold winter’s night Percy discovers that his little friends need more than food and he must find a way to help them.
    
    
    

29. "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" - Based on the classic song Winter Wonderland, this gorgeous picture book takes you on an enchanting journey through a glistening winter landscape. 
    
    
    

30. "A Thing Called Snow" by Yuval Zommer - This is a charming and classic-feeling Christmas picture book with a heartfelt message about seeing the wonder of the natural world. Families will love sharing the story and talking about kindness, community, and the true meaning of Christmas.
    
    
    

31. "A Simple Christmas on the Farm" by Phyllis Alsdurf - When a little girl finds out her family is planning a "simple" Christmas this year, she's not so sure about it. But soon she gets into the spirit of simplicity and generosity by making presents and Christmas decorations with her parents and grandparents on their family farm. 
    
    
    

These books are perfect for reading aloud during chilly winter nights or snuggling up by the fire!