What We’re Using This Winter (Amazon Favorites)
⭐ Snowflake Art Kit – My kids LOVE this one (Amazon)
📚 Snow-Themed Kids Book (Amazon)
🎨 Winter Stampers Set (Amazon)
❄️ Winter Wonderland Sensory Bin (Amazon)
🎲 Winter Learning Game (Amazon)
Winter has a special kind of magic for families. When the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing better than curling up together under soft blankets with a good book and a warm drink. As a parent (and a homeschooler like you), I’ve found that this cozy time is perfect for building reading traditions, sparking imagination, and strengthening family bonds.
If you’re looking for quality reads that work for a 6‑year‑old AND a 12‑year‑old (or siblings of different ages), this winter reading list is for you. I’ve picked books that capture the wonder of winter — snowy adventures, heartwarming stories, magical nights — plus stories that entertain, teach, and invite reflection. All are great for read‑aloud sessions or independent reading as your kids grow.
Below you’ll find two sections: Picture Books (for younger kids, ages preschool–early elementary) and Middle‑Grade / Chapter Books (for older kids, roughly ages 8–13).
Picture Books — Perfect for Cozy Winter Mornings or Bedtime
Here are some sweet, wintery picture books to read aloud with little ones. These books celebrate snow, friendship, kindness, wonder, and all the gentle joys of wintertime — ideal for snuggling on the couch with cocoa and blankets.
Recommended Picture Books
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The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats — This is a timeless classic. It follows a little boy named Peter after the first snowfall, as he goes outside to make footprints, snow angels, and even tucks a snowball in his pocket to save for later. It’s a simple but magical look at the wonder of winter’s first snow.
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Winter — Great for preschoolers and early elementary kids. The story lets children explore winter through the lens of a familiar, beloved character, helping them notice seasonal changes and enjoy cozy winter days.
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Little Owl’s Snow — A gentle, wintry read with lovely illustrations and a soft rhythm, perfect for bedtime reading on chilly nights.
Winter Is Here - Experience the wonder of the season with Winter Is Here, a charming story that follows kids as they explore snowy landscapes, enjoy cozy winter traditions, and discover the magic, joy, and adventures that come with the coldest season of the year.
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Dr. Seuss's Winter Things — A fun, rhyming board book that brings winter to life with activities like sledding, making snow angels, ice skating — perfect for toddlers and preschoolers excited about the season.
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The Poky Little Puppy's Wonderful Winter Day — A charming winter tale about puppies playing in snow, dreaming of snowball fights and snow angels — blissfully simple and heartwarming for young readers.
Never Touch a Polar Bear - Join the wild and hilarious adventure in Never Touch a Polar Bear, where readers follow daring encounters with Arctic animals and learn survival lessons in the icy wilderness. Packed with humor, action, and unexpected twists, this story keeps kids laughing while sparking curiosity about wildlife and bravery in extreme conditions
Why These Books Work
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Winter‑themed stories help children connect with the season’s magic and changes (snow, cozy indoors, winter animals, quiet nights).
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Picture books read aloud build language, listening skills, and a sense of calm — ideal for busy homeschool days or nighttime wind‑down.
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Many of these are sturdy board or picture books — perfect for toddlers or preschoolers who may still be learning to handle books gently.
Middle Grade & Chapter Books — Stories Older Kids Love in Winter
For older kids (roughly ages 8–13), winter can be a perfect time for longer reads: mysteries, adventures, friendships, fantasy, or just a good cozy novel to carry you through cold afternoons. Here are some great picks that older children will enjoy — whether they read independently or you read aloud as a family.
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The Last Kids on Earth — A fun, action‑packed series that blends humor, adventure, and a little spooky post‑apocalyptic flair. Great for kids who love laughs, monsters, and brave heroes.
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The School for Good and Evil — A magical, sweeping fantasy novel full of friendship, adventure, moral dilemmas, and magical school chaos. A winter read that will keep older kids turning pages.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - Step through the wardrobe into the magical land of Narnia, where four siblings face adventure, bravery, and the battle between good and evil.
Brian’s Winter - Follow Brian as he faces a harsh, snowy wilderness in this thrilling survival story, testing courage, resourcefulness, and determination.
Winterhouse - Step into Winterhouse, a mysterious hotel full of puzzles, secrets, and magical adventures that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
Why These Make Great Winter Reads
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Chapter books give kids immersive, longer‑form storytelling — a perfect contrast to busy homeschool days or the rush of holiday season.
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The combination of adventure, fantasy, or humorous plots helps older kids relax, dream, and escape into different worlds — winter break well spent!
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These books can bridge the gap between childhood and “grown‑up reading,” building reading stamina and deeper comprehension.
How This Reading List Solves a Real Problem for Homeschooling Families
If you homeschool, winter often means a shift — shorter days, indoor time, fewer field trips, and the chaos of holiday schedules. It’s easy for reading to slide. But a curated winter reading list brings structure, comfort, and rhythm back into your homeschool routine.
Here’s how this list helps:
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Provides seasonal structure: Winter‑themed books help make the season feel special — your kids can relate what they’re reading to what’s outside the window (snow, cold, cozy nights).
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Offers variety for different ages: Because you may have kids of varying ages (like me: 6 and 12), having both picture books and middle‑grade books means everyone gets something age‑appropriate.
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Encourages family time: Read-aloud time becomes a family event — build memories with siblings, get cozy under blankets, sip cocoa, and share stories.
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Keeps kiddos engaged during winter break: Instead of screens or aimless downtime, kids can learn, explore emotions, build empathy, and grow reading skills — all while enjoying stories.
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Builds your home library wisely: Instead of buying dozens of random books, you pick a handful with high value and re‑read potential — making each purchase count (especially useful if you homeschool multiple children over the years).
Tips for Making the Most of Winter Reading
Here are a few ideas to help you turn this reading list into a family tradition — and a meaningful winter habit:
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Create a “Winter Reading Basket” or “Cozy Corner”: Fill a basket with a few picture books, a few chapter books, soft blankets, maybe even a thermos of warm cocoa. Make it a special reading spot so kids (and parents!) look forward to chill‑out reading time.
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Do a “Winter Reading Challenge”: Track the books you read over the season — mark them down, write a little note about what you loved.
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Read aloud together (no matter their age): Even older kids like hearing a story — it builds connection, sparks discussion, and gives a break from screen time.
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Talk about the season & feelings: Winter stories often bring up themes like kindness, snow, weather, waiting, wonder. Use them as a springboard for conversation about feelings, nature, family traditions.
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Rotate between picture books and chapter books: For younger kids, keep bedtime picture‑book tradition going. For older kids, allow independent reading sessions. This keeps interest high across ages.
Why This Winter Reading List Matters
Winter can be a time of slowing down — but also of deepening connection. Books give your children (and you!) a space to wonder, laugh, dream, empathize, and grow. This reading list isn’t just about passing time until spring — it’s about building joy, memories, and a love for reading that carries beyond winter.
As a homeschooler and mom, I’ve watched the magic happen: my kids’ eyes light up when they hear a favorite page, they beg for “just one more chapter,” or snuggle together under blankets whispering about snow and adventures. It’s not wasted time — it’s time well spent nurturing hearts, minds, and family bonds.
📖 My Winter Reading Picks – Book List
A Little Challenge — and a Big Goal
If you’re up for it, I challenge you: choose 5–10 books from this list — maybe a mix of picture books and one or two middle‑grade reads — and use them as your family’s winter reading plan. Make a reading corner, read aloud together once a week, and maybe even journal — what did each kid love? What did they learn about kindness, snow, friendship, bravery?
At the end of winter, you’ll have more than memories: you’ll have stories that shaped your children, deepened connections, and maybe even sparked a life‑long love of reading.
If you have your own favorite winter reads — picture books or chapter books — share them in the comments below. I’m always on the lookout for new cozy reads to add to our family shelf.
Leave a comment:
What are YOUR kid’s favorite winter‑time reads? Or – what book from this list will you read first, and why?
Happy reading, cozy snuggles, and warm winter memories! 📚❄️
Want More Winter Ideas?
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Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.
~With love,
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
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