There’s something magical about winter: the hush of the first snowfall, hot cocoa in warm mugs, little snowflakes dancing outside the window — and books that perfectly match that cozy vibe. When the days get shorter and everyone’s craving that extra dose of comfort, gathering around with a good story can become one of the most cherished family traditions.
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, or homeschooler looking for engaging ways to connect with kids this season, I’ve put together a heartfelt list of the 20 best cozy winter books for kids — each with a fun activity that ties into the story. These books are widely available on Amazon and will help you turn those cold winter days into cozy learning moments your children will remember.
Let’s dive in…
Why I love it: A timeless classic about a child exploring the magic of the first snowfall — gentle, reflective, and perfect for preschoolers.
Activity: After reading, bundle up and go on a “snowy sensory walk” (even if it’s just in the yard or a nearby park). Talk about what you see, hear, and feel in the cold air. Amazon
2. The Mitten: A Ukrainian Folktale
Why it’s cozy: A beloved folktale where woodland animals crowd into a lost mitten to stay warm — teaching compassion and cooperation.
Activity: Make a mitten mural using paper cutouts of animals and mittens — retell the story as you place animals inside the “mittens.” Amazon
Why it’s great: A hibernating bear is oblivious to a whole party happening inside his den — love and laughter fill these pages!
Activity: Set up a “hibernation den” sensory bin with pillows, blankets, toy animals, and hidden surprises for kids to discover. Amazon
Winter vibes: What do snowmen do after we go to bed? This imaginative book brings snowmen to life!
Activity: Build your own mini snowmen either outside or with cotton balls and craft supplies. Create a night-scene backdrop to display them. Amazon
Nature + wonder: A gorgeous look at what life looks like above and below the snowy ground — educational and calming.
Activity: Make a layered “snow habitat jar” with materials showing over and under the snow — use small toys or drawings. Amazon
Seasonal beauty: Kevin Henkes captures all the small wonders of winter — from animals finding shelter to children bundling up.
Activity: Start a winter nature journal tracing animal tracks, weather changes, and plants under frost. Amazon
Perfect for young learners: A gentle story about animals sleeping through winter — paired with real hibernation facts.
Activity: Create a “hibernation chart” where kids track which animals sleep and which stay awake in winter. Amazon
Warm & sweet: A tender story of losing and finding — and enjoying winter with loved ones.
Activity: After reading, make snowflake art with coffee filters or paper and talk about uniqueness (like our fingerprints!). Amazon
Fun for toddlers: Little Mouse’s snowy adventure invites exploration and delight.
Activity: Have a snow-dance “party” — play winter music and make up dances inspired by twirling snowflakes. Amazon
Cozy vibe: A nearly wordless adventure following a sled left outside — simple and beautiful.
Activity: Take a red sled outside (or make one from cardboard) and challenge kids to design their ultimate cozy sled blanket. Amazon
Why kids love it: A silly snowman keeps melting and rebuilding — giggles guaranteed.
Activity: Role-play with marshmallows or play dough — make your own snowman characters and act out the story. Amazon
Magical silence: A wordless picture book where imagination leads — perfect for storytelling with older kids.
Activity: After reading, have kids write their own captions for the illustrations. Amazon
Enchanted woods: A gentle search for an owl under starlit skies — poetic and still.
Activity: Create a cardboard tube “owl-watcher” craft and practice quiet listening like in the story. Amazon
Playful and silly: Rhythmic text that keeps kids laughing and guessing.
Activity: Re-enact the story using props for each item the old lady swallows. Amazon
Simple joy: Story about building the perfect snowman — perfect for sensory imagination.
Activity: Along with a backyard snowman, make small paper snowmen and write “what he should do at night.” Amazon
Classic cold: A community of animals prepares and responds to heavy snow.
Activity: Make a “winter survival kit” with classroom items — talk about what animals and people need to stay warm. Amazon
Beautiful nonfiction: The story of a boy who studied snowflakes up close.
Activity: Use magnifying glasses with sugar or salt “snow crystals” and compare to real photos of snowflakes. Amazon
Real-life winter prep: Shows chores and active winter prep before the cold hits.
Activity: Create a “winter prep checklist” for your home or classroom — include fun and safety tasks. Amazon
Explore footprints: Follow animal prints and talk about who made them and why.
Activity: Go on a track hunt outside — draw or photograph tracks and guess what made them. Amazon
Seasonal learning: Share earth science and cultural traditions about the winter solstice.
Activity: Celebrate with a solstice lantern craft and a small feast at home or classroom. Amazon
How These Books Solve a Problem
Winter can sometimes feel long, dreary, or even isolating — especially with children stuck indoors. But enriching winter with cozy books + meaningful activities:
✅ Creates warm routines that bring family closer
✅ Encourages imagination and literacy even on gloomy days
✅ Gives kids hands-on learning that connects reading with real life
✅ Turns screen time into quality bonding moments
✅ Keeps children active, inspired, and engaged — even indoors
These aren’t just books. They’re tools to turn winter into a season of joy, curiosity, learning, and connection.
How I Use These in Our Home
I’ll be honest — when I pull out a stack like this on a chilly afternoon, my kids light up. We build forts, sip cocoa, act out characters, make crafts that match the stories, and sometimes we read the same book three times because they ask for it again and again. These books have helped us turn boredom into cozy memories. And isn’t that what winter should feel like?
💬 Leave a comment below:
Which of these books are you most excited to read this winter?
Tell me your favorites, or share your cozy activity ideas so other families can enjoy the magic too. ❄️📖✨
Happy reading!
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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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