Feel Good Picture Books about Winter for the Classroom
The magic of Christmas and the excitement of winter can be felt in so many picture books. Many children's books about winter can also be enjoyed during this time of year without referencing Christmas. Here is a selection of winter picture books for the classroom and library!
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Winter Picture Books for the Classroom
It's hard to believe, but winter is just around the corner. Soon the days will be shorter and colder, so it's time to start thinking about winter picture books for the classroom. This great selection of children's books about winter will take your students from autumn to winter.
These winter picture books explore characters dealing with winter, from the funny to the more realistic. The vivid winter imagery includes falling snow, ice skating, building snowmen, sledging, hibernation and evenings spent indoors with the family.
Winter Picture Books
Bird House by Blanca Gómez
A grandmother and granddaughter find an injured bird on a snowy day. Together, they nurse it back to health. They set the healthy bird free, respecting that it belongs in the wild. The grandmother teaches the young girl that the bird is not theirs to keep, but is welcome to visit the birdhouse they built.
Use the book to reinforce a caring attitude, intergenerational relationships and respect for living things.
Black Dog by Levi Pinfold
Black Dog takes us to a family home where a large black dog grows in size and menace, causing fear among the family members. Yet, the smallest one shows immense courage and open-mindedness to discover the truth about the dog.
Engage your students in discussions about overcoming fears, taking risks, and not letting fear control our perception. Encourage them to conquer their fears and take on challenges bravely.
Blizzard by John Rocco
John Rocco uses his own experience of a blizzard that brought over 50 inches of snow to his home in Rhode Island in 1978. A family is snowed in for 5 days. As food runs low, the young boy takes action. He puts tennis rackets on his feet and makes his way to the store for his family and neighbours. Use to discuss persistence, problem-solving, setting and personal narratives.
A Day So Gray by Marie Lamba
A fed-up girl only sees winter's grey and dull colours on a cold day. Her optimistic friend encourages her to look closely at her surroundings. She takes her time and starts to see orange berries, blue water, purple shadows, and much more!
Emmett and Caleb by Karen Hottois
Emmett and Caleb, best friends and next-door neighbours, are as close as can be, yet their different personalities sometimes lead to misunderstandings. However, they always find a way back to each other, valuing their friendship over their differences.
Emmett and Caleb illustrate that friendships might face ups and downs, but the ability to forgive, understand, and communicate is key to maintaining them.
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett
Annabelle finds a box of magical yarn that never runs out. Through her knitting, she transforms her drab, monochrome town into a vibrant, colourful place.
Extra Yarn prompts discussions on creativity, transformation, and the power of small actions to bring about significant change. Annabelle's story reminds us that we can make the world a brighter place with a little imagination and the right tools.
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak
Two siblings explore nature and watch for the signs of winter, from the setting sun, to a curious deer and the first snowflakes of the new season.
Hedgehog by Ashlyn Anstee
Winter is on its way, and animals are looking for somewhere to live, but Hedgehog is unwilling to let anyone into his hedge. He makes signs, puts locks on the door and even builds a fence. Will it be too late before he learns his lesson?
Hortense and the Shadow by Natalia O'Hara
Hortense tries everything to leave her shadow behind. Finally, she escapes it by slamming the window to cut it off. When the shadow returns to scare off bandits, Hortense realises her shadow is indispensable to who she is.
Hush Hush, Forest by Mary Casanova
Observe as the forest animals spend autumn getting ready for winter. The lyrical text tells the reader about the owl in flight, a bear preparing to hibernate, a doe and fawn getting ready to sleep, a hummingbird taking one more sip and a beaver sawing wood for its lodge.
Lines by Suzy Lee
A girl's ice-skating trace lines transform into intricate patterns as more and more skaters join her on the ice, signifying the collaborative and shared aspects of creativity. The crumbling and flattening of the paper is a metaphor for challenges and obstacles.
Lines promote discussions on creativity, imagination, collaboration, perseverance, and the beauty of art.
Little Dog Lost by Mônica Carnesi
The fast currents of the Vistula River in Poland carry a dog towards the Baltic Sea. The crew of a research vessel bravely rescue the dog and it still lives on board. This true story promotes courage, compassion, and resilience.
Little Fox in the Snow by Jonathan London
A little red fox investigates a woodland on a snowy day to find food. It encounters a mouse, hare and wolverine before returning to the safety of its den. Promotes curiosity, risk-taking and nature.
My Father's Arms Are A Boat by Stein Erik Lunde
A young boy grieving for his mother struggles to understand his mother's absence. His father provides comfort, patiently answering his questions and offering reassurance. He provides a safe space for his son as they navigate their shared loss.
My Father's Arms Are A Boat highlights the importance of emotional self-management, handling fears, resilience, and the grieving process.
My Footprints by Bao Phi
Thuy, a Vietnamese American girl, is bullied at school. She walks home in the snow and imagines herself as different courageous animals. Thuy recreates the animal’s footprints all the way home and into the comforting arms of her mum. Use in the classroom to discuss bullying, courage, perseverance, prejudice, and identity.
Once Upon a Northern Light by Jean E. Pendziwol
This poem describes the beauty of a northern winter night as a boy sleeps soundly in his bed. The boy's parents describe the snowfall, the wild animals in the garden and the stars in the clear night sky.
Once Upon a Snowstorm by Richard Johnson
In this wordless picture book, a father and son are separated while out in the falling snow. The boy falls asleep and wakes up surrounded by animals. The animals help him find his home and return him to his thankful father.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
Descriptive language inspires the reader’s imagination when a little girl and her father go owling on a winter night. Promotes love, companionship and patience.
The Red Prince by Charlie Roscoe
When strangers invade the city of Avala, they capture a young prince. Imprisoned far from home, he escapes, but his red pyjamas against the snow make it easy for the jailers to see him. The prince finds great kindness from those living in his kingdom as they defeat the captors by wearing red to hide the prince.