Winter and toddlers go hand in hand - lots of bundled-up adventures outside, and plenty of time spent cozy indoors when the weather gets too chilly. One of our favorite ways to slow down and connect during these cold months is with a good book.
Whether you’re looking for something to keep your toddler engaged during nap time or a story to settle down to before bed, these winter-themed books capture all the wonder, curiosity, and fun that toddlers love.
Here are some of our go-to reads for this time of year.
If you only add one winter book to your shelf, let it be this one. The story follows Peter exploring his neighborhood after the first snow, and it perfectly captures how magical winter feels when you’re little. The illustrations are bold and timeless - babies love the contrast, and honestly, so do we. A classic for a reason.
This one’s a crowd favorite if your child loves lift-the-flap books. It’s colorful, short, and packed with baby-sized surprises - perfect for tiny hands and wiggly attention spans. Every page is like a mini game of peekaboo with winter gear and snowy fun. A great one to keep in the diaper bag or read on repeat.
This book has such a calm, cozy vibe - like a lullaby in picture book form. It follows Little Owl seeing snow for the first time, and the illustrations are soft, dreamy, and just right for winding down. It’s one of those books you’ll end up loving as much as your toddler does. Ideal for slow mornings or post-bath snuggles.
This one’s less story, more visual wonder. The illustrations are made from collages - buttons, seeds, scarves - and it’s full of fun textures and shapes. It’s also great for older siblings to “read” alongside you. A fun way to mix art into your storytime.
Simple text, real photos, and joyful kids playing outside - that’s the whole vibe of this book. It’s a sweet intro to all the things snow means for little ones: boots, sleds, snowflakes, and smiles. Sweet, bright, and easy to flip through again (and again).
Not technically a snow book - but it has winter coziness written all over it. This story follows a bear sleeping through a woodland party, told in gentle rhymes and soft, warm illustrations. The rhythm makes it a great read-aloud, even for toddlers who don’t sit still for long. A perfect one for bedtime or snowy Sunday mornings.
Scout Learns to Ski: A Brave Pup's Tale by Northern Classics
If your child dreams of learning to ski or loves stories about brave beginnings, Scout Learns to Ski is a heartwarming, winter-themed picture book that will quickly become a favorite. Created by Northern Classics, this story follows Scout, a spirited pup heading to ski school for the very first time. With gentle encouragement, a few tumbles, and plenty of determination, Scout discovers the joy of trying something new - even when it’s a little scary at first.
Perfect for young readers navigating their own adventures, Scout Learns to Ski is about courage, friendship, and finding fun in the unknown. The playful illustrations and relatable message make it a cozy companion for snowy afternoons. It is available for free on northernclassics.com.
Why Reading Together Matters in Winter
Winter can slow things down, but toddlers don’t stop moving - and reading gives them a chance to pause, explore new ideas, and feel safe and connected. The routines built around storytime can be a comforting anchor during busy days or long nights.
Sometimes your toddler will sit through one page, sometimes they’ll want the whole stack, but either way, these books create little moments of calm and connection that both of you will remember.