“Do you want to build a snowman?” – Anna from Frozen

Although we all may be sick of it at this point, snow has an undeniable charm. It evokes feelings of wonder, awe, and excitement while transforming the world into a winter wonderland of possibilities, discovery, and even adventure. Whether it’s a gentle snowfall or the snowmageddon we recently experienced, snow provides a setting for children’s stories that inspire joy, curiosity, and even a bit of nostalgia for those older readers. The magic of snow is timeless and hopefully these books capture its essence in ways that will continue to resonate with children (and maybe even adults) long after the snow has melted. 

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

First published in 1962, this is a classic that spans generations. The story follows Peter as he explores his neighborhood after the first snowfall of the season. It has quiet moments of exploration and beautiful images. 

Millions of Snowflakes by Mary McKenna Siddals, illustrated by Elizabeth Sayles

Another rhyming book featuring a little girl enjoying the snow. She tastes individual snowflakes, catches snowflakes on her nose, and makes snow angels. The book teaches basic counting and has a neat feature where the illustrations grow larger as you read, eventually capturing the crystalline structure of snowflakes up close. 

Snow by Uri Shulevitz

A lovely poetic meditation on the anticipation and wonder of snow. A little boy eagerly watches the sky and waits for the snow to begin to fall. As the snowflakes drift down, he imagines what the world will look like once the snow has completely transformed everything, and it opens up an entirely new world of imagination. 

The Mitten by Jan Brett

This delightful story is about a young boy who loses his mitten in the snow and then one by one a series of animals seek shelter inside of it. It teaches about sharing, cooperation, and the fun of a winter adventure. Each animal that squeezes into the mitten makes it humorous and engaging. 

The Snow Day by Komako Sakai

Following a rabbit who has no school due to a snow day, it focuses on joy and longing. Rabbit is excited about the snow day, but his father was supposed to fly home and his plane was grounded due to the weather. 

Mimi and Bear in the Snow by Janee Trasler

This adorable tale follows Mimi on a snowy exploit. While Mimi plays, ice skates, and enjoys the snow, her Bear is always there. But when Bear goes missing, what will Mimi do? 

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr

This book takes children on a nighttime adventure through a snowy forest. It follows a father and daughter as they go out in search of an elusive owl. The landscape becomes a character in itself, and the book celebrates nature, family bonds, and the magic of the outdoors on a serene winter night. 

Into the Snow by Yuki Kaneko, illustrated by Masamitsu Saito

A lovely feel-good story that details a child’s snowy explorations. The illustrations are wonderful, and it also celebrates the bond between mother and child leaving the reader with a feeling of safety and warmth.

Snowy Day by Anabel Soto, illustrated by Jillian Dister

In this cute rhyming tale, Ari and her mother go out to explore the snow. Wonderful for both children as they explore and make new memories, it has a lovely sense of nostalgia for adults and the mother relives her own childhood adventures.

Happy Reading!

Featured in the January 25, 2025 issue of The Independent