No matter what the weather is outside, it’s always just the right temperature inside the worlds of our many fantastic winter-set children’s books! Whether you’re in the mood for a longer story, a book with plenty of wonderful pictures, or maybe a poem or craft book, we have some great ideas for your next read. We hope that you will brave the winter chill and come visit us soon -- we have so many wonderful books to keep you entertained throughout the colder months!
Winter According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney (Chapter book, 2nd-4th grade)
FICTION BIRNEY
Ready for a feel-good series that is sure to warm your heart? In the According to Humphrey series, a class hamster enjoys many fun adventures while helping the students in his room overcome a variety of ordinary challenges. This book focuses on the mystery of a missing teacher and also highlights the students’ preparations for their school’s Winter Wonderland show. These books are wildly popular, and if you haven’t read one yet, I highly recommend you give Humphrey a try!
School Freezes Over (Eerie Elementary series) by Jack Chabert (Chapter book, 1st-3rd grade)
FICTION CHABERT
In addition to the chilly setting, this story includes a little chill in the plotline as well. Eerie Elementary School is not like most schools -- the building is alive and constantly seeking to harm the students within by creating spontaneous quicksand pits, giving life to fire hoses that go on the attack, and more. Hall monitor Sam Graves has managed to secretly defend his fellow classmates so far, but when a huge snowstorm traps all of the students inside and the school turns down the temperature and turns up heat on its evil plans, Sam will have his work cut out for him. With just the right amount of suspense, this series is perfect for early chapter book readers who like a bit of eerie action in their stories.
Captain Awesome Saves the Winter Wonderland by Stan Kirby (Chapter book, 1st-3rd grade)
FICTION KIRBY
Eugene (otherwise known as Captain Awesome) and his buddy/sidekick Charlie (aka Nacho Cheese Man) are ready to take on a new challenge -- participating in their 2nd grade holiday play. When a villain threatens to ruin the performance, these two heroes will soar into action! This hybrid (a highly illustrated chapter book) is sure to be a hit with young readers!
A Big Bed for Little Snow by Grace Lin (Picture book, PreK-2nd grade)
PICTURE LIN
In this fanciful explanation of the existence of snowfall, a young boy is excited to get a new fluffy bed for the winter. Even though his mother warns him not to jump on it, he can’t resist! Little by little, feathers from the amazingly comfortable bed escape the mattress and surprise little readers with where they end up!
This is a lovely companion story to A Big Mooncake for Little Star, so if you liked Snow’s tale, check out Star’s!
First Snow by Peter McCarty (Picture book, PreK-2nd grade)
PICTURE MCCARTY (WINTER)
Pedro has come from far away to visit his family, and his cousins are eager to introduce him to the amazing delights of snow! Pedro is not so sure that something that cold can be fun, but thanks to descriptions of snow angels, sledding, and more wintertime entertainments, Pedro might be convinced to experience something new. The adorable illustrations and Pedro’s eventual sense of wonder are a joy!
Step-by-Step Crafts for Winter by Kathy Ross (Poetry, K-3rd grade)
745.5 ROS (WINTER)
When winter weather starts to keep people inside, boredom often kicks in. With Kathy Ross’s craft book, looking for ways to stay entertained won’t be a problem. Using common items that most households will have on hand, you will surely find yourself happily creating for hours on end. If this book is a hit with your family, be sure and check out the other seasonal and subject themed Ross craft books that we carry in the library!
Poppleton in Winter by Cynthia Rylant (Easy Reader, 1st-3rd grade)
EASY READ RYLANT (WINTER)
Do you know Poppleton? If not, then you’re in for a treat! Poppleton is a friendly pig who features in a series of early/pre-chapter books that are chock full of fun, as he manages to make every ordinary occurrence an adventure. In this volume of his collection, Poppleton creates a sculpture of a friend, builds a fence out of icicles, and gets a wonderful surprise from his buddies! If you enjoy this collection, you might want to take a look at some of the other books in the series.
Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold by Joyce Sidman (Poetry, K-4th grade)
811.54 SID (WINTER)
Joyce Sidman, an award-winning author, has created another stellar collection of poetry in Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold. Brilliantly mixing entertaining poetry, charming illustrations, and fascinating winter and hibernation facts, readers will be educated and entertained throughout all 12 of the segments featured in this book.
Diary of an Ice Princess: Snow Place Like Home by Christina Soontornvat (Chapter Book, 1st-3rd grade)
PAPERBACKS SOONTORNVAT
Any of the books in the Diary of an Ice Princess series would be perfect for curling up inside during a cold winter day, but Lina’s first adventure is a great place to start. Lina is a Windtamer who has trouble controlling her powers over the wind. Determined to join her best friend at her human school, Lina’s constant accidental misfires of her powers result in the appearance of icy winds, snowdrifts, and icicles at inopportune moments. With the help of friends and family, will Lina be able to find her way? Fans of Elsa and Frozen are sure to be pleased!
Mouse and Mole: Winter Wonderland by Wong Herbert Yee (Easy Reader, 1st-3rd grade)
EASY READ YEE
Mouse and Mole are best of friends, even though it sometimes seems that they have nothing in common. In this book, the fifth in a series, extrovert Mouse is eager to explore all the fun activities that winter has to offer. Mole, on the other hand, prefers to stay warm and cozy in bed (same, Mole. Same.) Before long, however, the lure of fun and friendship draws Mole outside, and the two friends enjoy some quality time together in the snow and then back inside with a well earned snack by the fire. Sounds like the perfect day to me!