Best Winter Books for Kids (4K–8th Grade) | St. Ann School Reading List

When the days are shorter and the snow begins to fall, winter invites us to slow down. At St. Ann School, we believe there is no better way to spend a winter evening than gathered together with a good book.

Our wonderful librarian, Mrs. Jean Elvekrog, has curated a thoughtful collection of winter-themed books for children in 4K through 8th grade. Whether your child loves picture books, early chapter books, middle-grade adventures, nonfiction, or poetry, there is something here to spark imagination, build literacy skills, and create meaningful family moments.

Let this winter be filled with stories.

Why Winter Reading Matters

In a quiet corner of the library, a middle school student reads aloud while her younger buddy listens closely — a simple moment that builds confidence, fluency, and connection. 

Reading together:

• Strengthens vocabulary and comprehension

• Builds background knowledge across subjects

• Encourages empathy and imagination

• Creates lasting family traditions

Winter books in particular open doors to:

• Science concepts (snowflakes, animal adaptations, weather patterns)

• Themes of perseverance, friendship, and resilience

• Rich descriptive language that strengthens writing skills

Even just 15 minutes a night can make a tremendous difference.

Best Winter Picture Books (4K–Grade 2)

Side by side in the Kindergarten classroom library, these young readers dive into their favorite books — building independence, vocabulary, and a love of stories from the very start.

These stories are perfect for reading aloud and enjoying together:

• Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson

• A Flower in the Snow by Tracey Corderoy

• Geraldine’s Big Snow by Holly Keller

• Go, Sled! Go! by James Yang

• It’s Winter! by Renee Kurilla

• Little Owl’s Snow by Divya Srinivasan

• The Little Snowplow by Lora Koehler

• A Loud Winter’s Nap by Katy Hudson

• Snow by Uri Shulevitz

• Snow Dance by Lezlie Evans

• The Snow Thief by Alice Hemming

• Snow Valentines by Karen Gray Ruelle

• A Snowman for Little Bear by Tracey Moroney

• Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner

• There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow by Lucille Colandro

• We Want Snow! A Wintry Chant by Jamie Swenson

• Wide-Awake Bear by Pat Zietlow Miller

• Winter: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur

• Winter Is Here by Kevin Henkes

Parent Tip:
Pause while reading and ask, “What do you notice about the illustrations?” or “What do you think will happen next?” These small conversations strengthen comprehension skills.

Reading together builds confidence, strengthens comprehension, and creates moments that last far beyond the page.

Winter Easy Readers (K–2)

• Crow in the Snow by Lesley Sims

Perfect for beginning readers building confidence and fluency.

It’s more than reading — it’s mentorship, encouragement, and connection growing with every page.

7th grade buddies strengthen their special bond with their 1st grade partners through shared stories and time together in the library.

❄️ Winter Early Chapter Books (Grades 1–3)

• All the Fun Winter Things (Arnold & Louise series) by Erica S. Perl

• Ant and Honey Bee: A Pair of Friends in Winter by Megan McDonald

• Ready, Set, Snow! by Abby Klein

• Skippyjon Jones Snow What by Judith Byron Schachner

• Snow Day (Bramble and Maggie series) by Jessie Haas

• Snow Day in May (Wish Library series) by Christine Evans

• Snow Problem and Other Stories (Earl & Worm series) by Greg Pizzoli

• The Snow Show (Good Dog series) by Cam Higgins

These books help children transition from picture books to independent reading while still enjoying winter-themed fun.

First graders gather for story time and snacks with Mrs. Hoyer.

️ Winter Books for Intermediate Readers (Grades 3–5)

• Changes for …: A Winter Story (American Girls collection)

• Babysitters’ Winter Vacation by Ann M. Martin

• The Greatest Gift (Heartwood Hotel series) by Kallie George

• Sheepdog in the Snow (Animal Ark series) by Ben Baglio

• Winter According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney

At this stage, students build stamina and dive into character development, setting, and theme. Encourage them to discuss what challenges characters face — and how they grow.

Second & third graders practice active listening as they color and reflect while Mrs. Esser reads aloud.

️ Winter Books for Middle School (Grades 6–8)

• Brian’s Winter by Gary Paulsen

• Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan

• Wings of Fire: Winter Turning (graphic novel) by Barry Deutsch

• The Winter Room by Gary Paulsen

These novels explore resilience, survival, courage, and history — rich material for meaningful conversation at the dinner table.

Middle school students fine quiet moments in the library to dive into a good book - building focus, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of reading.

Winter Non-Fiction Books for Kids

Winter is also a season of scientific wonder:

• Hiders, Seekers, Finders, Keepers: How Animals Adapt in Winter by Jessica Kulekjian

• Penguins and Polar Bears: Animals of the Ice and Snow

• The Snow Walker (On My Own History series) by Margaret K. Wetterer

• Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Nonfiction reading builds knowledge that supports success in science, social studies, and writing.

Mrs. Gates brings stories to life for her 5th graders. Read-aloud time isn't just about hearing a story — it's about thinking deeply, asking questions, and connecting as a class.

✨ Winter Poetry for Kids

Poetry invites children to slow down and savor language:

• Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost

• Winter Eyes by Douglas Florian

• Winter Lights: A Season in Poems & Quilts by Anna Grossnickle Hines

Try reading one poem aloud before bedtime — poetry strengthens fluency and expressive reading skills.

An 8th grader shares a story with her kindergarten buddies — a simple moment that reflects the heart of our K-8 community. Leadership here looks like patience, encouragement, and reading side by side.

️ Make Reading a Winter Tradition

This season, consider:

• A weekly family read-aloud night

• A “hot cocoa and books” evening

• Letting your child choose one winter book each week

• Visiting the local library together

Winter may be cold outside, but stories warm our homes and hearts.

Thank you to Mrs. Jean Elvekrog for thoughtfully curating this list and inspiring our students to be lifelong readers.

Let’s fill this season with pages turned, imaginations sparked, and cozy moments together.

Mrs. Jean gathers with our middle school students to talk about favorite book recommendations  — sparking conversation, curiosity, and a deeper love of reading.

Visit the St. Ann School Library

Our St. Ann students are blessed with a thoughtfully curated school library led by Mrs. Jean Elvekrog, who works intentionally to place meaningful, age-appropriate books into the hands of our children.

If your child discovers a title from this list that sparks their interest, encourage them to:

• Check our school library first

• Ask Mrs. Jean for recommendations

• Share what they’re reading with classmates

Reading doesn’t stop when the snow melts — it’s a habit that builds strong minds and compassionate hearts year-round.

Let’s make this winter one filled with stories.

During free choice, these kindergartners naturally gravitate towards books — building early literacy skills while discovering the joy of reading at their own pace.