Winter is a great time to read to your children and to encourage them to read. After the snowmen are built and the last snowball of the day is thrown, bring the kids inside for some hot cocoa or warm apple cider and a good book. We’ve listed a few for you here.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats – The Snowy Day, one of the first picture books for children with a diverse urban setting and featuring a black main character, was a favorite of my children when they were little. Keats’ conveys a child’s wonder over the first snowfall of winter as it transforms his city. We follow his adventures around the city and share his excitement as he spends his day playing in the snow. Suitable for infants and up. Older children will appreciate the lovely artwork of Keats’ collage illustrations. Encourage your kids to make their own winter collage.
The Mitten by Jan Brett – in our house winter just wasn’t complete without a few Jan Brett books. Follow the path of the mitten Nicki unknowingly drops in the snow. Discovered by a mole who climbs in for warmth and makes room for his animal friends as they come along, what will happen when one of them sneezes? Also by Brett, enjoy The Hat, Three Snowy Bears, The Snowy Nap or Annie and the Wild Animals. For preschoolers and young elementary school children.
The Magic of Friendship Snow by Andi Cann – Making friends is hard for some kids. To JoJo, it seems like everyone has a friend, but her until she meets Puddles a lovable snowman made of friendship snow who teaches her how to be a friend. For ages infant and up.
Animals in Winter by Henrietta Bancroft and Richard G. Van Gelder – What happens to animals in winter? How do they survive in the snow? Find out in this beautifully illustrated book. For ages 4-8
Winter Activity Book for Kids Ages 4-8 by Activity Slayer – coloring pages, mazes, word search and dot-to-dots to keep your child busy when its too cold and wet to play outside.
The Secret Life of a Snowflake: an Up-close Look at the Art and Science of Snowflakes by Kenneth Libbrecht – How are snowflakes formed? Why are no two snowflakes exactly alike? Libbrecht, a professor of physics at California Institute of Technology, explains the science of the snowflake, yet manages to show its unique beauty and wonder. For ages 9-13
Good Housekeeping Kids Bake!: 100+ Sweet and Savory Recipes (Good Housekeeping Kids Cookbooks) – keep the kids busy in the kitchen and teach them how to read and follow directions for their favorite recipes. This cookbook is geared to children ages 8-12, but toddlers can help mix and bake cookies. Older children can learn to use kitchen appliances and equipment under your supervision. You can also teach them about clean up.