18 Montessori-Friendly Books That Focus on the Real Magic of the Winter Season
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Winter is almost here. And whether you're looking for a winter book that doesn't focus on Santa Claus or you're looking for book gift recommendations, this blog post is for you. The following list offers something for everyone - from the youngest babies to preschoolers eager to learn how snow crystals are created. And even though most recommendations below are picture books, feel free to read them with your older toddlers. Many older toddlers are ready to move from their board books to longer picture books.
winter books for babies and toddlers
Hello Winter - Looking for high-contrast images for your winter baby to look at? This baby book offers 24 black-and-white illustrations inspired by winter. Note: This is not a storybook.
Winter Babies - How does winter in the park look like to babies? Short text (two-word sentences) offers a great first introduction to winter—ideal for the youngest audience.
No Two Alike - This poetic book invites you to slow down, observe the world around you, and see the uniqueness of seemingly the same things - snowflakes, nests, or forests. Beautiful illustrations help you and your child compare, assess, and decide if things are the same or similar.
Tracks in the Snow - Tracks in the snow. Where do they go? A little girl heads outside to find out for herself. Charming illustrations accompany this captivating story. One of our favorites!
The Snowy Day - The story starts when Peter puts on a snowsuit and heads outside to enjoy winter's first snow. Peter's adventure celebrates winter, a child's imagination, and exploration. This book won the Caldecott Medal.
Soup Day - There is nothing better than homemade warm soup on a cold winter day. A young girl and her mom work together to make a delicious soup while enjoying each other’s company and learning new lessons. Skip the mention of a monster on a few pages. Besides that, it’s an excellent book for children who love to help in the kitchen.
winter books for preschoolers
Snow Globe Wishes - The first snowstorm of the year brings both challenges and joys. It brings people closer together in their homes and outside—a touching story about community, snow globe wishes, and togetherness.
All About Animals in Winter - This short non-fiction book offers a glimpse into animals’ behavior in winter. The informative text is accompanied by real photographs.
Winter Is Here - Describes how winter affects everything in our environment until it's time for spring again. Beautiful illustrations highlight different aspects of nature and how they change with falling snow.
Pick a Pine Tree - A story of a family choosing the perfect Christmas tree. From visiting a tree farm, bringing it home, and decorating it to spending magical time together. Everyone who keeps this Christmas tradition alive will appreciate this book.
Ten Ways to Hear Snow - Lina wakes up in the morning and notices something different. Everything outside seems quiet after a snowfall. She heads out to visit her grandmother. While walking, she discovers many different ways to hear snow. This winter book reminds us to pause and listen to the sounds of the world around us.
Sleep Tight Farm - Covering berry plants with straw, cutting back the raspberries, and stacking wood. Many things need to be done to prepare the farm for winter. Informative yet engaging story of a family preparing their farm for a new season.
Owl Moon - A beautiful story of a bond between a girl and her dad and their special adventure - owling. This story offers many valuable lessons. For example, it’s okay if things don't turn out as expected. Owl Moon won the Caldecott Medal, and it’s easy to see why. This book is a real gem.
White Snow, Bright Snow - This book shows us what different people do when it’s snowing. While the policeman, the postman, and the farmer attend to adult activities, children run outside to enjoy all the fun the snow brings. This classic picture book won the Caldecott Medal in 1948!
Winter Sleep, a Hibernation Story - In summer, a little boy stays with his grandmother, who teaches him a lot about nature. When he returns in winter, he is surprised to see everything changed. There are no birds or butterflies. His grandmother tells him all about the hibernation of the animals and insects they saw in summer.
Snowflake Bentley - A real story of Wilson Bentley and his fascination with snowflakes and capturing their unique designs. Classroom favorite!
The Shortest Day by S. Cooper - the celebration of the shortest day of the year. This book shows us how people used to welcome the winter season through different rituals and celebrations.
The Story of Snow - the story of snow from the scientific perspective. Photos of real snow crystals accompany the informative (yet engaging) text.
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