Great Read Alouds: Cozy winter reads
When it’s cold outside, nothing beats cozying up with a great picture book and maybe a cup of hot chocolate. These picture books give you an excuse to snuggle up with your favorite young person.
You are your child’s first teacher. Author Emilie Buchwald says children are made readers on the laps of their parents. I take that a step further by saying children can develop a love of reading by any grown-ups in their lives – parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles and family friends.
Check out my recommendations of cozy picture books that can kick-start the love of reading.
Bear Snores On written by Karma Wilson & illustrated by Jane Chapman
As Bear sleeps, his friends show up and have a party around a warm fire in his den. The repeating phrase of “But the bear snores on” keeps the children engaged throughout the story. What will happen when Bear wakes up to all these uninvited guests in his home?
"The comfy look of Bear's cave and the snappy rhythm of the text beckon youngsters into the story, and the expressively drawn, amusingly posed animal characters ensure repeated readings." –Booklist
A Cozy Winter Day by Eliza Wheeler
The animals of Acorn Village love to spend winter days doing all sorts of cozy activities together. At the end of the day, they share songs and stories in front of the fireplace. Later, they snuggle into bed and drift off into dreamy sleep. The story provides ideas for things to do when it’s cold outside.
“The author/illustrator has considered every aspect of a cozy winter day, and Acorn Village is alive with detail. Readers from colder climates will recognize all the best parts of a snow day, while those from warmer climes will feel immersed in all things winter. . . . The gentle text matches the mood of the illustrations. . . . A lovely encapsulation of the best parts of winter.” —Kirkus Reviews
A Polar Bear in the Snow – written by Mac Barnett & illustrated by Shawn Harris
A polar bear heads out of his cave for a walk in the snow. Where is he is going? The mysteriousness of his adventures gives grown-ups opportunities to ask young listeners where they think the polar bear is going. What do you think he is going to do on his walk?
"The captivating cut-paper–and-ink illustrations are appropriately atmospheric, offering varied perspectives. They perfectly suit the prose’s quiet grandeur, and occasional blank or nearly blank pages suggest a completely snow-blanketed bear. The art reflects the peace, solitude, and colors of the Arctic habitat and depicts other wildlife that reside there, such as seals on which polar bears prey and arctic foxes. Charming, scenic, and a winning must for the youngest polar bear lovers." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Snoozapalooza written by Kimberlee Gard & illustrated by Vivian Mineker
Families can count to 10 as a variety of animals settle in for the winter together and a snoozapalooza! The snoring is so loud it frightens the other animals in the woods. They find a way to wake up the snoring creatures from their long winter’s nap.
"Guaranteed to tickle and delight while reinforcing counting skills." –Kirkus Reviews
"The text has a wonderful use of rhythm and rhyme...The illustrations are adorable." –Manhattan Book Review
The Snow Thief written by Alice Hemming & illustrated by Nicola Slater
Bird helps Squirrel adjust to seeing snow for the first time. When the snow starts to disappear Squirrel thinks there is a thief. Grown-ups can ask their young people why they think the snow is disappearing.
With vibrant art and captivating characters, the magic of winter is captured beautifully on each page as readers tag along Squirrel's forest adventure. This book is a perfect exploration of change. Bonus material explains the changing of the seasons.
"s funny as the first two in the series... May this endearing pair have more sneakily educational outings." ―Kirkus Reviews
Snowballs by Lois Ehlert
A family saves different household and nature items to make a snow family. Grown-ups can ask the question, “What’s going to happen to the snow family when the sun comes out?” The last two pages show the “good stuff” that was saved to make the snow family.
"A snow family is the heart of Ehlert's newest picture book, which shows, early on, a paper bag overflowing with materials ("good stuff in a sack" ) suitable for decorating. snow sculptures. The snow creations are depicted lengthwise on the pages, beginning with a snow dad formed from circles of paper festooned with raisin eyes and a mouth of unpopped corn kernels. A snow mom with coffee bean eyes comes next, and so on. A variety of objects, from food to ethnic clothing, are used to make each snowman, and Ehlert's trademark cut-paper animals visit the snow critters. Children will love figuring out what each decorative item is, and Ehlert labels everything in a glorious double-page spread that is certain to give kids (and their teachers) lots of craft ideas." –Booklist
We Want Snow: A Wintry Chant written by Jamie A. Swenson & illustrated by Emilie Boon
The children can’t wait for the snow to arrive. They want snow all the way up to their chins so they can sled, make snowmen and snow forts, ice skate and have hot chocolate. What happens when they get what they asked for?
"Swenson captures wintry delights in a rousing, buoyant text. While the lines of the verses have four beats, the short lines in the refrain have two, which varies the cadence for brief intervals before returning to the basic rhythm. Boon’s engaging illustrations feature rounded forms, a pleasing palette, and a diverse trio of energetic children at play. An excellent seasonal choice as fall turns to winter, this picture book is good fun for reading aloud." –Booklist
