Children's books about winter

Winter still has a good grip on us here in the Midwest, but with these cutie reads on hand, all the snow seems a bit more magical.

January isn’t the most popular month, but I have really loved it this year.

Maybe it’s because the Midwest got its first big snow (at a time when we didn’t need to leave the house), or maybe it’s because toddlers make you slow down and notice things you didn’t before. Whatever the reason, I leaned into January this year.

So, to send the month off in style, below are three books that celebrate the magic of winter. (Because let’s be honest, those of us in the Midwest still have a lot of winter left to go!)

“Winter Days in the Big Woods” by Laura Ingalls Wilder

I can’t wait to read Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House” series with my children, so when I discovered “My First Little House Books,” which are an illustrated adaptation of the chapter books, I was eager to give them a read.

With beautiful illustrations (by Renée Graef, who also illustrated the Kirsten series in the American Girl collection) and simple, captivating stories for little ones who aren’t ready for the chapter books, this story is a win. My two-year-old daughter loved the page where Mary and Laura make little cookies from Ma’s leftover dough, and my four-year-old-son was intrigued by the idea of having certain chores for certain days of the week. (Honestly, I like that idea, too!)

“Winter Dance” by Marion Dane Bauer

Snow is coming, and a little red fox isn’t sure what he should do to prepare. Other critters in the forest offer advice, but nothing they suggest is quite right. He eventually finds the perfect way to celebrate the snow when he meets another little red fox like him.

This book is a fun way to discuss how animals spend the winter, and the repetitive language was fun for my littles.

“Whose Prints?” by Kari Allen

This sweet board book is great for the littlest readers. Each page features a different set of footprints in the snow, and it’s fun to guess what animal made each one. I would say this book is best for ages two and under.

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What’s making life luxurious this week:

• Sporting an unchipped at-home manicure

• Watching Nancy Meyers movies before bed

• Keeping the living room clutter free for past three days

Sometimes it’s the little things. 🤗 What’s bringing you joy this week?

“Because children grow up, we think a child’s purpose is to grow up. But a child’s purpose is to be a child.” — Tom Stoppard

Thanks for reading this week! If you know someone who might like this newsletter, too, please share it with them!

Kristin