Cozy Winter Stories

Cozy Up Under a Blanket and Enjoy These Special Winter Stories

The first snow of the season always brings a desire to wrap up in a cozy blanket and enjoy a good book. When our kids were small it was fun to read books about snow to celebrate that magical time of year. Here are some of our family favorites for enjoying together on a snowy evening.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening was written by American poet Robert Frost in 1922 and the lyrical text continues to delight readers. The poem is told from the perspective of a traveler who stops to watch the snow fall in the forest, and in doing so reflects on both nature and society. Our version has gorgeous illustrations by Susan Jeffers.

The Bravest Dog Ever – The Story of Balto – Do you remember when the Scholastic Book flyer came home from school, and you might get to choose something special? I think our son Timothy was a kindergartener when he got this book. This simplified version of the story written by Natalie Standiford and illustrated by Donald Cook, is just perfect for a beginning reader. Balto, the lead dog in a sled dog team must carry medicine to sick children in Nome, Alaska during a terrible snowstorm. I just re-read the story this morning and as usual, I got tears in my eyes!! I hope you and a child you love can share the suspense of this true story together.

Owl Moon - One moonlit winter night, long past the little girl’s usual bedtime, a girl and her father embark on a special expedition into the deep woods to see if they can spot an owl. This book is filled with a great spirit of adventure that both adults and children will find heartwarming. The author Janet Yolen's stories reveal an understanding of a child’s perspective, and the simple illustrations by John Schoenheer help you imagine the cold forest surrounding you.

Snowflake Bentley - Wilson Bentley was always fascinated by snow. As a child, he marveled over each tiny crystal of a snowflake and wanted to understand them. His parents supported his curiosity and saved until they could give him his own camera and microscope. Author Jacqueline Briggs Martin and illustrator Mary Azarian bring us this biography of a Vermont farmer in a way that raises your curiosity about the wonder of nature.