Why am I passionate about this?

I am someone who has made major decisions in my life based solely on the desire to ski powder! That’s why I live in Sun Valley, Idaho and get to enjoy the snow and winter fun all season long. And because I love children’s books and specialize in writing for the youngest children, I have educated and experiential opinions as to what makes a great children’s book work. So, there you have it: Snow and Kids’ Books; two of my favorite things!


I wrote

Book cover of Snow!

What is my book about?

Bundle up in snowsuits and boots, and out we go... Whump! Right into the fluffy, soft snow. We don’t care!…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

The books I picked & why

Book cover of First Snow

Leslie Patricelli Why did I love this book?

This gem of a board book creates a quiet sense of joy as an adorable little Korean girl dons her white snowsuit and red scarf and sets out with her puppy to explore the newly soft and snowy landscape.

“Pat, pat, pat,” and “Roll, roll, roll,” she goes with her growing snowball past brown bears, forest animals, and polar bears, to a frozen lake where other children play, skate, and make snowmen, and, finally, into to a glorious fantasy scene that will have your kid in wonder!

The fresh, loose, mixed media illustrations created in shades of black and white, with a touch of red, evoke the quiet wonder of a snowy night. The illustrations are masterfully simple and focused, yet beautifully detailed backgrounds set the stage for this wondrous adventure.

By Bomi Park,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked First Snow as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Look out. Now look up. From the sky one flake falls, then another. And just like that-it's snowing.
In this beautiful book from debut creator Bomi Park, a young girl wakes up to the year's first snowy day. From her initial glimpse out the window to her poignant adventures-rolling a snowman, making snow angels-the girl's quiet quests are ones all young readers will recognise. Simple, muted text and exquisite, evocative art conjure the excitement of a day spent exploring the wonder of snow-and the magic that, sometimes literally, such a day brings. As subtly joyful as a snow day itself,…


Book cover of The Snowy Day

Leslie Patricelli Why did I love this book?

The Snowy Day is, at its heart, a beautiful book about playing alone.

When I was reading this book to my kids, we had just moved to the mountains of Ketchum, Idaho and my son had started third grade at a new school. He spent a lot of time playing alone in the snow and could relate to Peter’s solo adventures in the book.

The bright, graphic collage illustrations add a liveliness that reflects the joy of discovery, while the cool snow tones bring a silent reflectiveness. The book’s history is rich as well: It was published in 1963 and was the first color picture book to feature a black character.

As the book gently led readers into Jack’s quiet and joyful world, it was also a message of inclusiveness that broke through a wall in children’s publishing.

By Ezra Jack Keats,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked The Snowy Day as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

The magic and wonder of winter's first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keat's Caldecott Medal-winning picture book. This celebrated classic has been shared by generations of readers and listeners, a must-have for every child's bookshelf and a perfect gift for the holiday season.

New York Public Library's #1 book on the list of "Top Check Outs of All Time"

In 1962, a little boy named Peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. Universal in its appeal, this story beautifully depicts a child's wonder at a new…


Book cover of Bear Snores On

Leslie Patricelli Why did I love this book?

Bear Snores On was an all-time favorite board book to read with my kids any time of year, but especially in their cozy winter bedding, snow piled high outside.

“In a cave in the woods, in his deep dark lair, through the long cold winter sleeps a great brown bear.” Rich acrylic illustrations bring you through a swirling storm into Bear’s warm, cozy cave. The rhythmic, rhyming text is rife with alliteration, as one by one, forest creatures begin to seek refuge in the cave.

The resulting party gets raucous, “But the bear snores on,” goes the refrain. Then, some pepper makes Bear sneeze, “AA-CHOO!” The animal’s fear is palatable (as will be your child’s), but it’s okay; Bear isn’t angry, he’s just sad he missed the party! And I love the twist ending: “Bear couldn’t sleep but his friends snored on.”

By Karma Wilson, Jane Chapman (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Bear Snores On as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

It seems like Bear can sleep through anything. As a succession of animals enter his cave to escape the fierce storm, he continues to snore. Mouse makes a nice warm fire, Hare cooks popcorn and Badger brings treats... They are having a great time. But when Bear wakes up and realises he's missed out on the fun, his visitors fear the worst.Can Bear be persuaded to join the party? This read-aloud rhyming story has fun, suspense and a happy ending - with Jane Chapman's beautiful, captivating illustrations and Karma Wilson's absorbing, lyrical words perfectly depicting the companionship of the warm,…


Book cover of The Mitten

Leslie Patricelli Why did I love this book?

Growing up in a snowy winter playground, my kids lost a lot of mittens and The Mitten, by Jan Brett, illustrated in her detailed Scandinavian style, sparked their imaginations as to what fate may have befallen them.

Nikki, unwittingly drops his white mitten, lovingly knitted by his grandmother into the snow. It is soon discovered by a mole. Then, one beautifully illustrated forest animal after another, increasingly larger, cozy into the ever-expanding mitten; including a huge bear and, finally, a little mouse, with whiskers that tickle the bear’s nose!

The decorative borders surrounding the main dialogue hint at the story to come, allowing kids to guess what’s next. This gem of a board book provides so much visual detail to be discovered by curious little readers, that it will become a winter staple, never the same twice.


By Jan Brett,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Mitten as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 1, 2, 3, and 4.

What is this book about?

In this bestselling modern classic, a young boy's lost mitten leads to a charming snowy adventure. Jan Brett's beautiful retelling is a family favorite and the board book edition is the perfect gift for the youngest readers.

When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is missing.

One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes…


Book cover of The Snow Globe Family

Leslie Patricelli Why did I love this book?

When I was a kid, I loved books about miniature things; they piqued my imagination and had me thinking long after the story was finished.

The Victorian Era family of five living inside the snow globe is not only miniature but it has its own weather system—and it hasn’t snowed in a long time! The snow globe rests on the mantle of a “big house” with a mirrored human-sized family.

No one in the family remembers the snow globe except for Baby, who is left at home with Mama while everyone goes outside in the blizzard to play. Baby tips over the snow globe, giving the tiny family exactly what it has been waiting for; a blizzard! Now both families get to play in the snow and it’s ever so much fun! Wonderful for children of all ages.

By Jane O'Connor, S.D. Schindler (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Snow Globe Family as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

Oh, when will it snow again? wonders the little family who lives in the snow globe. They long for a swirling snowstorm—if only someone in the big family would pick up the snow globe and give it a great big shake.

Baby would love to. She alone notices the little family. She gazes longingly at their snowy little world, but the snow globe is up way too high for her to reach. Then, when a real snowstorm sends the big children outside sledding in the moonlight, Baby finds herself alone in the parlor. . . . Will the snow globe…


Explore my book 😀

Book cover of Snow!

What is my book about?

Bundle up in snowsuits and boots, and out we go... Whump! Right into the fluffy, soft snow. We don’t care! There’s a hill to climb up and sled down, a snowperson to build, and skis to try out. Swish! Then—brrr—inside, please! What better way to warm up than a bubbly tub and a snuggle on the couch to watch the storm? Everyone’s favorite baby joins an adorable pal to revel in a seasonal adventure that will have little listeners eager to explore their own white, wintry world.

Book cover of First Snow
Book cover of The Snowy Day
Book cover of Bear Snores On

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,480

readers submitted
so far, will you?

You might also like...

Totally Turtles!

By Ginjer L. Clarke,

Book cover of Totally Turtles!

Ad
Ginjer L. Clarke Author Of Animal Invaders: Creatures Causing Trouble

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Hiker Reader Dancer Nature & science lover Social justice activist

Ginjer's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

Did you know that leatherback turtles can weigh up to 2,000 pounds? Or that the Florida softshell turtle can breathe through its snout and its skin? Turtles have been around for millions of years, and we’re still learning more about them!

With simple language and vivid photographs, Totally Turtles! is perfect for emerging readers curious about turtles and how they have managed to adapt, survive, and thrive for so long. Learn about the fascinating world of turtles, from sea to land and everywhere in between.

Totally Turtles!

By Ginjer L. Clarke,

What is this book about?

Learn about turtles and their many talents in this nonfiction leveled reader perfect for kids interested in these shelled creatures and their lives on land and in the water!

Did you know that leatherback turtles can weigh up to two thousand pounds? Or that the Florida softshell turtle can breathe through its snout and its skin? Turtles have been around for millions of years and we're still learning more about them!

With simple language and vivid photographs, Totally Turtles! is perfect for emerging readers curious about turtles and how they have managed to adapt, survive, and thrive for so long.


Genres
  • Coming soon!

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in snow, bears, and Ukraine?

Snow 14 books
Bears 72 books
Ukraine 97 books