Best children books about winter
In the Netherlands, winter isn’t always about thick blankets of snow—most of the time it’s windy, rainy, and pretty chilly. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be cozy! There’s something comforting about that brisk breeze and the patter of raindrops against the windows that beckons us to come inside, make ourselves a warm drink, and snuggle up with a good book. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted read to brighten a grey day, or a magical winter tale to spark your imagination, these stories will help you embrace the season and find warmth in every page. Below, you’ll find some wonderful recommendations for readers of various ages—because even if we don’t get much snow, there’s still plenty of winter magic to go around!
For the youngest
Pippa en Pelle in de sneeuw – Drescher, Daniela
Kabouter children Pippa and Pelle wake up excitedly one winter morning because it has snowed! They go sledding, build a snowman, and feed woodland animals. This sturdy board book features beautiful watercolor illustrations in soft, natural hues, perfect for sharing with the youngest readers.
Wat een winter! – R.S. Berner
In this wonderfully large winter “look-and-find” book, there is so much to see! Who’s hiding under that motorcycle helmet? Is everyone wearing warm clothes? Who’s busy decorating the Christmas tree? Toddlers will love exploring the bright, busy scenes page by page, and the extra-thick cardboard pages mean this book can handle plenty of enthusiastic page turns.
Ole Langbaard – Daniela Drescher
In the forest, snow covers the ground, and Ole Langbaard the little gnome appears. He wanders through the wintry landscape, feeding friendly animals like a deer, a mouse, and a hare before returning to his warm, welcoming home. This sweet new yet timeless tale enchants small children and adults alike.
De sneeuwman – Raymond Briggs
A young boy builds a snowman, and that very night, in a dreamlike adventure, the snowman comes to life. This wordless picture book, filled with soft pastel-pencil drawings, captures the wonder of winter—even if the weather isn’t exactly snowy outside. Perfect for cozy storytelling when children aren’t quite reading on their own.
Early reading, from about 5 years
Het wonderlijke winterboek - Marianne Busser
A delightful collection of 31 short stories, each set in the magical winter season. From a winter king being crowned in the animal forest to baking oliebollen and meeting Rudolph the reindeer, every story brings a cozy winter vibe to life. Written by various authors and beautifully illustrated by different artists, this book offers something for everyone. It’s perfect for shared reading moments during the dark winter months or as a bedtime treat!
Winterverhalen – Astrid Lindgren
When it’s cold outside (and perhaps a bit rainy!), it’s even cozier to gather indoors with this collection of wintery tales. Follow beloved characters like Pippi Longstocking, Lotta from the Kabaalstraat, Madieke from the Red House, mischievous Michiel from the Hazelhoeve, and the children of Bolderburen as they play in the snow and celebrate Christmas. Pure joy for both nostalgic parents and curious kids!
For older kids, from about 8 years
De sneeuwkoningin – H.C. Andersen
A timeless winter tale about bravery, friendship, and the power of love. Follow young Gerda as she embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her best friend Kai from the clutches of the Snow Queen. This enchanting story, filled with magical moments and heartfelt lessons, is a perfect read for chilly winter days.
Where to get the books
Libraries are a great choice for families — many have a cozy atmosphere where you can read together, meet other parents, or even join organized activities like storytime or crafting sessions. Plus, borrowing books is a budget-friendly way to explore endless stories without cluttering your shelves.
On the other hand, children’s bookstores offer their own magic. From the inviting smell of fresh pages to the helpful recommendations of shop assistants, visiting a bookstore can be an inspiring outing for kids. And, of course, there’s the joy of bringing home a book to treasure and revisit anytime.
Here’s a list of children’s bookstores to help you start your next literary adventure: