25 Living Winter Books to Warm Your Homeschool

Winter brings with it a slower pace, cozy days indoors, and plenty of time to snuggle up with books. For homeschoolers inspired by the Charlotte Mason philosophy, this season is the perfect opportunity to delve into living books—stories rich in ideas, beautifully written, and capable of sparking meaningful connections.

And If you’re planning a winter homeschool unit or looking for winter learning activities to go along with your seasonal book list, my Winter Unit Study Bundle offers gentle, hands-on learning for preschool through early elementary and pairs beautifully with many of the winter picture books and read-alouds shared here!

Here’s a curated list of 25 living winter books, mixing picture books, chapter books for young readers, and read-alouds for the whole family. From tales of snowy adventures to heartwarming classics, these books celebrate the wonder and beauty of winter while nurturing the mind and soul.

Picture Books

1. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

   Follow Peter as he explores the wonder of a snowy day, capturing the simple joys of winter through vibrant illustrations and tender storytelling.

   
   

2. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

   A lyrical tale of a father and child venturing into the snowy woods at night to spot an owl. Its poetic text and serene illustrations make it perfect for a quiet winter afternoon.

   
   

3. The Mitten by Jan Brett

   This classic Ukrainian folktale follows animals squeezing into a mitten lost in the snow, with Jan Brett’s detailed illustrations bringing the story to life.

   
   

4. Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton

   Katy, a red crawler tractor, saves the day when a big snowstorm hits her town. A perfect blend of charm and winter adventure.

   
   

5. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

   A magical story of a boy’s journey to the North Pole, filled with themes of belief and wonder.

   
   

6. Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

   This biography of Wilson Bentley, a farmer turned snowflake photographer, is inspiring and educational.

   
   

7. Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner

   A beautifully illustrated exploration of the hidden world beneath the snow, blending science and storytelling.

   
   

8. Brave Irene by William Steig

   Irene braves a fierce snowstorm to deliver a dress for the duchess, showcasing courage and determination.

   
   

9. The Nutcracker retold by Susan Jeffers

   This stunning adaptation of the classic Christmas tale is perfect for introducing little ones to this timeless story.

   
   

10. Sleep Tight Farm by Eugenie Doyle

    A gentle and beautifully illustrated story about a farm settling in for the winter, offering a peaceful glimpse into the rhythm of rural life.

    
    

11. Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak

    This beautifully illustrated book follows siblings as they observe nature transitioning from the crisp colors of fall to the icy wonder of winter.

    
    

Books for Young Readers and Read Alouds

12. The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

    This classic from The Little House series details the Ingalls family's struggle to survive a harsh Dakota winter. A must-read for winter resilience and resourcefulness.

    
    

13. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater

    Follow the comical adventures of Mr. Popper and his charming penguin companions in this lighthearted winter read.

    
    

14. Winter According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney

    The classroom hamster, Humphrey, learns about winter and spreads joy in this delightful chapter book.

    
    

15. Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh

    A simple yet moving historical tale of a young girl’s bravery in a snowy wilderness.

    
    

16. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski A touching story of a woodcarver whose heart is softened by a widow and her young son during the holiday season.

    
    

17. The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson This heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship between a grumpy old man and a homeless family during a Parisian winter is touching and meaningful.

    
    

18. The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston A poignant Appalachian Christmas story about family, tradition, and sacrifice.

    
    

19. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (selected chapters) While not strictly a winter book, the Christmas and snowy scenes in this classic are unforgettable and perfect for seasonal reading.

    
    

    

    
    

Read-Alouds for the Family

20. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

    No winter reading list is complete without this tale of redemption and the Christmas spirit.

    
    

21. Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge

    A classic set in the icy canals of the Netherlands, filled with adventure, family loyalty, and skating.

    
    

22. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

    Step into Narnia’s eternal winter and experience a story of courage, sacrifice, and hope.

    
    

23. Heidi by Johanna Spyri

    Set in the snowy Alps, this classic is a warm story of family, faith, and love for God’s creation.

    
    

24. The Story of Snow by Mark Cassino with Jon Nelson

    A fascinating and beautifully illustrated book that explains the science behind snowflakes, making it a perfect read for curious minds.

    
    

25. Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John

    A heartfelt tale of forgiveness and redemption set in the snowy Alps, rich in Christian themes and emotional depth

    
    

Wrapping Up Your Winter Reading

Winter is a time for slowing down, connecting with your children, and savoring good books together. Whether you’re reading by the fire with a cup of tea or under cozy blankets during a snowstorm, these stories will inspire and warm hearts.

Which of these books are already family favorites, and which will you add to your list this year? Let me know in the comments, and happy reading!

If you’re searching for a complete winter homeschool unit to extend these winter book selections, my Winter Unit Study Bundle includes five themed unit studies focused on hibernating animals, penguins, Arctic animals and Inuit culture, snowflakes, and snowman activities. With over 175 printable pages designed for preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary students, this bundle supports nature study, early science, literacy, and seasonal learning in a calm, Charlotte Mason–inspired way that fits easily into morning baskets and relaxed winter homeschool days.