10 Favorite Winter Animal Books for Preschoolers
Winter is a magical time for preschoolers to learn about animals and their seasonal habitats. Incorporating winter animal books for preschoolers into your classroom engages young learners and supports thematic exploration during storytime and circle time. Here are 10 must-have winter animal books for your classroom library that complement a winter animals theme perfectly!
1. Animals in Winter
Animals in Winter by Henrietta Bancroft is a great way to start a preschool theme all about winter animals.
This nonfiction gem introduces preschoolers to how animals adapt to winter. From hibernation to migration, it’s a simple yet informative read that sparks curiosity about seasonal animal behaviors.
Explore how animals prepare for and survive the winter in our Frosty Forest Animals theme, focusing on migration, hibernation, and adaptation.
2. The Mitten
The Mitten by Jan Brett is a timeless classic with beautifully detailed illustrations. This story follows woodland animals as they squeeze into a lost mitten.
It’s fun to discuss animal sizes and habitats while enjoying Brett’s captivating artwork.
Bring animals to life in winter with these frosty forest animal lesson plans. They are perfect for exploring woodland creatures.
3. Who’s Prints?
Who’s Prints by Kari Allen is an interactive book that invites preschoolers to guess which animal left tracks in the snow.
It’s perfect for developing observation skills and learning about winter wildlife.
Pair this book on animal tracks and snow exploration with our Frosty Forest Animals Theme. Get kids guessing and learning about the animals behind those prints!
4. Bear Snores On!
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson is a cozy tale about a bear sleeping through a winter party in his den. The rhyming text and whimsical story make it a classroom favorite for storytime and circle time discussions.
This charming story about a sleeping bear makes the perfect addition to your winter learning shelf. Explore the resource here.
5. I Am Small
I am Small by Emily Dodd is a heartfelt book that follows a little penguin reflecting on their size in the vast, snowy world. Its stunning illustrations and simple text make it a comforting read for young children.
Add this sweet penguin story to Week 1’s exploration of Arctic animals in our Penguin Pals theme. It’s great for introducing life in icy habitats.
6. Five Little Penguins Slipping on the Ice
Five Little Penguins Slipping on the Ice by Steve Metzger is a playful twist on the classic “Five Little Monkeys” rhyme. This book is a lively way to introduce counting while featuring adorable penguins having wintery adventures.
This delightful book is an ideal resource for your Penguin Lesson Plans.
7. Hush Little Polar Bear
Hush Little Polar Bear by Jack Mack is a soothing bedtime story that takes children on a journey with a polar bear exploring snowy landscapes. It’s great for calming down after an active day or before nap time.
An excellent match for your polar bear activities and lesson plans!
8. What is a Narwhal
What is a Narwhal by Ginger Swift is a lift-the-flap book that introduces the magical “unicorns of the sea.” Its interactive design keeps little ones engaged while learning fun facts about narwhals.
Introduce the mysterious ‘unicorns of the sea’ during Week 4 of our Icy Arctic animals focus. This interactive book pairs perfectly with themed activities! Find the resource here.
9. Walruses in the Arctic
Walruses in the Arctic by Sara Swan Miller is perfect for nonfiction lovers. This book dives into the lives of walruses, teaching preschoolers about their habitat, diet, and unique adaptations for Arctic survival.
Spotlight walruses and other unique Arctic animals with our Icy Arctic Animals Lesson Plans.
10. Arctic Animals
Arctic Animals by Jill McDonald is a vibrant board book, perfect for introducing younger preschoolers to Arctic animals. It’s filled with bright, engaging illustrations and simple facts that are easy to understand.
Kick off your Arctic animal exploration with this vibrant board book during Week 2 of the Animals in Winter theme. It’s great for introducing younger learners to Arctic wildlife.
Enhance Your Winter Animal Storytime
Bring these winter animal books to life with hands-on learning tools! Consider adding stuffed animals or small toy figurines of the featured creatures for children to hold as you read. This tactile experience deepens their connection to the story and enhances engagement.
Set up exploration areas in your classroom library with books, winter-themed puzzles, and sensory bins filled with “snow” (cotton balls or white rice) for children to discover winter animals independently.
For more inspiration, check out my favorite winter classroom books on Amazon to create your own enchanting winter library!
Looking for More Books?
Books With A Winter Animals Theme
Don’t forget to click here and head to the winter theme page for more wintry fun ideas for your classroom and families.