A Blizzard of Lovable Picture Books!

Lost. Found., by Marsha Diane Arnold and Matthew Cordell
A sharp winter wind has blown bear’s scarf away, and he’s given it up for lost. But the scarf is found when Beaver makes it into a swing, and the mice discover it’s the perfect foil for a trampoline. Squirrels and Fox have some ingenious ideas too. Will the itinerant red scarf ever make it back to its rightful owner? Your little one will be in like a blizzard, and out like a light at story time tonight—this warm story of friendship and whimsy is not to be missed.

Snowy Bear, by Tony Mitton and Alison Brown
Snowy Bear is wandering alone, in the midst of a dreadful blizzard. He encounters several animals, but owl, fox, and others are reluctant to let him into their cozy hollows. Finally, Snowy Bear reaches a house, and takes a chance, for it’s “a place that looks warm in this cold world of white.” The shivering bear finds all that he needs in this house—warmth, a new friend, and lots of snuggles. You’ll want to curl up and enjoy this timeless winter tale every night.

Penguin’s Big Adventure, by Salina Yoon
Getting to the North Pole is a big goal, even for ambitious Penguin. But he’s determined, and after packing and planning, Penguin sets off on a 12,436 mile journey. Along the way, he passes several of his friends, all of whom are busily working on their own goals, and soon he starts making new friends. What Penguin soon finds out, however, is that the unplanned part of the journey is when the real adventure starts! Lovable Penguin and his quirky tale will be the hit of your story time for many years to come!

Toys Meet Snow, by Emily Jenkins and Paul O. Zelinsky
Lumphy, StingRay, and Plastic are an unlikely trio—a stuffed buffalo, plush stingray and rubber ball thrust together in a toy box by Little Girl—but they’re the best of friends. Little Girl has gone away on a trip, and the first snowfall has arrived. Eager to explore, the friends set out on an adventure that allows each of their distinct personalities to sparkle. Inquisitive Lumphy analyzes the frosty world outside their front door, while poetic StingRay appreciates it in the abstract. Plastic—who prefers the concrete—spouts off facts that she’s, naturally, read in a book. Their day is a lark, and no one wants it to end, until waning daylight—signaled by a beautiful 3-part sunset illustration – signals that it’s time to go home. See snow with fresh eyes with this cozy tale.

Snowflakes Fall, by Patricia MacLachlan and Steven Kellogg
“After the flowers are gone, snowflakes fall. Flake, after flake, after flake. Each one a pattern all its own—no two the same—all beautiful.” This inspiring story, borne out of the Sandy Hook tragedy, comes from longtime friends MacLachlan and Kellogg, and is a hopeful, memorable story for all ages. With wonderful prose and captivating illustrations, this unique story not only celebrates the natural beauty and rhythms of the world around us, but also the memories we create—and the renewal we experience—in each new season.

Dear Yeti, by James Kwan
Two tiny, courageous hikers have set out on a journey to discover the elusive Yeti, and they’re growing close when disaster strikes—they’re lost! Will Yeti continue to evade them, or will he get them help? This action-packed story, told primarily through correspondence (as the title suggests), will remind readers of all ages that sometimes the deepest friendships are found where you least expect them.

Blizzard, by John Rocco
In Blizzard, author and illustrator Rocco offers readers a vivid recollection of his boyhood experience in the infamous New England Blizzard of 1978. Relive Rocco’s journey into the powder in the beginning, and behold the magic and stillness of the snowy world in the spare text and powerful illustrations. When food supplies start to dwindle after a few days, the wonder wanes and panic is on the horizon. Rocco, with improvised snowshoes and a lot of grit, becomes our hero. Add this feel-good tale to your snow day lineup right away!

Skippyjon Jones: Snow What, by Judy Schachner
Skippyjon Jones loves playing in the snow with his sisters Jezebel, Ju-Ju Bee and Jilly Boo, but when Mama calls them in for hot catnip cocoa and a story, Skippyjon is outnumbered and Snow White—his sisters’ “favorite fuzzy tale”—wins out. Disappointed with the “shmuzzy”, girly tale, he stomps off to his room, jumps on his bed, and transforms into his garrulous alter ego, Skippito Friskito. He and his band of mischievous Chihuahuas embark on a hilarious adventure, and Skippito might just be the prince who has to bring poor frozen princess Snow What back to life with a slobbery kiss. Snow What is filled with raucous, heart-melting fun, and it’s a perfect snowy escape!

The Turnip, by Jan Brett
Using her vivid story-within-a-story illustration style, and an uncanny ability to turn folktales into fun food for thought for young readers, Brett’s created a wonderful story about sharing and determination. Driven by hunger, a badger family, a horse—and a rooster who’s narrowly missed a harrowing fate inside a stockpot—all join forces to unearth a stubborn turnip, and you won’t believe who’s at the “root” of the problem, under a thick blanket of snow!
What are your favorite picture books to break out in winter weather?