Winter Picture Books and Activities for the Classroom

Do your students see snow every year? We may not be able to rely on a white winter here in Texas, but that doesn’t stop us from enjoying all things snow-related in the classroom. Today I’m going to share my favorite snowy picture books as well as several reading activities that you can do with your students. I’ll even throw in a FREEBIE for you!

Winter Picture Books for the Classroom

First up, let’s look at nine of my favorite winter picture books. This collection showcases a variety of books, but they are all ones that your students are sure to love!

1. Except Antarctica: This is a NEW to me picture book. It’s a book about animals who live everywhere EXCEPT Antarctica. It’s such a fun read aloud that shares animal facts and a storyline with a bunch of rogue animals who are determined to make it to Antarctica.
2. Snow Day: Snow Day is something we can definitely relate to. The weatherman predicts a snow day, so the character is getting geared up for a day off. The ending has a shocking twist that you’ll LOVE! Classroom resource for this book can be found HERE!
3. A Way Home for Wolf: Little wolf loses his way, but finds his way to his family through the help of friends. Classroom resource for this book can be found HERE!
4. Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter: This series of season books are just absolutely gorgeous. A brother and sister walk through nature noticing all of the differences that winter brings.
5. A Loud Winter’s Nap: All Tortoise wants is a winter nap, but his friends want him to come out and play. This is an entertaining story that your students will definitely enjoy! Classroom resource for this book can be found HERE!
6. Over and Under the Snow: This is another series of seasonal books that are beautifully done. Students will see what is happening above and below the surface of the snow. Classroom resource for this book can be found HERE!
7. 10 Ways to Hear Snow: This is also a NEW to me story about a little girl going to visit her grandma. The character notices snow in a completely new way as she pays attention to what is going on in the world around her.
8. Sneezy the Snowman: Poor Sneezy has a cold and just wants to warm up! Classroom resource for this book can be found HERE!
9. Brave Irene: Irene has a job to do, but finds herself in the harshness of winter. Classroom resource for this book can be found HERE!

Sneezy the Snowman Summary

Next up, let’s look at some activities you can use along with the books I shared above! My Snowy Summary can be used to retell a winter story. Students use the summary framework of Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then to share the summary of a story. This can be paired with a directed drawing of a winter friend!

Click HERE to see more summary activities for the classroom

Grab your FREE Snowy Summary Printable below:

Brave Irene Snowy Summary

Our next activity goes along with Brave Irene. Students make a bucket of snowballs to retell the story of Brave Irene. This book lends itself so well to writing a summary!

Click HERE to find Brave Irene’s Snowy Summary

Snowman Summary

Last on our list is a Snowman Summary! Here you can see that I paired it with Snow Day, but really it can be used alongside any wintry story that has a character, problem, and solution! Students write the parts of a summary on the snowman’s body.

Click HERE to grab a snowman summary

Winter Reading Bulletin Board

We can’t forget putting it all together for a fun winter bulletin board display. Use the title We Love Reading SNOW much paired with your snowy summaries.

Click HERE for a Winter Reading Bulletin Board

Save for Later

Pin the image below to save these ideas!

{amazon aff links were used in this post}