Here are ten delightful books to share with your children when the first snowflakes of the season fall. These books describe the anticipation of the first snowfall and the joy of playing in the snow. You will also find inspiration for decorating snowmen, instructions for building an igloo, and encouragement to look more closely at snowflakes.

In addition, be sure to check out the snowflake-inspired activities below!

Jack (age 3) was so excited to play in the snow that he ran outside wearing only his snow pants and “moose ears.”

Millions of Snowflakes by Mary McKenna Siddals and Elizabeth Sayles. A counting book with a simple rhyme. Millions of Snowflakes describes a young girl frolicking in the snow. Ages 0+

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. Depicts a young boy Peter’s adventures in the snow with simple, graphic illustrations. The Snowy Day conveys the joy of playing in the snow. Ages 1+

Snowballs by Lois Ehlert. Ehlert’s illustrations of impressively decorated snow people may inspire your child to build a snowman…or snow mom, boy, girl, baby, cat, or dog. Ages 1+

Snow by Uri Shulevitz. Describes a young boy’s anticipation while waiting for the first snow and revelry when the snow comes. Snow is the book I reach for to celebrate the first snow of the season. Ages 2+

Let it Snow by Holly Hobbie. In Let it Snow, two friends, Toot and Puddle, choose the perfect Christmas presents for each other and enjoy a magical cross country skiing trip. Ages 3+

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. I absolutely love this story about a girl and her father venturing out into the woods on a winter night in search of an owl. Owl Moon describes a memorable wintertime nature encounter. Ages 3+

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs. Without words, The Snowman tells the tale of a boy who imagines playing – and flying – with the snowman he has created. Ages 4+

Building an Igloo by Ulli Steltzer. A fascinating book about an Inuit father and son building an igloo. Building an Igloo explains that while the Inuit no longer live in igloos, the father and son in this book build igloos when they go hunting. Ages 4+

Stella: Queen of the Snow by Marie-Louise Gay. Younger brother Sam has never seen snow before. When the first snowstorm of the season arrives, Sam has lots of great questions about snow, and Sam’s older sister Stella has lots of entertaining answers. Ages 4+

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and Mary Azarian. A true story about a man, William Bentley, who figured out how to photograph snowflakes in the late-1800s. Ages 5+

Snowflakes! Snowflakes! Snowflakes!

Here are five fun activities that we will be doing this winter to celebrate the season. I am excited to make these pretty beaded snowflake ornaments; the snowflake gingerbread cookies sound delicious; and the kids are already decorating our house with glittery, cut-paper snowflakes. Check back in March to see if we manage to make an igloo. 

1)  Cut Out Classic Paper Snowflakes (Make and Takes). This classic activity is also a fantastic open-ended art project for kids. At our house, we have been cutting out paper snowflakes and decorating them with glitter. Several people have suggested using coffee filters to make snowflakes (e.g. Coffee Filter Snowflakes from Jean Van’t Hul of The Artful Parent).

2)  Create Beaded Snowflake Ornaments (Naturally Educated). These beaded snowflake ornaments are simple to make. They remind me of the beaded candy cane ornaments I enjoyed making as a child, but these beaded snowflake ornaments are prettier.

3)  Bake Gingerbread Snowflakes (Martha Stewart Recipes). While these perfectly piped cookies are gorgeous, I plan to let the kids go to town and decorate these gingerbread cookies with a variety of snowflake designs.

4)  Observe Snowflakes with a Microscope (Snow Crystals). It really is possible to observe snowflakes with a microscope without the snowflakes melting. My son had the opportunity to look at snowflakes through a microscope at our local nature center. I was able to take a peak too, and the magnified snowflakes were amazingly beautiful.

5)  Build the Kids an Igloo (The Toy Report). If you have the urge to build an igloo with your kids, here is the practical advice to make that happen. Your kids will think you are so cool.

You may also be interested in:

• 10 Children’s Books About Dance
• 7 Books to Encourage Your Young Artist
• 10 Books About Backyard Wildlife in Winter

Pinterest: Snow