Another Weekly Roundup of Winter Library Books for Toddlers

Welcome to The Laminated Library, where I share our weekly library books for toddlers and simple, story-inspired ways we bring those books into everyday play. This week’s picks are especially cozy and snow-filled. These four picks are fun winter books for toddlers who love animals, quiet scenes, and stories with a gentle rhythm.

As a former English teacher, early literacy has always mattered to me, but becoming a mom has given it a whole new depth. Watching my toddler point out details, repeat favorite lines, and connect stories to her own world is one of my favorite parts of our days. These are the books we keep coming back to all week long during read-aloud, playtime, and life moments in between.

Our Toddler’s Favorite Winter Book This Week

Tracks in the Snow by Wong Herbert Yee
This one certainly captured our toddler’s imagination the most. The simple mystery of following tracks, predicting what might come next, and discovering familiar surprises kept her engaged every time. She even started pointing out tracks on our daily dog walks, too.

This Week’s Toddler Book List

The links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We are big public library fans around here, but I’ve included links in case you want to build your own home library with these well-loved stories. Thank you for supporting this space and the work I share here.

Tracks in the Snow by Wong Herbert Yee

This gentle winter story invites toddlers to follow mysterious footprints through the snow and wonder who left them. It’s cozy, curious, and perfect for winter library browsing.
Supports: prediction, observation, winter vocabulary

👉 Buy the book (link)

No Two Alike by Keith Baker

A soft and sweet reminder that everything in nature — from birds to snowflakes — is beautifully unique. The rhythmic text and bright illustrations make this a calming read for little listeners.
Supports: comparison, visual discrimination, descriptive language

👉 Buy the book (link)

A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett & Shawn Harris

Minimal words and captivating snowy scenes pull toddlers into a polar bear’s quiet adventure. Little ones will enjoy predicting where he’s going and identifying details in the stark, snowy art.
Supports: prediction, animal awareness, visual attention

👉 Buy the book (link)

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman

This classic read-aloud features animal friends gathering in Bear’s cozy cave during a winter storm — all while Bear snores on! The rhythmic text and repeated refrains make it perfect for giggles and participation.
Supports: rhyme & rhythm, narrative sequence, animal names

👉 Buy the book (link)

Story-Led Play Idea

My toddler has really been getting into pretend play these days, and we had so much fun with this one! After reading Bear Snores On, we built a cozy “bear cave” fort using a blankets and couch cushions. We tucked a stuffed bear inside, snoring away, and then invited our toddler to bring other stuffed animals one by one, narrating their arrival (“Who’s at the door? It’s the mouse!”). She got to decide where each should sit. We quietly acted out the animals’ visit until Bear finally woke up to find all his friends together.

For older toddlers, you can extend the play by adding little props like pretend snacks, tiny blankets, or “gifts” for Bear. Older toddlers can take turns telling short parts of the story, practicing sequencing, storytelling, and imaginative thinking.

This was such a fun, cozy way to bring this story to life. I’d love for you to try this with your toddler too and see what imaginative adventures your little ones create!

Want More Story-Led Play?

When a book becomes a repeat read around here, I love finding simple ways to bring it off the page and into our play.

I create story-led play packs designed specifically for toddlers. These play packs are easy to prep, simple to use, and rooted in books little ones already love. You can explore them all here.

For Your Next Library Trip

Sharing these books is about nurturing curiosity, language, and confidence in little readers. If you’re looking for winter toddler books that work well for library trips, repeat reads, and simple story-based play, this list is a great place to start.

Save this post for your next library run, and I’ll see you back here next week in The Laminated Library 📚 🤍