Picture Books That Make Kids Feel Warm and Cozy

When temperatures drop and snowflakes start to fall, my kids and I make a big pot of hot chocolate and snuggle up with a blanket and a stack of books. We read all kinds of stories, but the best ones are those that give us a glowing, happy feeling.

These 14 books are some of our favorites to read on cold days because they warm us from the inside out.

The Littlest Yak

by Lu Fraser, illustrated by Kate Hindley

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Is there anything more heartwarming than adorable yaks in woolly hats? Gertie, the littlest yak in her pack, wants to be big and tall. Then, one day, an emergency arises, and due to her small size, little Gertie is the only one who can save the day. Follow this story with the two other books in the series, Home Is Where the Herd Is and The New Arrival for a cozy snowy-day reading marathon.

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A Little Like Magic

by Sarah Kurpiel

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A young girl dislikes itchy hats, cold weather, and unfamiliar places but hesitantly accompanies her mom to an ice festival. Later, she regrets going when she realizes she lost her horse figurine. However, their return the next night reveals stunning, magical ice sculptures that leave a lasting impression on her, especially one unexpected and enchanting creation. A heartwarming wintry story about the rewards that come with venturing outside your comfort zone.

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The Thing About Yetis

by Vin Vogel

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Yetis love winter, but even yetis get tired of the cold. When winter gets too long, this little yeti comes up with a brilliant solution to keep his mind on sunnier things. This book is for kids who feel like summer is too far away. (For more Yeti fun, and a sweet bedtime read that all kids can relate to, snuggle up with the follow-up book, Bedtime for Yeti.)

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The Snowy Day

by Ezra Jack Keats

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No list about warm and cozy books would be complete without Ezra Jack Keats’s classic, The Snowy Day. You and your littles can relive Peter’s wintery outing from the snuggly comfort of your home.

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What is Given from the Heart

by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison

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Combining lyrical text by a legendary children’s book author and stunning illustrations from a talented artist, What is Given from the Heart tells a heartwarming story of generosity and collective empathy. After reading, start a conversation about what you and your children would place inside a “love box” of your own!

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Owl Moon

by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr

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A young girl goes looking for owls with her Pa one winter night. This beautiful story captures the excitement, anticipation, and real-life magic that a winter night can hold.

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My Pillow Keeps Moving!

by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Christopher Weyant

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When a sweet little pup finds herself in a comfy home, she’ll pretend to be just about anything if it means she can stay — including a wiggly pillow. A giggle-inducing story that’ll have you hugging your own pet close.

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Frostfire

by Elly MacKay

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During a snowy garden walk, Miriam's talk of snow dragons sparks little sister Celeste's curiosity. Do such creatures really exist? Then an enchanting encounter leaves her questioning everything she thought she knew. As they wander through the wintery wonderland, your own family will feel all the toastier — and maybe even share a renewed joy for outdoor adventure.

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A Pinecone!

by Helen Yoon

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Helen Yoon's books are filled with charm and humor. When a little girl discovers pinecones, she is immediately obsessed, gathering up every pinecone she can find. How does her dad react to the mountain of pinecones she's collected and stored throughout their house? The answer will fill your heart with warmth. A tremendous wintery read full of laughs and great inspiration for future pinecone crafting.

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Lost and Found

by Oliver Jeffers

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This is one of my favorite books by Oliver Jeffers. A boy finds a lost penguin on his doorstep and sets out to help him find his way home. This heartfelt book is about the search for friendship and the true meaning of home.

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Iggy Who Breathes Fire

by Carrie Kruck, illustrated by Erika Meza

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I can't think of anything more likely to warm you up on a cold winter day than a girl who breathes fire! Iggy knows who she is and despite her parents' attempts to "help," her fire will NOT be put out. An empowering story about trusting kids to know themselves, Iggy is sure to your heart.

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A Cozy Winter Day

by Eliza Wheeler

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Little ones will love Wheeler's depictions of the woodland critters of Acorn Village going about their winter days cooking, baking, and playing in the snow. Every scene is so detailed and lovely that they're sure to find new things to look at with each read.

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Last Stop on Market Street

by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson

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This book has been in the spotlight a lot lately, with good reason. It's a feel-good book from beginning to end. Themes include keeping your chin up, looking for the good in life, and helping others.

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What Color is a Kiss?

by Rocio Bonilla

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Is a kiss the color of peaches or persimmons or periwinkle polka dots? Determined, young Monica needs to know. In this delightful book bursting with color and artistic spirit, Monica learns — with a little help from her mother — the answer to her most pressing question.

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Day Dreamers

by Emily Winfield Martin

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In this exciting companion to her bedtime story Dream Animals, author-illustrator Emily Winfield Martin invites readers to follow the most whimsical pathways of their imaginations. Even from their cozy reading spot inside a quiet house, there’s endless magic to be found.

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Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2024.