6 Children's Books to Read This Winter

As the weather cools down and rainy days become more common, winter is the perfect season to slow down and enjoy a good book with your child. Reading not only creates special bonding moments but also supports language development, imagination, and early literacy skills. Whether it's before bedtime, after a day at childcare, or during a quiet weekend afternoon, sharing stories helps children build a lifelong love of reading while creating warm family memories.

Here are six wonderful children's books to enjoy this winter.

1. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

A timeless favourite, The Gruffalo follows a clever little mouse on an adventure through the forest, meeting a series of hungry animals before encountering the mysterious Gruffalo. With its engaging rhymes, memorable characters, and beautiful illustrations, this story encourages imagination while encouraging problem solving and confidence.

Recommended Age: 3–6 years

2. We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen

This interactive classic invites children to join a family on an exciting adventure as they journey through long grass, deep mud, rivers, forests, and snow in search of a bear. The repetitive language and sound effects make it perfect for reading aloud, encouraging children to join in and build their listening and language skills.

Recommended Age: 2–6 years

3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

One of the world's most loved picture books, The Very Hungry Caterpillar introduces young readers to counting, the days of the week, healthy foods, and the life cycle of a butterfly. The colourful illustrations and interactive pages make it a favourite for toddlers and preschoolers.

Recommended Age: 1–5 years

4. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson

This charming story celebrates friendship, kindness, and working together as a friendly witch welcomes a variety of animal companions onto her broomstick. Filled with humour and catchy rhymes, it's an enjoyable read for the whole family during cosy winter evenings.

Recommended Age: 3–7 years

5. Possum Magic by Mem Fox

A true Australian classic, Possum Magic follows Hush and Grandma Poss as they travel across Australia searching for the perfect food to make Hush visible again. Along the way, children are introduced to Australian landmarks, native animals, and iconic foods, making it both entertaining and educational.

Recommended Age: 3–7 years

6. Koala Lou by Mem Fox

Koala Lou is a heartwarming story about love, family, and believing in yourself. Beautifully illustrated and filled with gentle messages about reassurance and confidence, it's a wonderful story for parents and children to read together before bedtime.

Recommended Age: 2–6 years

Make Reading Part of Your Winter Routine

Reading at home is a wonderful way to extend your child's learning beyond the classroom. At Village Early Learning, many of these books are favourites in our book corners, and our educators love hearing which stories children are enjoying at home. By sharing books regularly, families can help nurture a lifelong love of reading while creating special moments that support every child's learning journey.