Winter has properly arrived here in Bundoran, and you can really feel it along the coast with the sharp Atlantic wind and the salty air that seems even colder this time of year. A walk along the cliff path reminds me how much the season has changed, with the landscape turning quieter and the sea carrying its cool winter tide. It’s the season when I’m grateful to step back inside, warm up beside the fireplace, settle into the coziness of my home, and spend my evening in my little corner by the sea working on my book.

These winter days I love to share with my daughter comforting children’s stories, the kind that bring warmth and calm after being out in the stormy weather.

For December, I’ve gathered some of our favourite winter-themed children’s books, perfect for curling up together while the wind rattles the windows and the sea whispers its winter song just beyond our doorstep.

This charming winter favourite follows Percy the park keeper as he discovers a group of cold, shivering animals seeking shelter on a snowy night. With its gentle humour, soft illustrations, and heart-warming message about kindness and sharing, it’s a perfect story for the winter season. Children adore the cosy atmosphere and the idea of all the animals gathering together for warmth and comfort.

In Book Club Friends, we’ll talk about what kindness means to each child, how we help others when they need us, and why winter brings so many opportunities for small acts of care. This story is especially suited to younger readers who are just beginning their reading journey—the brave little beginners learning to recognise words, follow simple story sequences, and build confidence page by page. In our club, we gently support them to join in at their own pace, celebrate their efforts, and discover how enjoyable and stress-free reading together can be.

Ages: 3-6

This fun, lively story follows two friends who completely disagree about winter, one loves it, the other absolutely does not! The humour makes children giggle, and the expressive illustrations perfectly capture their personalities. It’s a great reminder that we all experience the seasons differently, and that friendship can hold lots of opposite opinions. A brilliant book to read after coming home from a blustery day outdoors, especially for children who are not winter’s biggest fans.

Ages 3–6

A winter favourite for so many families. This story follows the Gruffalo’s curious child on a snowy adventure through the forest in search of the mysterious “Big Bad Mouse.” It’s playful, rhythmic, and full of fun twists that children love.

In our bilingual Polish–English Book Club, we’ll read this story in both languages, compare the translations, and talk about bravery, curiosity, and how the snowy forest feels almost like a character in itself. It’s always a wonderful discussion for bilingual children who enjoy switching between languages through stories.

Ages 3–7

A beautifully illustrated picture book filled with gentle winter magic. It tells the story of a boy whose arrival brings snow to a small town that hasn’t seen it in years, transforming the community with excitement, wonder, and sparkling white landscapes. Hollie Hughes’s lyrical writing, paired with Anna Wilson’s atmospheric artwork, makes this book feel like stepping into a snow globe. It’s perfect for children who enjoy heartfelt stories about friendship, belonging, and the joy that comes when something unexpected brings people together. A lovely winter read for sharing aloud on a chilly afternoon.

Ages 4-8

In this fun and gently reassuring picture book, Squirrel sees snow for the very first time and isn’t quite sure what to make of it. With a little encouragement from his friend Bird, he soon discovers the joy of playing in the snow—snowball fights, exploring, and even meeting a “snow squirrel.” But when the snow disappears overnight, Squirrel becomes convinced that there must be a snow thief on the loose. As the story unfolds, children gradually learn, along with Squirrel, that the “thief” is really just the natural change of seasons. It’s a lovely way to talk about winter, melting snow, and how the world around us is always changing. The expressive illustrations and simple text make it perfect for younger children, especially those curious about weather and the seasons, and it’s a great starting point for gentle conversations about change.

Ages 3-6

This book blends mystery, adventure, and winter imagery in a way that keeps older readers hooked from the first chapter. When children mysteriously disappear after touching a strange ice formation, the story unfolds into a blend of suspense and snowy magic.

In Book Club Friends, this story opens up wonderful opportunities for discussion—why the characters make certain choices, how friendships change under pressure, and what courage looks like when things feel frightening or uncertain. It also encourages older readers to think more deeply about setting, symbolism, and pacing, helping them build stronger reading comprehension skills. It’s an exciting winter read and a brilliant choice for confident readers who love a story that keeps them thinking long after they’ve closed the book.

Ages 8+

A gentle, warm introduction to this classic novel. The abridged version keeps the charm of the March sisters—their kindness, challenges, winter traditions, and strong family bonds—while making the story accessible for younger readers. It’s a perfect winter read because so many early chapters revolve around cosy evenings, family gatherings, and learning what really matters. A wonderful stepping-stone into the world of timeless classics.

Ages 8+

A truly iconic winter book. Stepping through the wardrobe into the snowy land of Narnia is one of the most magical moments in children’s literature. This story has everything: courage, friendship, adventure, and the contrast between winter’s stillness and the hope of spring. It’s ideal for children ready for a longer, richer story world.

Reading it in December always brings back one of my favourite family memories—our winter trip to Belfast, the city where C.S. Lewis was born and where many inspirations for his imaginative world began. We followed the C.S. Lewis Trail, wandered past sculptures of his beloved characters, and visited the cosy Lamppost Café, a sweet little tribute to Narnia tucked into the city. During the drive, we listened to the audiobook, the narrator’s voice drifting through the car while the fields outside were dusted with snow. For a moment, it felt as though the landscape itself was joining the story.

If you ever find yourself in Belfast—especially in winter—I highly recommend exploring these places. They add such depth to the story and make the magic of Narnia feel wonderfully close.

December is the perfect time to plan joining our little reading community, Book Club Friends, a cosy and welcoming space where young readers can share their thoughts, chat about their favourite characters, and enjoy stories together in a relaxed, friendly setting.

The club also offers an option for bilingual Polish–English readers, giving children the chance to explore books in both languages and connect through shared reading experiences. Children are also welcome to dress up as their favourite character from the book or, if they’d like, wear our Book Club Friends t-shirt to feel part of the group. I’m incredibly excited to create a space where young readers can feel inspired, supported, and free to express themselves through the stories they love.

If you’d like your child to join us in January, feel free to reach out—I’d love to welcome them into our growing circle of little book lovers.

I hope this list inspires you to discover a few new favourites this winter. Whether you’re reading by the fire, under a blanket, or listening to an audiobook on a long drive, may these stories keep you company through the colder days.

Wishing you a season full of peaceful evenings, simple joys, and the kind of books that stay with you long after the snow melts.