Winter Solstice Books for Kids

These beautiful winter solstice books for kids teach children about the cyclical nature and science of the changing seasons.

Winter solstice books can help children learn more about the solstice and the changing seasons. Short winter stories, simple tales, rhythmic text, and gorgeous illustrations offer ample opportunities to help children understand the season of winter and the basic astronomical concepts of the solstice, including why December 21 is so important. Offer winter stories that celebrate the beauty of snow, the joy of the holidays, and the quiet moments of wintertime with the beautiful winter book selections for kids below. You might also enjoy learning more about the Winter Solstice and fun ways for kids and adults to celebrate the change of seasons here: Winter Solstice Celebration Ideas.

The Children’s Winter Solstice books below include illustrations, stories, information, and tales about the winter solstice from cultures around the world. Many of them also offer simple scientific explanations and winter activity ideas for children of all religious backgrounds. First published on November 30, 2015, this winter booklist for kids is regularly updated to improve the content and remain current. Some of the original solstice books on the list are no longer in publication and have been noted or removed. Other new books about the winter solstice have been published and added to the list. The exceptional collection of children’s winter books curated below captures the magic and wonder of the coldest season of the year. For more engaging winter ideas, please visit this list of fun winter activities for kids and adults of all ages.

Related: Kids Yoga: Tips for Getting Started

Best Children’s Winter Solstice Books:

The Children’s books about the winter solstice on the list below each offer something different to young and inquisitive readers. They perfectly blend the seasonal beauty of winter, the coldest season of the year, educational insight, and cultural exploration. Inspire curiosity about the natural world and the diversity of ways people worldwide celebrate winter and the changing seasons by sharing these seasonal winter tales with children of all ages.

Learn more about the winter solstice and the changing seasons within these engaging stories for children of all ages. These books about winter for kids introduce young readers to the science behind the shortest day of the year and immerse them in the ancient traditions and customs surrounding this celestial event. You might also enjoy reading about the Winter Solstice here: How to Celebrate Winter Solstice.

Each of these children’s books shares something unique about the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. These children’s picture books and short stories can help children from toddlers to teens learn about the winter solstice and the cyclical nature of the seasons. You might also enjoy growth-mindset books that teach children essential life lessons and how to handle them maturely.

Winter Solstice Books for Children From Toddlers to Teens:

Reading children’s books about winter is an entertaining and educational way to keep kids of all ages busy, learning, and engaging in creative winter activities during the darker half of the year. Choose a few of the winter solstice books for kids to check out from your school or local library, or click the affiliate links included within the list below to learn more about each children’s winter solstice book or purchase.

If you click to purchase any of the children’s books about the winter solstice included here, Rhythms of Play might earn a small commission at no cost to the consumer. You might also enjoy this list of the best parenting books for the new and seasoned parent. I hope you enjoy browsing the fantastic collection of titles that teach children about the winter solstice, and their engaging contents below:

1. Winter Board Book by Gerda Muller (Author) Ages two and up:

This adorable little picture book, “Winter” by Gerda Muller, shares the feeling of the winter solstice within its illustrations. Gerda’s “Winter” is one of four seasonal books for toddlers and preschoolers, with no text, that guide young children through the year’s cycle and its rhythm in pictures. Every home library with young children should have this sweet collection of seasonal books.

2. The First Day of Winter by Denise Fleming (Author, Illustrator), Ages Three and Up:

This rhythmical seasonal book celebrates the first day of winter. “The First Day of Winter” is a simple winter tale written to the tune of the holiday song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” about a young boy’s adventure in building a snowman for children of all ages to enjoy reading during the wintertime.

3. Sun Bread by Elisa Kleven (Author), Ages three and Up:

Become a reflection of the Sun’s cheerfulness and joy by shedding light on everyone and everything just as the sun does with this whimsical tale, “Sun Bread.” In the chill of winter, everyone misses the sun, especially the baker. So, she decides to bring some warmth to the town by baking sun bread. As the bread bakes, everyone, including the sun itself, comes out to share in its goodness. There is a recipe at the end of the book to make sunbread! 

4. The Longest Night by Marion Dane Bauer (Author), Ted Lewin (Illustrator), Ages Four and Up:

On the year’s longest night, each animal in the forest longs for dawn’s warmth. Strong and clever creatures boast that only they can bring back the sun. But the wind knows better. In “The Longest Night,” the wind calls Chickadee to help a small creature wake the sun to summon a new day. 

5. The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren (Author), Ages four and up:

This lovely winter tale, “The Tomten,” takes place on the darkest nights of winter. This classic story of the Tomten’s nightly visits to a wintry farm has been reminding children of spring’s promise for decades. The Tomten is a gnome that stands watch while the rest of the world sleeps. It is a comforting winter bedtime story for children of all ages. I encourage you to read this to children to help them feel safe and snug in their beds on a cold, dark winter night.

6. The Solstice Badger by Robin McFadden (Author), ages four and up:

This is a beautiful book and a great way to share the story of Solstice! “The Solstice Badger” is a lovely tale about the solstice that children will enjoy for years to come. The Solstice Badger tells the story of the early days when the Sun shone all day. Initially, this made the Sun happy, but eventually, he became lonely and sad, and his light dimmed until he discovered a friend. This engrossing winter book for children has a satisfying conclusion when he learns that compromise, compassion, friendship, and wisdom will save the day.

7. The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer (Author), Jesse Reisch (illustrator), Ages six and up:

“The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice” explains the winter solstice and how various cultures have observed and celebrated it throughout history. It describes how some contemporary holiday traditions were borrowed from these ancient solstice celebrations, and introduces basic science concepts to children using simple language and pictures they can easily understand. 

8. The Winter Solstice by Ellen Jackson (Author), Jan Davey Ellis (Illustrator), Ages six and up:

“The Winter Solstice” by Ellen Jackson introduces the winter solstice customs and beliefs of the ancient Britons, Scandinavians, Romans, and Peruvians, as well as certain Native American sun ceremonies. My favorite part of this book is the way it explains which aspects of these ancient traditions are celebrated today and why.The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, marks the beginning of the coldest, darkest season. Discover the scientific reasons for this phenomenon and learn how cultures past and present have celebrated it in this winter solstice book for kids.

9. The Return of the Light: Twelve Tales from Around the World for the Winter Solstice by Carolyn McVickar Edwards (Author), Ages nine and up:

“The Return of the Light” retells 12 traditional tales from various cultures in a chapter-book format for older children, teens, and adults. This informative book shares 12 traditional winter solstice stories from North America, China, Scandinavia, India, Africa, South America, Europe, and Polynesia. These stories will excite older children’s wonder at the miracle of rebirth and the power of transition from darkness into light.

10. One Short Day in December by Lilith Rogers (Author), Noni Cox (Illustrator), Ages three and up:

“One short day in December” is a story about the Doe deer family (two moms and their baby deer) who celebrate the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. This is a fun and friendly story about celebrating the Winter Solstice for young children.

11. Dear Rebecca, Winter Is Here by Jean Craighead George (Author), Loretta Krupinski (Illustrator), Ages four and up:

“Dear Rebecca, Winter is Here” takes place in the Southern Hemisphere, where the longest night of winter falls in June rather than December. In this story, a woman explains this astronomical phenomenon to her young granddaughter. The author writes a fascinating tale about the Solstices. “Dear Rebecca, Winter is Here.” She describes how Winter began at Midsummer and how the light begins its journey back to fullness in the depths of Winter within the beautifully illustrated pages of this sweet winter story. In lovely prose with gorgeous illustrations, she shares all the wonders that the winter season brings.

12. Iliana: A Winter Solstice Tale by Walter Fordham (Ages four and up):

“Iliana” is the story of a young girl’s quest for the sun. As the days grow shorter, everyone around her is worried, and no one knows what to do. Determined to save her kingdom from darkness, Iliana leaves alone to find the sun. Her adventures take her to unexpected realms where she encounters magical friends who help her on her way, and, in the end, she discovers more than she set out to find.

13. The Night Tree: A Christmas Holiday Book For Kids by Eve Bunting (Author), Ted Rand (Illustrator), Ages three and up:

“The Night Tree” is about a young boy and his family decorating their favorite tree with popcorn, apples, tangerines, and sunflower-seed balls as a gift for the animals of the woods in the moonlight on a long winter night. Because this book is about one of the many traditions I share in this guide to Winter Solstice Traditions, I thought it was perfect to include here.

New Picture Books About the Winter Solstice For Kids:

Since I first published this children’s winter book list, several new excellent books for kids featuring heartwarming stories about the winter solstice from cultures around the world have been published. The following picture books about the winter solstice were added to this list since its first publication:

1. The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper (Author), Carson Ellis (Illustrator), Ages four and up:

This beautiful picture book, “The Shortest Day,” includes Susan Cooper’s poem about the winter solstice. It evokes the joy and community found in the ongoing mystery of life when we celebrate light, thankfulness, and festivity at a time of rebirth. As the sun sets on the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, people gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their light to the darkness while wondering if the sun would ever rise again. This winter book shares the same title as another winter solstice book published before it on the list above, but it is very different. Capture the magic of the return of light, the traditions that connect us to the generations that came before, and the hope for peace we carry into the future in this simple winter book.

2. Winter Solstice by Bonnie Loveday (Author), Tobin Loveday (Editor), Tuker Loveday (Illustrator), Infants and up:

Here’s a captivating winter read-aloud for children. Join a young boy on a magical journey as he celebrates the joy of the Winter Solstice with his family. This beautiful children’s book celebrates the magic of the return of light on the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice. Perfect for bedtime stories or shared family reading, “Winter Solstice” is a charming addition to any child’s library. 

3. Winter: A Solstice Story (The Solstices & Seasons Series) by Kelsey E. Gross (Author), Renata Liwska (Illustrator), Ages four and up:

Deep in the forest on the longest, darkest night of the year, Owl, Mouse, and Deer watch the light fade. They have a gift of hope to share with their neighbors in “Winter.” The moon and stars shine down on a lone tree in the forest, and the animals gather around to bask in its glow. Winter Solstice arrives as the winter sky brings magic at daylight for everyone to share in this calming picture book for kids.

4. The Light of Winter Solstice by Florian Eizaguirre (Author), Maitane Bautista (Illustrator), Ages two and up:

This winter solstice picture book, with beautiful illustrations, tells a simple story about the gift of helping one another. “The Light of the Winter Solstice” weaves a tale of seasonal change, magical creatures, and ancient Basque lore. We are reminded that even in times of darkness, the light always returns.

5. Winter Solstice Wish by Kate Allen Fox (Author), Elisa Paganelli (Illustrator), Ages four and up:

As night falls on the shortest day of the year, a community gathers on a beach to build a bonfire of hope. “Winter Solstice Wish” is an ode to the winter solstice, human connectedness, and the hope of renewal. Inspired by winter solstice bonfires lit on a San Diego beach near the author’s home, this picture book for the winter solstice combines scientific ideas with a story about connection and togetherness.

6. A Woodland Winter Solstice by Abigale Gaines (Author), and Ellie Lewis (Illustrator), Ages two and up:

This winter story celebrates the wonder of the solstice and the natural world, making it a perfect read-aloud for families marking the changing seasons. As each day gets shorter, the forest animals become more anxious. The woodland creatures unite to uncover the true meaning of the winter solstice. “A Woodland Winter Solstice” is a heartfelt story of hope, togetherness, and the discovery of light even in the darkest times.

7. The Littlest Solstice Tree by Lisa Varchol Perron (Author), Ahya Kim (Illustrator), Ages three and up:

Every winter solstice, an evergreen is crowned Tree of the Year. Sapling hopes to win; however, her chances seem unlikely. Poetically narrated from the perspective of a tiny tree in the forest, “The Littlest Solstice Tree” explores themes of intergenerational friendship, challenging the status quo, and winter holiday celebrations. Young children will surely enjoy this winter story that emphasizes teamwork and a positive mindset.

8. Weiwei’s Winter Solstice: A Dongzhì Story by Michelle Jing Chan (Author), Ages three and up:

This engaging picture book introduces the customs and traditions of Dongzhì, a Chinese winter solstice celebration on the year’s longest night. When Weiwei’s family moves, instead of hummingbirds, palm trees, and chrysanthemums, all she can see is a crushing blanket of snow. Fortunately, in “Weiwei’s Winter Solstice,” Weiwei learns more than just how to endure the cold in this comforting Chinese winter solstice story.

9. The Longest Night: A Mohawk Winter Solstice Story for Kids by Jem Maracle (Author), Ages four and up:

The Longest Night is a touching Indigenous children’s folk tale inspired by Mohawk teachings of gratitude, balance, and renewal. Through gentle poetic language and beautiful winter scenes, this winter solstice picture book reminds readers that even in the darkest times, the light never really leaves. Written and illustrated to honor Haudenosaunee (Mohawk) culture, this indigenous winter solstice story will warm the hearts of children and families everywhere.

10. Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak (Author, Illustrator), Ages three and up:

Although this children’s picture book is not specifically about the winter solstice, like the signs of winter scavenger hunt, it shares the magic of the changing seasons from autumn to winter. Join a brother and sister as they greet all the signs of the coming season in this enchanting winter tale. Say goodbye to autumn and welcome the glorious first snow of winter in Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter.

Out of Print Winter Solstice Books that are Often Still Available at the Library:

Here are a few children’s winter solstice books that are no longer in print. However, limited editions are still in circulation in used bookstores and libraries nationwide:

1. Snow Party: A Story of the Winter Solstice by Harriet Ziefert (Ages four and up):

This is a fabulous book for kids and a rare celebration of the Winter Solstice. The concept is simple: several snowmen, women, or snowpeople get together for an outdoor party. The result is a winter “Snow Party!” The beautiful illustrations of this winter book for kids paint a whimsical wonderland of snow and magic that children of all ages will surely enjoy.

2. THE SUNCHILDREN: a seasonal thanksgiving for families of the Earth: celebrating the winter solstice by Ancient Amber (Ages five and up):

In the light of the forest live the sun children. These special children anticipate the change of each season. Join them as they celebrate the beginning of Winter. Each sunchild gives thanks in their own creative way. This story is a non-traditional Winter Solstice story. It encourages creativity, self-exploration, self-expression, and respect for others while celebrating a moment in time! 

Related: Children’s Books About Anger Management

Children’s Books about the Winter Solstice:

Each of these winter solstice books shares something about the year’s shortest day. I hope they help your children understand the season of winter, the cyclical nature of the seasons, and the connection we all share. For more information about the winter solstice, including fun ways to celebrate, please visit: How to Celebrate the Winter Solstice.

You might also be interested in this winter bucket list of fun winter arts, crafts, and activities. It features fun winter activities for kids and adults of all ages. From snow play to creative winter arts, crafts, and painting ideas, “Rhythms of Play” has fun seasonal ideas for children and adults of all ages!

Learn more about Nell Regan Kartychok, author and curator of this list of books about the winter solstice for children HERE, and Rhythms of Play HERE!

More Book Lists for Kids:

• Kids’ Books That Teach Important Life Lessons
• 10 Books to Help Kids Understand Their Feelings
• Gratitude Books That Inspire Thankfulness
• Books About Love Between Parent and Child
• Anger Management Books for Kids
• Books That Help Children Develop Healthy Personal Boundaries