Great Science Themed Children’s Books about Winter
If you ask my 7-year-old what her favorite subject is, she will say “science” in a heartbeat. She is a voracious reader so I put together this list of fun science-themed children’s books about winter and cold weather. She is curious about everything from how our bodies work to why chickens lay eggs. I am always on the lookout for books that will be interesting to her and feed her love of science. We hope your family enjoys them too. I also included “Why Do the Leaves Change Color?” for all the readers in the South like us who still have green trees.
Science Themed Children’s Books about Winter
I have broken this list down into sections by age, starting with the youngest first.
Most of these books are in the 4-8 year old age range with bright colorful illustrations or photographs to capture their attention.
Why do Leaves Change Color? by Betty Maestro
This book helps children understand why leaves change color. It also includes activities that a child can do with leaves and lists places that are known for beautiful fall foliage!
Animals in Winter by Henrietta Bancroft
How do animals survive during winter’s harsh weather? Read this book to find out! This is a perfect book about what animals do in winter for kindergarteners.
The Story of Snow: The Science of Winters Wonder by Mark Cassino
This book is, of course, all about snow! It explains how snow crystals form and what shapes they can take. It even features photos of real snow crystals and includes snowflake-catching instructions!
Simple text and photographs introduce hibernation and how some animals prepare for and experience hibernation each year.
Over in the Arctic: Where the Cold Wind Blows by Marianne Berkes
This is a great book for active kiddos! This book encourages children to sing, count, and move. Children can honk and howl along while they hunt for hidden animals on each page. The cut-paper illustrations are beautiful and are something your children might want to try making for themselves. We have so many winter crafts here. Also, several pages of extension ideas and art projects are included.
In Arctic Waters by Laura Crawford
This book is written in the style of “This Is the House that Jack Built,” except that it follows arctic animals as they chase each other around icebergs. It’s great for early readers and as a read-aloud. A “For Creative Minds” section hleps children learn how these animals survive in the arctic.
This book helps children explore and learn about penguins–how they swim so fast, what they eat, and how people need to help protect their habitats.
Living in the Arctic by Allan Fowler
This book, part of a geography series, helps children learn more about the Arctic region and the people who live there. Great pictures!
This book has fabulous photographs, eye-catching design, and simple rhyming text. It’s a Level 1 reader about the fascinating lives of polar animals.
True Antarctica by Mel Friedman
This book is geared toward ages 7 and up because of all the true facts and trivia. It includes a map and a timeline and teaches the reader about the animals, environment, and even explorers in that area. In the back of the book, you will find additional resources, recommended websites, statistics, a glossary, and an index.
If you would like to add some fun, cold-weather activities and STEM experiments to your homeschool, we have lots for you to explore!! This is not an exhaustive list, it is just a few of the many we have on our other sites.
Instant Ice Science Experiment for Kids
3 Easy Investigations to Explore Snow
10 of the Best Fun Winter Field Trips