Winter Reading List for Kids: Top Book Picks for Ages 4–14
Reading Time: 5 minutes Cozy Winter Reads for All Ages
Winter is here, and you know what that means—blankets, cocoa, fuzzy socks, and the perfect excuse to slow down and snuggle up with a good book! When the weather outside gets chilly and the kiddos have a pretty good excuse to not go outside, a family reading time can turn an ordinary afternoon into a memory-making moment.
My mom heart lives for those MMMs-memory-making moments!!!!
That’s exactly why I created this winter reading list for kids, packed with book picks that will keep ages 4–14 engaged, inspired, and excited to read all season long.
AND, most of them my boys or nieces loved (or, when you get to the teen picks-I adored)!
Whether your child is a reluctant reader (my youngest), a bookworm-in-the-making, or already devours books like candy (my oldest), this list has something magical for them.
Let’s get cozy and dive in!
Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Build a Family Reading Routine
Winter naturally slows everything down—after jumping into all the afterschool activities of Fall, preparing for the holidays, and getting back into a school routine…can you say hallelujah!
Between the early sunsets and chilly days, we’re all spending more time indoors.
This makes winter the perfect season to build a family reading rhythm that feels cozy, doable, and connected.
Here’s why adding a winter reading list to your home is a game-changer:
1. Winter creates slower rhythms
With less running around, reading becomes a soothing anchor.
It turns downtime into something meaningful and memory-building.
*As a major plus-it is good to have this in your pocket ready to go in this screen ready world.
2. Reading = connection
There’s something irreplaceable about snuggling close with a book.
Even your big kids who act “too cool” love the togetherness (they just won’t say it out loud).
Seriously, we have a piece of furniture called “the cuddle chair.”
It is an enormous chair type of thing that four of us can cuddle in comfortably.
I read to my boys in that chair until my oldest was 12 and my youngest was 7.
My boys still remember the cuddle chair fondly and think of it as a place to tell their secrets.
3. Books boost learning effortlessly
A strong reading routine helps kids build vocabulary, comprehension, and imagination—all without feeling like homework.
4. Cozy reading moments become family traditions
Five minutes or fifty—it all counts.
What matters is the closeness and consistency.
I have said it a million times-I know it, consistency is hard.
It is the knowing that this “reading time” is expected and going to happen, that really makes it all work.
What your kids remember is the laughter, the closeness, the ritual.
Reading creates shared moments that outlast the snow days.
How to Make Reading Time Extra Cozy
Want your kids to ask for reading time?
The magic is all in the atmosphere.
Small touches go a long way.
Blankets, pillows, beanbags—done.
Kids LOVE a dedicated space.
2. Add warm, soft lighting
String lights or a small lamp instantly set the mood.
If your child’s special spot is an indoor tent, a lantern would be fun and in theme!
3. Pair reading with warm drinks or snacks
Hot cocoa, tea, cider, popcorn… Cozy fuel!
This winter is all about fun reading, we are not going to worry about the crumbs.
Put a blanket down and shake it out.
The goal is reading.
4. Keep your winter reading list visible
Baskets, low shelves, bins—easy access means more reading.
5. Lean into winter coziness
Pajamas and fuzzy socks totally encouraged.
Tips for Raising Readers at Any Age
1. Let kids choose their books
Choice fuels motivation!
2. Don’t stress reading levels
Audiobooks, graphic novels, rereads—it all counts.
3. Model reading yourself
Even 5 minutes sends the message that reading matters.
4. Use audiobooks as backup
Life-changing for reluctant readers or car rides.
Great for car rides, bedtime, and reluctant readers.
One of my kids became a reader THIS way!
We started with the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer and as he got older we went on to The Last Apprentice by Joseph Delaney.
These were fabulous roadtrip books.
However, it was the book I recommend below, with a start here, that encouraged him to actually read the book after he read it!
5. Make reading a shared activity
Talk about books, read aloud together, and celebrate finishing a story.
From the perspective of “oh it would be great if they learned too” when you talk about the books it builds connection and comprehension.
Winter Reading List for Kids — Recommendations by Age
Time to jump into the good stuff!
Below is your complete winter reading list, split by age group.
Even though these were all favorites, the “Start Here” pick in each category was one the boys especially noted.
Ages 4–6: Picture Books
Start Here: Moonglow Roll-O-Rama — Dav Pilkey
A fabulous rhyme pattern + joyful illustrations that kids can’t resist.
- Splat! series — Rob Scotton
- It’s Not a Fairy Tale series
- P.J. Funnybunny — Marilyn Sadler
- The Paper Bag Princess — Robert Munsch
- Gorilla — Anthony Browne
- Motomice — Paul Owen Lewis
- Fiona’s Luck — Teresa Bateman
- The Red Bicycle — Jude Isabella
- The Book With No Pictures — B.J. Novak
Ages 7–10: Early Chapter Books
Start Here: The Hidden Stairs and the Magic Carpet (Secrets of Droon #1) — Tony Abbott
Short chapters, beginner-friendly fantasy, and cliffhangers that keep kids coming back for more.
- The Bad Guys — Aaron Blabey
- Babymouse: Queen of the World — Jennifer L. Holm
- The Strange Case of Origami Yoda — Tom Angleberger
- Flashback Four #1: The Lincoln Project — Dan Gutman
- Dirt Bike Racer — Matt Christopher
- Moo — Sharon Creech
- Super Detectives! (Simon and Chester #1) — Cale Atkinson
- Horrible Harry in Room 2B —Suzy Kline
- Sideways Stories from Wayside School — Louis Sachar
📗 Ages 10–13: Upper Elementary & Preteen
⭐ Start Here: The Big One-Oh — Dean Pitchford
A boy who’s never had a birthday party decides to plan one himself… and everything that can go wrong, does—in the funniest ways.
A huge hit with reluctant readers!
*This is the book that was first listened to on audio, then read by my reluctant reader.
- Jack: The (Fairly) True Tale of Jack and the Beanstalk — Liesl Shurtliff
- The Last Kids on Earth — Max Brallier
- Under the Egg — Laura Marx Fitzgerald
- Call of the Wild — Jack London
- Lions and Liars — Kate Beasley
- Rapunzel, the One With All the Hair — Wendy Mass
- Tumble and Blue — Cassie Beasley
- The Jumbies — Tracey Baptiste
- Fever 1793 — Laurie Halse Anderson
📙 Ages 13–14: Teen Readers
⭐ Start Here: Stormbreaker (Alex Rider #1) — Anthony Horowitz
Fast-paced, adventurous, and absolutely addictive—perfect for young teens.
- The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride #1) —James Patterson
- The Knife of Never Letting Go — Patrick Ness
- Cinder — Marissa Meyer
- The Forest of Stolen Girls — June Hur
- Insignia — S.J. Kincaid
- Walk on Earth a Stranger — Rae Carson
- Day of the Whale — Rachel Delahaye
- The Belles — Dhonielle Clayton
- Bruiser — Neal Shusterman
Winter gives us a beautiful chance to pause, slow down, and snuggle up.
Whether you’re reading picture books with your preschooler or sharing YA favorites with your teen, this winter reading list for kids is full of stories that inspire imagination, spark conversations, and create lasting memories.
Grab a blanket, choose a “Start Here” book, and let your family’s winter reading tradition begin!