Winter is the perfect time for families to snuggle up and dive into the magical world of books. For preschoolers and school-age children, reading not only provides entertainment but also fosters essential developmental skills. At ABC Ault Child Development Center, we emphasize the value of early literacy and aim to create a foundation for lifelong learning. With open enrollment for preschool in Ault, now is the ideal time to explore how reading can enrich your child’s winter experience.
This blog explores the benefits of reading during the colder months, suggests winter-themed books for young readers, and offers tips for creating a cozy reading environment that encourages imagination and learning.

The Benefits of Reading for Young Learners
1. Cognitive Development
Reading enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills. When children encounter new words, concepts, and ideas, their brains actively process and store this information, building their vocabulary and comprehension. Books with winter themes, such as snowy adventures or holiday tales, provide rich opportunities to explore new scenarios.
2. Language and Communication Skills
For preschoolers, engaging with books helps develop early language skills, including phonemic awareness, sentence structure, and storytelling. Reading aloud to young children fosters a deeper connection to language, while school-age children can practice fluency and expression by reading independently.
3. Imagination and Creativity
Books transport children to magical worlds and spark their creativity. Winter-themed books featuring fantastical snow creatures, adventurous sledding trips, or cozy holiday traditions provide an exciting way for children to envision new possibilities.
4. Emotional and Social Growth
Stories allow children to empathize with characters, understand different perspectives, and process emotions. Books about friendship, kindness, and sharing are particularly impactful during the holiday season, reinforcing positive behaviors and values.
Recommended Winter-Themed Books for Young Readers
For Preschoolers
- “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats
- A classic tale of a boy’s adventures in the snow, this book introduces young readers to the joys of winter through simple, relatable storytelling and beautiful illustrations.
- “Bear Snores On” by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
- This heartwarming story follows a bear and his friends as they gather in his cave to escape the cold. The rhyming text and charming characters make it a delightful read for toddlers and preschoolers.
- “Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner
- This lyrical book explores the secret world of animals living under the snow, introducing preschoolers to the wonders of nature during winter.
For School-Age Children
- “The Mitten” by Jan Brett
- A beautifully illustrated tale about a boy who loses his mitten in the snow, leading to a whimsical adventure involving woodland creatures.
- “Snowmen at Night” by Caralyn Buehner
- This imaginative story reveals what snowmen do when everyone is asleep, captivating young readers with its vibrant illustrations and playful narrative.
- “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg
- A timeless holiday classic about a magical train ride to the North Pole, this book inspires wonder and reinforces the magic of believing in the extraordinary.
Interactive Books to Engage Young Minds
Interactive books can captivate children and make reading even more enjoyable. Look for titles with flaps to lift, textures to touch, or activities to complete. Here are a few suggestions:
- “Press Here” by Hervé Tullet
- A simple yet mesmerizing book that encourages children to interact with the story by pressing dots and watching them change on the next page.
- “Where’s Walrus? And Penguin?” by Stephen Savage
- A fun, interactive book where children search for hidden characters in delightful winter scenes.
- “Peek-a-Flap Winter” by Jaye Garnett
- This sturdy board book is perfect for little hands and features flaps to lift, revealing wintry surprises beneath.
Tips for Creating a Cozy Reading Nook
A dedicated reading space can make storytime even more inviting. Here are some tips for designing a cozy, inspiring reading nook at home:
1. Choose a Quiet, Comfortable Spot
Find a quiet corner away from distractions. Add soft cushions, blankets, and a small rug to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
2. Include Plenty of Light
Good lighting is essential for reading. Opt for a lamp with a warm glow or position the nook near a window for natural light during the day.
3. Organize Books by Theme or Season
Arrange books on a low shelf or in baskets so children can easily access them. Highlight winter-themed books to match the season.
4. Add Personalized Touches
Incorporate your child’s favorite stuffed animals, artwork, or a small chalkboard for drawing. Personalizing the space encourages ownership and makes reading more enjoyable.
5. Keep It Rotational
Update the nook with seasonal decorations, such as snowflake garlands or holiday pillows, to keep it fresh and exciting.
How ABC Ault Supports Early Literacy
At ABC Ault Child Development Center, we prioritize early literacy as part of our curriculum. Our open enrollment preschool in Ault offers programs that integrate storytime, interactive reading, and hands-on activities to nurture a love for books. By fostering creativity, language development, and critical thinking, we help children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Why Choose ABC Ault?
- Comprehensive Programs: Our preschool programs and school-age programs are designed to support the unique developmental needs of each child.
- Experienced Educators: Our passionate teachers create engaging learning experiences tailored to individual growth.
- Hands-On Learning: Activities like storytelling, arts and crafts, and interactive play make learning fun and impactful.
Spark Imagination This Winter
Winter reading adventures are more than just a seasonal pastime—they’re a way to foster creativity, develop critical skills, and create cherished memories with your child. Whether it’s exploring winter-themed books, crafting a cozy reading nook, or enrolling in enriching programs at ABC Ault, you can help your child discover the joy of reading.
If you’re searching for free preschool in Ault or looking to join our open enrollment preschool in Ault, we invite you to explore our programs. Visit our preschool programs page or learn more about our offerings at ABC Ault Child Development Center.
Let’s make this winter a season of growth, imagination, and unforgettable adventures through the power of books.