WITS often discusses how important it is for children of all backgrounds to read diverse books. While some of the titles below are culturally specific, many are not. All, however, are written or illustrated by Black, Latinx, Asian, or Indigenous creators. In addition to providing students with books that serve as mirrors to their own experiences and windows into other cultures, WITS is committed to promoting the work of BIPOC authors and illustrators to the wider community. Diversity should be part of our reading year-round, so we’ve gathered up eight diverse winter books here.
We hope that you explore these creators’ websites and check out their other works all year. For today, here are eight snowy stories for winter:
Sweetest Kulu is a lyrical book of a parent’s wishes for their child, told through Arctic animals and the traits they share with a baby. Written by Celina Kalluk and illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis.
Tracks in the Snow is reminiscent of The Snowy Day. A charming little rhyming book about a child’s outing in the snow, written and illustrated by Wong Herbert Yee.
Iguanas in the Snow: And Other Winter Poems/Iguanas en la nieve: y otros poemas de invierno is a collection of bilingual poems set in Northern California. Written by Francisco X. Alarcon, illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez.
Ten Ways to Hear Snow is inspired by author Cathy Camper’s own experience making grape leaves with her Lebanese grandmother. Beautiful illustrations by illustrator Kenard Pak make you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland.
Do Like Kyla is a quiet story following two sisters throughout their day – written by prolific author Angela Johnson, illustrated by James Ransome.
A Big Bed for Little Snow by Grace Lin – Can Little Snow resist jumping on his big new bed just for him?
The premise of A Day So Gray by Marie Lamba is simple – a friend with a sunny attitude points out colors to her friend on their winter walk. The book is elevated by the detailed color language and lovely illustrations by Alea Marley.
The Love Letter by Anika Aldamuy Denise illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins feels old-fashioned in the best way. This title is a sweet choice for Valentine’s Day or any day.
Rabbit’s Snow Dance by James and Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by Jeff Newman, is an Iroquois cautionary tale about patience.
We hope you and the children in your life enjoy these diverse winter books!
