By: Jan Brett

A Cozy Winter Favorite: The Mitten

One of our favorite winter read-alouds is The Mitten, a children’s book inspired by Ukrainian folklore. It’s one of those stories that just feels magical this time of year — gentle, whimsical, and perfect for snuggling up together with a blanket.

The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. They’re soft, detailed, and full of personality, and they fit the old folktale style so well. Every time we read it, we notice something new tucked into the pages. It’s the kind of book where the pictures tell just as much of the story as the words do.

The story follows a young boy named Peter whose grandmother knits him a pair of mittens for the cold winter weather. He insists they be white, even though she worries they’ll get lost in the snow. Of course… she’s right. One mitten goes missing — but instead of staying lost, it becomes something magical.

As woodland animals discover the mitten, they crawl inside one by one to stay warm. With each new arrival, things get more crowded (and more entertaining). Kids love seeing how many animals can possibly fit inside. It’s cozy and funny and a little suspenseful in that delightful, low-stakes way young children adore. And the sneeze at the end? Always a hit.

This has become one of those classic winter picture books we pull out every year. It’s wonderful for talking about animals, winter weather, and even different cultures and folktales. Plus, it’s available as a sturdy board book, which makes it great for little hands.

I’d recommend The Mitten for ages 3 and up. Toddlers enjoy the rhythm and animal sounds, while preschoolers love predicting who might squeeze in next. It’s a sweet, timeless story that feels just right on a snowy day.