Full of storms and snow, here are a few of our favourite winter adventure books; wrap up warm in cosy blankets and lose yourself in these wonderful winter worlds.
The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell (9+)
This is a breathtaking story, set in Russia under the tough rule of Tzar Nicholas. Feo and her family are rewilding wolves, but the regime is against them. Revolution is in the air as Feo makes for the city, aided by a gang of village kids. "We have a right to fight for the world we want to live in," says Feo. Absolutely.
The Snow Ghost by Tony Mitton (3+)
Flying through the swirling, snow-filled skies, Snow Ghost searches for a place to call home and when she sees a girl and a boy playing together she breathes magic and sparkle into their games. A magical, heartwarming and timeless story of hope and belonging, beautifully illustrated.
Frost Hollow Hall by Emma Carroll (10+)
This book is spooky, mysterious and chilling. Frost Hollow Hall is an estate shrouded in misery as well as snow, on the edge of Tilly’s village. There is real suspense in Tilly's story and the ghost scenes are suitably chilling. The plot will keep you turning page after page.
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aitken (9+)
Rich in characters, setting and story, Aiken’s novel has long been a bookshelf staple. A reimagined 19th-century England with two girls struggling to foil their wicked guardian’s plans makes this a fast-paced book that you can’t bear to put down.
Children Of Winter by Berlie Doherty (8+)
A fascinating story of survival, this is another atmospheric book in which three siblings, sheltering from a storm, seem to travel back in time or perhaps memory, to a bleak winter where they were sheltering from the plague instead.
The Snow Dragon by Abi Elphinstone (5+)
In a gloomy orphanage, daydreaming is banned and skipping is forbidden but for one patient little girl, just when things seem at their bleakest, magic awaits in the swirling, snow-filled air. A moving adventure full of hope, slightly longer than most picture books, with gorgeous illustrations.
The Way Past Winter by Kiran Millwood Hargreave (9+)
Atmospheric and full of frosty winter magic, Mila and her sisters set out to bring their kidnapped brother Oskar back on a journey heading north, crossing frozen wild-lands to find a way past an eternal winter. Beautifully written and full of heart, it’s a perfect read for a cold day.
The Winter Hedgehog by Ann and Reg Cartwright (3+)
All the hedgehogs are getting ready to settle down to sleep, but the smallest hedgehog is curious; he wants to know all about the winter season. Exploring the ice and snow, he loves its beauty but soon discovers the dangers of the cold. A sweet story that will help younger children learn about winter and hibernation.
