Beat the "Winter Slide" with These 5 Cozy Reads
Keep reading skills sharp this holiday with 5 cozy, screen-free stories kids actually want to read.
The Struggle is Real.
Winter break is a magical time for family and rest, but for many parents, it also brings the fear of the “Winter Slide.” We know how hard you worked this term to build reading momentum, and it’s frustrating to watch that progress stall the moment school stops. The secret isn’t forcing dry educational texts during the holidays; it’s finding stories so warm and engaging that reading feels like a treat—just like a mug of hot cocoa.
5 ‘Cozy’ Chapter Books to Keep Them Reading
1. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
The ‘What’: This modern classic follows a biracial family of five siblings trying to save their beloved Harlem brownstone before their landlord kicks them out on New Year’s Day. It is filled with holiday baking, secret plans, and the warmth of a bustling city home.
Why We Love It: It demonstrates excellent problem-solving skills and resilience, showing children how creativity and community can overcome seemingly impossible odds.
2. The Very, Very Far North by Dan Bar-el
The ‘What’: Duane the Polar Bear and his eclectic group of friends explore the Arctic in a series of gentle, philosophical adventures. Think “Winnie-the-Pooh,” but set in the snow.
Why We Love It: The slower pace and sophisticated vocabulary make it perfect for developing reading comprehension without the stress of high-stakes conflict.
3. Heartwood Hotel: A True Home by Kallie George
The ‘What’: Mona the Mouse seeks sanctuary in a grand hotel inside a fern tree, where she helps care for woodland guests like badgers and squirrels while storms rage outside.
Why We Love It: This is a fantastic introduction to descriptive writing, helping young readers visualize complex settings while reinforcing themes of hospitality and kindness.
4. Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo
The ‘What’: Designed for those bridging the gap between picture books and novels, this series features a pig who loves hot buttered toast and frequently (and hilariously) gets her owners into trouble.
Why We Love It: The visual cues and repetitive text structure build massive confidence for reluctant readers ages 5–7 who might be intimidated by denser books.
5. My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
The ‘What’: A timeless adventure where young Elmer Elevator packs a knapsack with chewing gum and lollipops to rescue a baby dragon on a wild island.
Why We Love It: It teaches critical thinking and non-violent conflict resolution, as the protagonist outsmarts “scary” animals using logic rather than force.
Over to You Does your family have a go-to book that gets read every winter? Hit reply or leave a comment below—we are always looking to add more hidden gems to our library list!
Happy Reading, The Editorial Team