10 Books to Help you Find Cozy in the Difficult Seasons

In December, everyone is talking about hygge. Bring on the cozy candles, the comfy blankets, the easy light filled gatherings with friends to collectively flourish in these darker colder months together.

But by March we start to lose our hygge. The hot cocoa has run out. The candles are down to the nubs. The fluffy white snow that sparkles in February is smeared with layers of muck.

And yet this is when we need hygge the most. We need the reminders that winter time fun is only available to us for a few more weeks. Cozy can come in many forms. And when we share this season with the ones we love, it makes it all worth it.

I often get the best life lessons from books I read with my kids. Today I’m rounding up a collection of books that remind us exactly how to find hygge. Most are more specific to winter, but the lessons can be applied to any season of life when we forget how to be cozy.

Cozy Light, Cozy Night This is the best place to begin because this beautiful book shares how to find cozy in all seasons. Because we don’t just need cozy in the winter.

The Cozy Book Another fantastic book reminding us there are so many ways to find cozy. Its not just blankets and hot tea.

Mice Skating The little mouse loves winter but he has to convince his other friends, who prefer to stay inside, of the joys that can be found outside, with the help of a cozy hat and pine needles for ice skates. It’s darling, and also includes puns about cheese. I love a good pun!

When the Moon Comes The pictures alone are worth a look for this book. But I love the idea of having a ceremony to mark the season to bring out this special time. It’s a reminder that you can’t skate on a pond in the summer, so you better get out there while you still can!

Loud Winter’s Nap This turtle just wants to sleep his way through the dreary cold winter. With a little help from his friends, and a sled mistaken as a bed, he discovers winter is fun after all.

Windows This little boy discovers one of my favorite past times, walking the streets at night and peering into other people’s homes through the lighted windows. (Creepy?) Spring and fall are perfect times for this because it’s finally a little warmer for a night walk. And this book captures the cozy beauty of an evening walk.

A Snowy Nap Jan Brett books are always a delight for the eyes. This poor hedgehog has a major case of FOMO when all his friends tell him of the wonder he misses when he hibernates at winter. With some help, he discovers he can enjoy winter peeking through a window while under a cozy blanket in the warmth of a home.

Penguin Problems Do you suffer from complaining too much? So does this penguin. I have never laughed and cried so hard at a book until I stumbled upon this one. The penguin, in all his grumpy complaints, discovers maybe life isn’t so bad. This is for the person who is DONE with winter, or maybe who never liked it to begin with.

Over and Under the Snow This series of books is such a delightful look at the magic of things we can and can not see in nature. I am particular amazed by the secrets under the snow. Appreciating the miracle of Mother Nature is one of the best ways to seek gratitude in a long winter.

Owl Moon This book has been and I think always will be one of my favorite children’s books. It reads like a whispered poem. And another reminder that when you bundle up and go out into the cold, you might discover magic you could never have experienced otherwise. Especially if you are not doing it alone.