Best Children's Winter Sports Books of 2026

Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner is a captivating adventure story that has been a favorite among readers for over thirty years. The book tells the story of Little Willy and his dog Searchlight, who enter a dogsled race to win the prize money and save their farm from foreclosure. However, they face tough competition from experienced racers, including the legendary Stone Fox, who has never lost a race. The book is fast-paced and exciting, with a heartwarming ending that has made it a classic. Gardiner's storytelling is superb, making this book a must-read for children who love adventure and dogs.

Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee is an adventurous and comical read-aloud book for families and elementary storytime. The book follows Mr. Magee and his dog, Dee, as they attempt to learn how to ski but end up in a precarious situation with a moose. The playful rhyming text and colorful illustrations make this book a fun winter read for kids. This book is a great addition to the Mr. Magee series and perfect for fans of funny outdoor adventure books. Overall, Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee is an engaging and enjoyable read for both kids and adults.

Spy Ski School (Spy School) is the fourth book in the New York Times bestselling Spy School series. In this book, Ben Ripley enrolls in ski school, where he is activated for a real CIA mission. He must become friends with the daughter of a suspected Chinese crime boss and uncover all her father's secrets. The book is filled with suspense, action, and unexpected twists. Stuart Gibbs has once again delivered a thrilling and engaging read for children. Spy Ski School is a unique addition to the series, taking readers to the slopes and adding another layer of excitement to the story.

Hockey Wars by Sam Lawrence and Ben Jackson is an exciting chapter book for children aged 8 to 12. The story revolves around Millie and Cameron, who were once best friends but are now rivals as captains of opposing hockey teams. The book teaches the value of friendship and the consequences of winning at all costs. The characters are relatable, and the plot builds up to a satisfying ending. Hockey Wars is an excellent read for young hockey fans looking for high-octane excitement and a character-driven story.

The Giving Snowman is a heartwarming children's book written by Julia Zheng that teaches the importance of kindness and gratitude. The story follows Snowman, who helps his animal friends and a traveler in need during a snowy night. The next day, they work together to rebuild Snowman after he melts. The illustrations beautifully complement the story and make it a perfect Christmas gift for children aged 3-8. The repetitive and simple language used in the book makes it a potential classic. This book is a must-read for parents who want to teach their children about the virtues of giving and gratitude.

This Level Two I Can Read book, My Weird School: Teamwork Trouble, is a hilarious sports story based on Dan Gutman’s My Weird School series. Ryan wants to form a sports team with A.J. and Andrea, but it's for one of the weirdest sports there is: curling! With help from Coach Deen, the gang from Ella Mentry School will show young readers why they attend the weirdest—and most fun!—school around. This book is perfect for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Overall, this book is a fun and entertaining addition to the series, and the unique storyline makes it stand out from other children's school issues books.

The children's book "Snowmen at Night" by Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner is a delightful wintertime tale that reveals the secret life of snowmen. The story follows a boy who wonders what his snowman does at night and imagines all the fun activities the neighborhood snowmen might be doing. The rhythm of the rhyming text matches the rollicking spirit of the snowmen's wintry pursuits. Mark Buehner's oil-and-acrylic paintings of the merrymakers are bursting with personality and charm. Overall, "Snowmen at Night" is a fabulous, frosty, and fun book that will leave children smiling and imagining what their snowmen do at night.

In "Flowman and the Magic Mullet," Greg Flowman's magic mullet suddenly disappears overnight, causing his game to suffer. This children's winter sports book tells the story of Flowman's journey to find his inner magic mullet and regain his self-confidence. The book is an epic hockey tale filled with superstitions and challenges that will keep young readers engaged. It also boasts a unique storyline that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Overall, "Flowman and the Magic Mullet" is a must-read for any young sports fan looking for an engaging and inspiring story.

Asian Americans Who Inspire Us is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces readers to 16 Asian Americans who have made a significant impact on the world. From Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi to astronaut Ellison Onizuka, these biographies showcase the achievements of strong, talented, and diverse individuals who broke stereotypes and made a difference. The book is a great source of inspiration for readers of all ages and backgrounds, empowering them to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world. Overall, Asian Americans Who Inspire Us is a must-read for anyone looking for role models and insights into the contributions of Asian Americans to society.

Hockey Wars 2: The New Girl by Sam Lawrence and Ben Jackson is a thrilling action chapter book series for children aged 8 to 12. The Dakota Hurricanes are back for another hockey season, and there’s someone new this year! The girls' hockey team is thrown into a panic when Mia arrives in the small town of Dakota. The girls don’t know anything about her, but could Mia be just what the girl’s hockey team needs? The storyline explores emotional issues all children must face while growing up. The mixed emotional edge - both pleasant and painful - associated with social standing and standing out is central to the book. Overall, it is an excellent read for young readers who love sports and are interested in friendship stories.