Four Snowy Day Read Alouds That Make You Look Like a Read Aloud Genius

Here are four read alouds I come back to over and over when the snow starts flying . . .

Blizzard by John Rocco
This story is based on Rocco’s real life experience of trekking to the grocery store during the Blizzard of 1978. True stories always carry a bit of extra read aloud weight, and I recommend reading Rocco’s author note at the end to make that real life connection.
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The Snow Globe Family by Jane O’Connor, illustrated by S.D. Shindler
This story about a tiny snow globe family wishing for a blizzard so they can go sledding is one of those books that perfectly mixes magic, humor, and a satisfying conclusion. When the tiny dad falls out of the bathtub, get ready for some laughs.

Snow Dude by Daniel Kirk
*Note* Looks like this one might be hard to find, but available used.
It’s like The Gingerbread Man, but with snow. I like to make that connection before reading and have students spot the similarities as we read. When Snow Dude starts shredding on the snowboard, kids are LOCKED IN.

Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
Every time I read Froggy Gets Dressed to a class of kindergarten students I think “Wait, is this the BEST READ ALOUD EVER WRITTEN???” I recommend employing all your skills on this one to create one of the best read alouds you’ve ever had. Have students finish your sentences. Have kids act out all the Froggy getting dressed actions and sounds. Have students repeat after you. You will not be disappointed.
Filed under: Articles, Read Aloud Hall of Fame
About Travis Jonker
Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.
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You’re really not going to include your own book on this list?