Whether you’re winding down for bedtime or are in need of a relaxing indoor activity, you can’t go wrong with any of these classic stories and their film adaptations. Your little one will love reading each book and then getting to snuggle up with a cup of cocoa in hand to watch the story come to life on screen. Each movie is only about 30 minutes long (with the exception of The Snowy Day which is roughly 45 minutes) and they will leave you feeling just as good as you do after reading the books!
Raymond Brigg’s The Snowman might be best known in Britain, but it has become a beloved classic for families all over the world in the last 40 years. The story, which is told entirely through Brigg’s iconic illustrations, centers on a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life and takes him on an unforgettable journey to The North Pole. The ending is a little sad (think Frosty the Snowman) but the equally special cinematic sequel The Snowman and The Snowdog gives us hope that the magic of the Snowman will always return. Similar to Brigg’s original book, both The Snowman and The Snowman and The Snowdog films feature no dialogue. Only the sound of beautifully orchestrated music plays throughout each movie, making them excellent choices to put on before nap time or bed. Each movie is under 30 minutes long, but if you prefer to limit screen time altogether you can just stream the music or the narrated story on Spotify. We love listening to the soundtracks to both films while riding in the car. We also have The Snowman Tonie which narrates both stories in calming British accents.
This book has received various accolades like being named a #1 New York Times Bestseller and the Barnes and Noble 2019 Book of the Year, and it’s no surprise why. It is a heartwarming read filled with inspirational thoughts about friendship and kindness, and conveys the important reminder that you are always enough. This particular picture book is better suited for children 5 years and older than it is for toddlers, but the 2023 Oscar winning animated short film is a must watch for the whole family. You’ll quickly fall in love with each of the four characters and the film’s imagery of snow covered birch trees and vibrant winter skies. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse film is currently only available on Apple TV+, but you can listen to the audio book and stream its poignant soundtrack on Spotify. Either or are great options if you’re looking for peaceful and meditative background noise.
This rhyming story by Julia Donaldson is likely the most widely recognized on this list. It was an instant success when it hit bookshelves back in 1999 and it has only become more popular after it became a short film animation. The story follows a little mouse traveling through a deep, dark wood who manages to outsmart some seedy predators he encounters along the way. Fox, Owl, Snake, and the mysterious Gruffalo, are no match for the mouse who is forced to think fast when he comes face to face with his own tall tale. Donaldson’s sequel The Gruffalo's Child, both the book and the short film version, are just as enjoyable as her original fable. The sequel also takes place in the woods during the winter time if you’re looking for more of a seasonal story.
This critically acclaimed picture book by Ezra Jack Keats was written in 1962 and remains the #1 most checked out book of all time at the New York Public Library. With bright colors and abstract shapes on every page, Keats tells the story of a little boy named Peter who explores the snow covered streets of his urban neighborhood. Despite having a fairly simple plot, The Snowy Day resonates with readers of all generations. Snow often becomes a burden as we grow older, but we can all remember the magic we once felt as children playing in the snow and the satisfaction of returning to a warm and loving home. The Snowy Day is our reminder to appreciate the simple joy that snow brings and to encourage our children to embrace their youth for as long as they can. The Amazon Original film adaptation of The Snowy Day also delivers this message and although it includes some holiday references unlike the book, it can easily be enjoyed all winter long. It is also the most upbeat film on this list and features a very catchy song by Boyz II Men, but I think it still counts as a quiet time pick.
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