New Year’s Books for Kids

Our favorite family tradition for New Year’s is making vision boards. This will be our second year packing our house full of friends and family to do it with us. But here are a couple of books we have really enjoyed reading as well:

Snow Horses: A First Night Story by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Kenard Pak

Set on New Year’s Eve in rural Vermont, this gentle story follows a young girl and her family as they prepare for the year ahead. When mysterious horses appear in the snowy fields near their home, the night takes on a sense of wonder and quiet magic. This book captures themes of reflection, hope, and new beginnings, making it a beautiful introduction to the idea of welcoming a new year with curiosity and gratitude.

Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution by Pat Miller, illustrated by Kathi Ember

When Squirrel makes a New Year’s resolution to stop worrying, he quickly discovers how hard it is to change old habits. With the help of his forest friends, Squirrel learns that resolutions don’t have to be perfect—they can be gentle intentions rooted in kindness and self-compassion. This thoughtful and reassuring story offers young readers a relatable way to talk about goals, emotions, and growth as a new year begins.