Lovely childcare

For babies under 1! A special selection of picture books that let infants enjoy Christmas with all five senses

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

For many of you spending your first Christmas with a 0-year-old, you might be wondering which picture books to read together.

Here, we’ll introduce recommended Christmas picture books that even babies under one can enjoy.

From interactive features and cute illustrations to rhythmic words and content that encourages physical closeness, these books are full of ideas to stimulate your baby’s senses.

Take a look at these special picture books that will help you share a magical Christmas time with your 0-year-old.

For Babies 0–12 Months! A Sensory Christmas: Picture Books for Infants (11–20)

Koro-chan’s Christmas

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Here’s a fun pop-up/pull-the-tab picture book that’s perfect as a Christmas present.

“Spot’s Christmas” hides interactive surprises that 2-year-olds will love.

Spot the dog is getting ready for Christmas with his mom.

He’s thrilled—but where are the presents? Each flap you lift reveals something new popping out.

It also gives you chances to talk with your child as you read aloud, so enjoy getting ready for Christmas together!

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One, two, Santa!

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Ichi, Ni, Santa! is a book where you can enjoy Santa Claus moving his body as he visits children on Christmas.

By operating the interactive mechanisms, you can make Santa raise and lower his hands and jump.

The cute illustrations of Santa come to life, offering visual surprise and fun.

When reading aloud to a baby, it’s recommended to move your body along with Santa’s actions and call out together with cheerful prompts.

Be sure to read this picture book to make Christmas with your baby even more exciting.

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hug

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“Gyu” is a picture book about physical bonding, created together with a clinical developmental psychologist.

Reading this book to a 0-year-old is sure to create happy moments for parents and child! Focusing on skin-to-skin contact—like cuddling, rubbing cheeks, and patting heads—it’s written to be read rhythmically, almost like singing.

We also recommend reading it while actually doing the gentle touch.

It’s a board book that’s easy to hold even with one hand, so it’s great for outings.

It makes a perfect gift for a baby, so be sure to check it out!

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Christmas picture book

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The Christmas-themed pop-up picture book “Christmas Ehōn” is both a place of new discoveries for children and something they can enjoy visually.

The pop-up mechanisms depicting a Christmas Eve party and a visit from Santa stimulate children’s senses as they open and close the pages, further heightening their anticipation for the long-awaited holiday! With its adorable illustrations, it’s sure to be a delightful Christmas gift.

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Let’s party!

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“Let’s Have a Party!” depicts animals getting ready for a Christmas party.

It’s a picture book where children can enjoy moving and fitting pieces as they experience an exciting Christmas gathering.

The story unfolds as kids fit pieces into shapes—like decorating for Christmas and icing the cake.

Watching stars, hats, and cake parts move invites children to point, repeat the names of the pieces, and play along.

With its cute animal illustrations and as a read-aloud, it’s a book that lets you enjoy Christmas together with your baby.

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A Christmas Song Picture Book with Sounds

Sound-Playing Christmas Song Picture Book

A Christmas Song Picture Book with Sounds

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Oto no deru Christmas no Uta Ehon is a sound book that lets you enjoy music and picture-book storytelling together, featuring nine world-famous Christmas songs.

Its hallmark is that the music plays and you can enjoy the audio and illustrations alternately.

It also has rhythm buttons so children can have an experience like playing instruments—another highlight! With charming Christmas-themed artwork, it offers an easy way to feel the music, enriching children’s sensibilities while letting them enjoy sounds.

Please take a look at this book as a way to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere together and learn the songs at the same time.

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For Babies 0+: A Sensory Christmas Picture Book Selection for Infants (21–30)

Kuupii and Kirakira-chan

http://www.amazon.co.jp

The story’s main character is Kuupee the little bear.

Kuupee meets Sparkle-chan, who has been separated from her friends, and decides to help her find them.

It’s a heartwarming tale perfect for winter read-alouds, and the white parts of the illustrations—like snow and snowmen—are fluffy to the touch, so you can enjoy the tactile feel as you read.

There are also glitter details and other fun features that kids will love.

As you search for Sparkle-chan’s friends with Kuupee, enjoy the textures and scenery of winter.

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