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

A Guest from a Distant Star

http://www.amazon.co.jp

One night, as Christmas drew near, a princess from the Twinkle-Twinkle Star paid a visit to the owl who lived in the observatory.

She asked if she could warm herself by the stove because it was cold.

After that, the two of them made ice cream under the night sky.

It sounds chilly when you imagine it, but it looks absolutely delicious.

Then they decorated a fir tree with star fragments the princess gave them! It’s the kind of dream-filled, delightful turn of events that makes your heart flutter with excitement.

The princess’s outfit is so adorable that any girl might want to try wearing it herself.

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A Gift from the Window

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Santa came for Christmas! He went from house to house handing out presents, but it seems this Santa is a bit forgetful.

He thought it was a cat’s house and gave a ribbon as a present, but it was actually a pig’s house—the pig was just wearing pajamas with a cat pattern.

This is a lift-the-flap picture book with holes where the windows are, so when you turn the page, a different animal appears than the one you expected.

Will everyone be happy with Santa’s unexpected gifts? Don’t worry—the story wraps up nicely in the end, so you can read it with peace of mind!

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Finger Puppet Book: Mr. Reindeer

http://www.amazon.co.jp

As the title suggests, this picture book comes with a reindeer finger puppet.

Kids can actually move it with their fingers, so they’ll be totally fascinated—and absolutely delighted! The feel of the reindeer and the act of putting a finger through the hole are fun activities for children.

Even if parents move it at first, as the child grows, they’ll be able to move it themselves and enjoy it.

It seems the reindeer is setting off into the sky with Santa, so you can soak up the Christmas spirit while playing with it.

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Peek-a-boo for Christmas!

http://www.amazon.co.jp

This is a lift-the-flap picture book that uses felt to enhance the warm, cozy atmosphere of Christmas.

When lifting the felt flaps, turn them slowly while saying “Peek-a-boo” in a gentle, conversational way.

It creates a storybook world that’s perfect for Christmas.

As you read on, you’ll find a mirror page at the end.

Children will get even more excited and delighted when they see their own faces reflected in the mirror.

The cover, featuring Santa’s gentle expression, is also memorable—so be sure to give it a read.

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Maisy-chan’s Christmas

http://www.amazon.co.jp

This is a Maisy pop-up book with a Christmas theme.

It’s a small, palm-sized picture book, but it’s packed with pop-up surprises and is sure to satisfy.

The text includes both Japanese and English.

Even children who don’t yet know about Christmas can feel its fun and exciting atmosphere through this book.

The colorful use of colors is perfect for little ones! Let’s make a fun Christmas even more enjoyable together with Maisy!

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A Christmas Story with Sounds and Lights

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Kids love toys that make sounds and light up, don’t they? This picture book can be enjoyed as a toy, too—press the buttons and the lanterns and candles in the illustrations light up, and Christmas songs start to play.

The animals worry that if the forest stays dark, Santa might not notice them, so they fill the woods with lights and music.

Enjoy this adorable story as you light fires and sing along with the animals, and welcome a wonderful Christmas morning together.

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Find the 1001 Christmases!

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Spend a fun-filled Christmas searching through pictures in “Find 1001 Christmas Things”! With finely detailed illustrations of reindeer, sleighs, fairies, elves, and other Christmas motifs, you’ll discover something new every time you read.

The clear search areas help children enjoy the sense of accomplishment of “I found it!”—another great feature.

Also recommended for practicing counting! The colorful artwork is eye-catching, making this a book you’ll want to come back to again and again.

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hanauta obasan