Picture Books Recommended for a One-Year-Old's Christmas! A Collection of Stories That Will Captivate Your Child

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.
20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.

“Which Christmas picture book should I choose?” Many of you are looking for the perfect book to create special Christmas memories with your child.At around one year old, children start to enjoy picture books—gazing intently at the colorful images and pointing at them.Christmas during infancy is a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to share special moments through picture books.So here, we’ll introduce Christmas picture books that one-year-olds will be captivated by.Please choose one that suits your child’s interests and developmental stage.

Recommended picture books for a baby's first Christmas! A collection of works that captivate children (21–30)

Usako-chan on a Snowy Day

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This is one of the works by Dutch picture book author Dick Bruna, part of the Usako-chan series better known by the nickname “Miffy.” The hat that wraps all the way over her ears is irresistibly cute, isn’t it? The vivid colors that captivate even very young babies, the warm hand-drawn lines, and the rhythmic Japanese translation are all wonderful.

One snowy day, Usako-chan makes a snowman and has fun sledding and skating.

Then she meets a little bird in trouble…

A heartwarming book that shows Usako-chan’s kindness—and her unexpected toughness—that will make even adults’ hearts flutter.

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Anpanman’s Christmas

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In “Anpanman’s Christmas,” Santa, who is preparing Christmas presents, is carried off by Baikinman, and Anpanman rushes to the rescue.

The story features the hugely popular character Anpanman—beloved by children—as the protagonist, unfolding in a snowy town where he springs into action.

The illustrations have a warm, nostalgic feel.

When reading aloud to children, trying the voices of Anpanman and Baikinman is also recommended.

Be sure to read this Anpanman story set at Christmastime.

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mutō

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Recommended picture books for a 1-year-old’s Christmas! A collection of works kids will love (31–40)

Mr./Ms. Tree

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Tree-san is a story featuring the Christmas tree, which is often displayed during the holiday season.

How about reading this fantasy-filled tale aloud to children? The many ornaments gathered around the Christmas tree create a lively, festive scene.

The cute illustrations—like stockings, snowmen, and bells—are sure to warm your heart.

The story portrays a tree and its ornaments who feel that something is missing; read to the end with the children to find out what kind of ending awaits.

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mutō

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Nontan! It’s Santa Claus!

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Introducing Nontan! It’s Santa Claus, a Christmas story from the Nontan picture book series, known for its gentle art style and heartwarming tales that appeal across generations.

In this story, Nontan eagerly awaits Christmas and goes to ask the Cat Santa for a present.

The book features illustrations of various animal Santas flying through the sky on their sleighs, offering visual fun for children.

Enjoy reading this warm, dream-inspiring story together with your kids.

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mutō

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Piyo piyo, Merry Christmas

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Piyo Piyo Merry Christmas depicts yellow chicks eagerly awaiting Santa’s visit.

It’s a charming picture book featuring cute illustrations of the Piyo Piyo chicks excitedly decorating the Christmas tree and getting ready for a party.

Their anticipation for a homemade cake and Santa’s gifts conjures scenes of a joyful Christmas spent together as a family.

With its warm artwork and heartwarming story, it’s a Christmas picture book perfect for parents and children to read together.

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mutō

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Merry Christmas, Penelope!

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Let me introduce a picture book featuring Penelope, a character hugely popular with children and also the star of a TV anime! It’s a story that makes you feel as if you’re peeking in on the fun of a party that Penelope and her friends are enjoying.

Because it’s a lift-the-flap/pop-up style book, kids can move parts to enjoy changes like opening curtains or turning on lights.

We recommend reading the story in sync with your child’s actions—linking the movements with the narration makes the content easier to understand.

And don’t miss your child’s expressions when the pictures change!

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hanauta obasan

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Christmas Hide-and-Seek

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The “Cutout Picture Book” series consists of pages with die-cut shapes and pages featuring faces and other parts.

Among the series, the Christmas-themed picture book Hide-and-Seek at Christmas offers a delightful story.

With each page turn, Christmas-themed images like Christmas trees, snowmen, and reindeer appear.

You can ask children, “What shape do you think this is?” and have them answer, then let them turn the page to enjoy the playful surprises.

Warm and inviting, with beautiful colors and shapes, this Christmas picture book is perfect for reading and playing together with children.

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mutō

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In conclusion

Celebrating Christmas with a one-year-old is sure to become a special memory for both children and adults.

As you share warm moments through picture books, please help create wonderful Christmas memories in your little one’s heart.

Discovering Christmas picture books for one-year-olds will surely add color to those precious times.