[February] Picture books for 1-year-olds: books that evoke winter and Setsubun
When children are around one year old, they grow almost daily—showing interest in what’s right in front of them and displaying richer facial expressions.
If you’re wondering what picture books to read aloud to your child, you’re not alone.
In this article, we’ve gathered picture books for one-year-olds with a February theme.
We’ll mainly introduce works that let you feel the winter season, featuring themes like winter itself and Setsubun ogres (oni).
Be sure to check out these books that inspire children’s free ideas—pointing at the characters that appear, trying to imitate them, and more.
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[February] Picture books for 1-year-olds. Books that evoke winter and Setsubun (1–10)
Abuku-tattaShinobu Saito
That fun traditional children’s song that’s been passed down for generations has become a delightful picture book.
It’s a story about a mouse family making sweet red-bean soup (oshiruko).
The mice are dressed in Showa-era clothing and simmer azuki beans in a Showa-style pot.
They taste as they go, and they look genuinely happy.
How will children today feel about the imagery of that good old era? After reading this picture book, you might want to make oshiruko, add mochi, and eat it yourself.
We even recommend taking it that far—letting the book inspire the experience.
YukiKoshiro Hata
Depending on where they live, many one-year-olds may have never seen snow.
This book teaches children about life with snow through beautiful, adorable illustrations and a friendly song.
The story unfolds to the tune of the song “Yuki ya Konko,” so it’s also recommended to read it aloud while singing the lyrics.
The image of “me” in red clothing against the white snow is very striking, allowing children to enjoy snow both visually and aurally.
It’s a delightful picture book that parents and caregivers can enjoy as well as children.
Ogre’s PantsHiroko Suzuki
The song “Oni no Pantsu,” a parody of “Funiculì, Funiculà,” might actually be better known than the original in Japan.
This is a picture book based on that song.
Since the book is composed of the lyrics, you can sing it aloud as you read.
The story has an ogre (oni) recommending oni underpants to various animals, and the illustrations are very cute.
With the music visualized, children should find it easier to imagine the song.
Please enjoy it!
[February] Picture books for 1-year-olds. Books that evoke winter and Setsubun (11–20)
Whose footprints?accototo
accototo is a husband-and-wife picture book duo.
Here, we introduce their book Who Left These Footprints? It follows little mice who head out into the snowy outdoors and trace the footprints they find.
The structure keeps readers curious—“Whose footprints are these?” and “Which character will appear next?”—drawing you into the story.
It’s also fun to see more friends join in to follow the tracks as the story progresses.
And at the end, a heartwarming twist awaits.
glovesYoko Imoto
The heartwarming story attracting attention is “The Gloves.” This work was created by Yoko Imoto.
The story begins with an exchange between two sister rabbits.
The younger rabbit asks her older sister to lend her a glove.
The older sister lends one glove to her and then holds the younger sister’s ungloved hand with her own ungloved hand.
Even though there was only one glove, both of them were able to stay warm.
It’s a tale that reminds us of the importance of helping and respecting one another.
Secret TrainText by Kumiko Kaoru / Illustrations by Yoko Kato
If you love vehicles, you’re sure to enjoy Naisho Densha (“The Secret Train”).
This picture book features a story by Kumiko Kaoru and illustrations by Yoko Kato.
It’s one entry in the “Red Train” series and is themed around winter.
It’s packed with highlights, including numerous interactive elements, a mysterious plot, and situations unique to the season.
The meticulously detailed illustrations are another charm—you’ll find yourself poring over them.
It’s fun to take your time looking and chatting excitedly about what you find.
oden brothMariko Shinju
Oden is a food that could be called a winter tradition.
Oden no Yu uses the scene of its ingredients simmering as its theme.
This work, created by picture-book author Mariko Shinju, depicts the oden ingredients enjoying a bath—well, actually soaking in the broth.
Each ingredient is cutely stylized, so you’ll be excited to see “What will appear next?” The repeated lines are also a highlight, adding to the fun through clever repetition.