[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 (21–30)
Yuki
This is a snow-themed picture book written in gentle, conversational language.
The snow, drawn with shadows against a white background, looks so realistic you can almost feel its texture.
Soft, pure white snow… Is it cold? Will it melt? Children will surely want to touch and find out.
It’s a book that delights the senses and captures the spirit of winter—perfect to add to your winter read-alouds.
Even children who haven’t seen snow yet will be gently introduced to its scenery and feel through these pages.
Snow (A Song Picture Book)
This is a picture book based on the lyrics of the Ministry of Education song “Yuki” (Snow).
In step with the lyrics, a little girl’s eyes sparkle at the sight of snow, and she slides down a snow-covered slide.
She’s experiencing winter with the free-spirited joy of childhood.
So captivated by the snow, she remembers her hat and scarf but forgets her gloves.
A dog later brings them to her—an adorable scene that shows just how absorbed she is in the snow.
It’s a picture book that conveys the charm of snow and the fun of playing in it, so be sure to sing along as you read it with your child.
[February] Picture books for 1-year-olds: Books that evoke winter and Setsubun (31–40)
Usako-chan on a Snowy Day
Usako-chan is overjoyed to see snow for the first time.
Bundled up warmly, she has fun outside sledding and skating.
Then she finds a little bird crying.
It seems the bird is cold… So Usako-chan decides to make a home for it.
Will the little bird stop crying? This is a lovely picture book where, amid the fun of winter play and a few small mishaps, you can feel Usako-chan’s kindness.
It’s a story that even very young children can enjoy, so be sure to include it in your winter read-alouds.
Snowy path stroll
Yukimichi Sanpo is a story about a girl taking a walk through a snowy landscape.
She looks outside to find a world of silver—who wouldn’t want to go out? Bundled up warmly, she crunches along the snow-covered path.
Along the way, she discovers camellia blossoms dusted with snow and icicles lined up along the eaves.
As you gaze at the beautiful watercolor illustrations, it feels as if a real winter scene is unfolding right before your eyes.
Children are sure to look on with sparkling eyes and enjoy it, too.
I’d be delighted if this picture book helps you find yet another way to enjoy winter.
Bam and Kero’s Cold Morning
On a cold morning, Bam and Kero head to the pond to go skating.
There, they find a duck trapped in the frozen ice.
They hurry to rescue it and gently thaw it out in a warm bath.
After that, they take a bath together with the now-energetic duck and help dry its feathers.
While they’re taking care of it, Kero keeps bringing things he wants them to look at—so cute! And those knickknacks and toys are so appealing! Kids will be glued to the pages and will want the same things.
The story is a bit long, but it’s a book you can enjoy just by looking at the pictures.
Penelope plays in the snow
Penelope is a koala girl character who’s hugely popular with kids.
In this picture book, you can enjoy watching Penelope play in the snow in all sorts of ways.
Building snowmen, having snowball fights, sledding—there are lots of fun activities children will want to imitate! What’s more, it’s a lift-the-flap/interactive book, so you can move the mechanisms and play along with Penelope.
It’s a highly recommended book that lets you experience a variety of winter fun all in one volume.
When it’s hard to get real snowfall, why not enjoy some snow play with this book?
Choo-choo Train: A Snowy Stroll
This is a story about animals riding a locomotive and taking a stroll through the snow.
A daruma doll sits in the driver’s seat, and beyond the snowy scenery, many other wintry touches are sprinkled throughout.
The locomotive is a huge hit, running along the tracks packed to the brim… when suddenly a big snowball drops down and it makes an emergency stop! Just what is that snowball…? Blending in classic winter pastimes, this is a book that lets you joyfully wander through a snowy landscape.
After reading, some children might even go looking for snow themselves.
I hope this picture book helps you feel the special delights that only a cold winter can bring.