[For 1-year-olds] Recommended picture books to read together in January
When January comes, the cold really sets in, doesn’t it?
Of course, it’s important to spend time playing energetically outdoors, but it’s also important to relax and read picture books indoors.
This time, I’d like to introduce picture books recommended for one-year-olds that are perfect to read together in January.
Children around one year old can vary quite a bit depending on whether they’re on the younger or older side of the age range.
In daily childcare, whether they can help out, how we understand their feelings, and coordinating activities as a group can be challenging.
Amid all that, picture books are wonderful items that, regardless of age in months, draw children in once you start reading—they gather around and listen intently.
I hope you’ll find some favorite books for the children and enjoy them together!
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- [February] Picture books for 1-year-olds: books that evoke winter and Setsubun
- [For Age 4] Must-Read in January! Picture Books to Enjoy Winter
- [February] A collection of picture books we want to read with the 0-year-old class
- [For 2-year-olds] Enjoy spring-recommended picture books with your children
- Have fun in childcare! A collection of play ideas to liven up cold days in January
- Ideas for Childcare Quizzes to Enjoy in January
- [For 1-year-olds] Perfect for March! A special selection of picture books recommended for 1-year-olds
- [For 1-year-olds] Picture Books to Enjoy in Spring | Wildflowers and Creatures
- [For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended for January! A Collection of Exciting and Heartwarming Picture Books
- Winter picture books 1-year-olds will love! A heartwarming collection of read-aloud ideas
- [For 5-year-olds] Picture books recommended for reading in January
[For 1-year-olds] Recommended Picture Books to Read Together in January (1–10)
Yuki
This book, “Yuki” (Snow), is a picture-book adaptation of that nursery rhyme every child knows.
Through the eyes of a little girl who dashes outside at the sight of snow, it conveys the joy and wonder of snow and the pure amazement children feel.
Kids will surely enjoy the snow from the same perspective as the girl.
In the end, a cat and a kotatsu make an appearance, and everyone relaxes with a warm drink.
It’s a book that lets you savor the spirit of January, so please enjoy it together with your children.
Turn the pages as you sing along to the nursery rhyme.
Tintin’s polar bear-kun
The picture book “Tantan and the Polar Bear,” where you can experience the fun daydreams of Tantan the monkey.
When it snows, Tantan makes a snow sculpture of a polar bear.
He climbs on and says, “Let’s play,” and the polar bear roars and starts to move.
From there, it’s a grand adventure—meeting all kinds of animals in a pure white world, being chased by a ghost, and even flying through the sky! Children are sure to be captivated by Tantan’s thrilling, heart-pounding world of imagination.
It also teaches that you can make all sorts of things with snow, so be sure to read it in January.
Same, same, Momon-chan
The picture book “Onnaji Onnaji Momon-chan” features the protagonist, Momon-chan, making a snowman together with everyone.
It carefully depicts each step of building a snowman that anyone has experienced at least once—rolling the snowballs, stacking them, adding twigs and leaves to make the face.
In the end, they dress the snowman in the same hat, mittens, and boots as Momon-chan.
Matching outfits make you happy, don’t they? With its simple, snowman-themed content, it’s perfect to enjoy with one-year-olds.
And when it snows, it would be fun for everyone to try making a snowman together.
[For 1-year-olds] Recommended Picture Books to Read Together in January (11–20)
bath train
Kids love trains, don’t they? Watching them is fun, and riding them is even better! I bet many one-year-olds feel that way.
This is one book from a train-themed series that makes bath time enjoyable.
It’s great when kids play hard and get muddy, but it’s tough when they say, “I don’t want a bath!” Even though it’s a sign of growing up, winter brings colds more easily, so we want them to warm up properly in the bath.
This picture book features various animals and fun elements that draw kids in, like the “Bubbly Tunnel” and the “Rainy Tunnel.” If bath time is a struggle in winter, give this book a try.
Congratulations, Bathhouse
The picture book “Congratulations, Mr.
Bathhouse” tells the story of a turtle family and a chicken family taking a bath.
What’s the “congratulations” about? The mothers and fathers of these two families bring their eggs into the bath.
The eggs are warmed, and adorable babies are born! The siblings who were bathing all gather at once and happily say, “Congratulations.” The scene is so blissful and heartwarming.
And at the very end, the bath itself suddenly starts moving with a cane—what a surprise! In fact, this is one volume in the traveling bathhouse series “Mr.
Bathhouse.” It’s a humorous, heartwarming work.
Gorongo Snowman
This is a picture book about a snowman—perfect for January.
Two snowballs stack up, eyes appear, then a mouth… and in no time, a snowman is made.
Then a dog shows up.
Watching the dog run around, the snowman thinks, “I want to play together.” And then, amazingly, arms and legs sprout from the snowman! With the cheerful call of “Touch, touch,” it stands up.
One-year-olds will likely imitate it, saying they can do it too, and stand up along with the snowman.
Simple yet delightful—highly recommended.
Usako-chan on a Snowy Day
Let me introduce a picture book that teaches lots about snow: “Miffy in the Snow.” The protagonist is Miffy the rabbit.
When she sees the snow has piled up, she goes outside to play.
The book also clearly shows what to wear when playing in the snow.
Sledding, skating, making a snowman… Miffy is having fun when she meets a little bird who is crying and says, “I hate snow.” So, what will Miffy do? It’s a heartwarming book filled with the joy of playing in the snow and Miffy’s kindness.