[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!
- Recommended Picture Books to Read in January for 0-Year-Olds
- [For 2-year-olds] Recommended picture books to enjoy reading in January
- [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 (21–30)
Mole-kun and Winter
The picture book Mole and Winter features an inquisitive little mole.
Thinking it was snowing, Mole took out his sled—but it turned out not to be snow at all, but frost.
So Mole asks the clouds to let it snow.
Can they really do that? If you give them some water to drink, they grant his wish and make it snow.
It’s a dream-filled tale that’s sure to delight children.
With its clear, simple story, even very young kids can enjoy it.
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.
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?