![[For 1-year-olds] Perfect for March! A special selection of picture books recommended for 1-year-olds](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/UiAw-NJcmHE/maxresdefault.webp)
[For 1-year-olds] Perfect for March! A special selection of picture books recommended for 1-year-olds
March is the grand wrap-up of the school year.
For children in the 1-year-old class, preparations to move up to the 2-year-old class start in earnest.
It’s also the time when they gradually begin tackling things like changing clothes and using the toilet on their own.
For such a March, why not choose picture books that 1-year-olds can thoroughly enjoy?
We’ll introduce picture books packed with children’s feelings—like happy, fun, and “What’s that?”
The children might show interest and express themselves by pointing or chatting.
I’m excited to see how they’ll react.
For 1-year-olds: Picture books to read in March! Recommended picks for 1-year-olds (1–10)
warm and cozyHiroyuki Arai
The picture book “Pokapoka,” perfect for spring, is wonderfully appealing with its clear illustration style and rhythmic, repeating words.
Just as spring brings grasses, flowers, and insects bustling to life, pay attention to the warm, watchful sun as well.
When reading the book, the key is to read gently, as if speaking to the plants and insects.
In the part that says, “It’s spring—wake up,” you might try adding the names of spring insects or flowers you found on a walk, even if they don’t appear in the book.
Doing so can expand the story and make it feel more familiar and close.
Who ate it?Taro Gomi
Who Ate It? is a picture book where you search for and find the animal that ate something.
It’s fun to see all kinds of creatures—fish, birds, lions, cows—but the clever part is how the eaten items are hidden.
For example, a lion that ate a strawberry has a strawberry for a nose, and a cow that ate a fried egg has a fried-egg pattern in its white patches.
Sometimes you spot it right away, but other times even adults will pause and think, “Where is it?” It’s a highly recommended book that captivates even one-year-olds who may not yet be ready to sit and listen to a full story.
Good child, go to sleep.Text: Rintaro Uchida / Illustrations: Yoshifumi Hasegawa
Let me introduce a perfect bedtime read: “Ii ko nenne” (“Good Little One, Time to Sleep”).
In this picture book, various animals drift off to sleep, looking so comfortable as their mothers or fathers sing to them, “Good little one, time to sleep.” By the time children are around one year old, they’ve built up more energy, so they may skip naps or have a harder time falling asleep at night.
In those moments, why not cuddle your child and read this book together? Seeing the animals snoozing away might just make your little one start to nod off, too…
Quail-chan’s Hide-and-SeekKimo to Momoko
The picture book Uzura-chan’s Hide-and-Seek, a big hit with children, tells the story of Uzura-chan and Hiyoko-chan happily playing hide-and-seek together.
They’re fantastic at hiding, transforming into all kinds of patterns to blend in.
As they listen to the story, children focus on the illustrations, wondering, “Where did they hide?” It’s a charming book that lets you feel the joy on their faces when they find the characters and the excitement of turning to the next page.
The colorful yet calm palette and the simple, easy-to-understand language are also highlights!
Don-doko Momon-chanKazuhiko Toyoda
With its soft pink cover that’s absolutely adorable, “Dondoko Momon-chan” is a picture book loved even by one-year-olds.
As they listen to the rhythmic words of “dondoko dondoko,” children join in and try to repeat them.
When turning the pages, you can see their focused expressions, wondering what picture will appear next—another part of the book’s charm.
You’ll find yourself cheering for Momon-chan’s earnest efforts.
It’s recommended for a wide range of ages, from little ones to older preschoolers.
dot dot dotWakayama Shizuko
The picture book “Ten Ten Ten,” with its gentle illustrations and rhythmic words, is perfect for one-year-old children.
The repeated phrases invite kids to imitate them, and they’ll be drawn in as they react to the insects that appear—there’s no doubt they’ll be captivated by the book’s charm.
The cover and interior pages are sturdy, so children can turn the pages themselves and enjoy it.
If you read it slowly while watching their reactions, you may find yourselves enjoying it together.
Sun, hahahaKazuo Maekawa
With its standout yellow cover illustration, “Ohisama Ahaha” is a picture book that will make kids smile without even trying.
No matter the situation, the characters in the book always reply with a cheerful “Ahaha” and a big smile.
It’s a delightful read where the smiles spread to the reader, too.
Simple, warm, and easy to read, it’s perfect for sharing with children.
It’s sure to become a favorite.
We also recommend reading it while inserting your child’s name—like, “Ahaha, [Child’s Name]!”