[For 1-year-olds] Picture Books to Enjoy in Spring | Wildflowers and Creatures

The Bento BusMariko Shinju

amzn.asia

Here’s a picture book you’ll want to read aloud before the spring field trip: “The Bento Bus.” The passengers aren’t children, but the items inside a bento—rice balls, hamburger patties, fried shrimp, and more.

As they board one by one, the bento gradually comes together.

It’s adorable how they cheerfully answer “Here!” when their names are called, so it might be fun to call the children’s names too and have them reply.

This picture book is likely to capture the interest of a wide range of children, especially those who love vehicles or food.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Egg Picture BookKoji Ishikawa

amzn.asia

This picture book, “Tamago no Ehon” (The Egg Picture Book), is a lift-the-flap book where, when the egg cracks, various babies are born.

The egg parts can be flipped by hand, so it’s fun to see the creatures gradually appear, stimulating children’s curiosity.

And since kids flip the flaps themselves, it can also help them practice using their fingertips.

In spring, many kinds of plants and flowers bloom, animals wake from hibernation, and there’s Easter with its egg motif.

This book seems perfect for such a springtime season, doesn’t it?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Strawberry, no-no.Text: Yoko Koga / Illustrations: Yuko Takao

amzn.asia

“No No Ichigo” is a picture book that portrays children in the “no-no phase.” This phase is also called the “terrible twos,” but it’s said to actually begin around one and a half years old.

Some caregivers may already be noticing the signs and thinking, “Is it starting soon…?” The book’s protagonist, a little “no-no” child who loves strawberries, keeps saying “No to this! No to that!” and causing trouble for those around them.

But a child’s “no” is a clear expression of their will—an important part of healthy development.

Your child may turn into a little “no-no” just like in this book, but please try to watch over them with warmth and patience.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Speaking of springHiroyuki Arai

amzn.asia

What comes to mind when you think of spring? Cherry blossoms, tulips, butterflies—so many things pop up, right? This book, “Haruto ieba” (Speaking of Spring), is a picture book that brings together just those springtime things.

It’s perfect for introducing the season of spring to children.

Another fun point is how the spring items connect like a word-association game.

Just wondering, “What comes next?” is enjoyable in itself.

It’s a book you’ll want to read during the spring season or when spring is on its way.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Mr./Ms. Vegetabletupera tupera

amzn.asia

Let me introduce Yasaisan, a book I’d love to recommend even to children who are starting to dislike vegetables.

It’s a lift-the-flap picture book: you see leaves buried in the soil on the page, and when you lift the flap upward—ta-da!—a carrot appears.

It feels just like pulling up a real carrot, which makes it so much fun.

Besides carrots, lots of other vegetables show up too, like burdock root, potatoes, and turnips.

Each vegetable has a unique face—some are smiling, some look surprised—and noticing those differences can be really fun as well!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

cherry blossomKoga Yoko

amzn.asia

A picture book about cherry blossoms, Sakura, perfect for reading aloud in spring.

It shows playful activities you’ll want to copy when you spot cherry blossoms on a walk—lining up petals, counting them, and even making a face shape when the wind plays tricks.

At the end, you look up at the blossoms in full bloom and enjoy a little hanami feeling.

The cherry blossoms in this book are drawn with such delicate, lifelike touches that children can really learn their features.

After reading, why not go out together and search for cherry blossoms?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Greeting playYuichi Kimura

amzn.asia

Greetings are important, aren’t they? Especially in April, when you often meet new teachers and friends for the first time.

It’s wonderful if you can say “Hello” and bow on such occasions.

That’s why I recommend this book, “Greet-and-Play.” It features a variety of animals, and when you flip the page downward, they all bow and say “Hello.” When children see it, they’ll surely imitate it with a little bow.

If it’s hard for them to learn just from words or by watching their parents, why not read them this picture book?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem