[February] Recommended picture books for 2-year-olds: Books that evoke winter and Setsubun

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Started performing in bands in junior high school. Influenced by Japanese rock and UK rock, spent over 10 years continuing band activities while creating original songs. Later began producing Vocaloid tracks using Hatsune Miku, with total plays of released songs surpassing 10,000. Has five years of experience writing for music magazines. Currently works as a music writer, director, and composer, keeping a ground-level perspective on the scene by attending live shows across Japan. Now performs at live houses in Tokyo, showcasing guitar playing centered on acoustic guitar and informed by knowledge of chord analysis and guitar scales. Also writes leveraging a broad knowledge of music genres.

Two-year-olds, who are starting to learn conversation and speak words through play and daily life, can make all sorts of discoveries by reading picture books.

Some of you may be looking for perfect read-aloud books for children with a February theme, when winter’s chill is at its peak.

In this article, we’ve put together recommended picture books for two-year-olds for the month of February.

We’ll introduce a wide range—from unique picture books that kids can enjoy by imitating characters’ facial expressions to stories that warm the heart.

Be sure to try these works that let you feel the winter season indoors together with your children.

[February] Recommended picture books for 2-year-olds: Books that evoke winter and Setsubun (1–10)

Snowy path strollMICHIKO EGASHIRA

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Michiko Egashira’s picture book “Yukimichi Sanpo” (A Walk on Snowy Paths) is a gentle portrayal of a world that feels like winter magic.

Its translucent watercolors evoke the crisp air of a snowy day and nurture children’s imaginations.

Set against a backdrop of fluffy, snow-covered scenery, the story uses a simple walk to teach about the changing seasons and the beauty of nature.

With each page turn, children can share in the joys of winter.

Why not enjoy a cozy read-aloud time that helps parents and children experience the seasons together? It’s a book that adds a small adventure to a child’s everyday life.

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Ogre’s PantsHiroko Suzuki

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Perfect for February read-alouds, “Oni no Pantsu” is a picture book full of adventure for children.

Hiroko Suzuki’s warm illustrations and humor-filled story spark kids’ imaginations.

The playful exchanges between the red and blue ogres convey the seasonal feel of Setsubun and will help create enjoyable moments with teachers and caregivers.

Since it can be enjoyed with music, it’s also ideal for read-alouds that include songs and movements for parents and children.

Why not bring a cozy warmth to the cold season with this picture book?

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Bean Counting SongWritten by Minami Nishiuchi / Illustrated by Shizuko Wakayama

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Mame no Kazoeta (The Bean Counting Song) is a beautiful picture book that nurtures a child’s sensibilities.

The illustrations are by Shizuko Wakayama, and the words are woven by Minami Nishiuchi.

After enjoying bean-throwing with the family on Setsubun night, how about reading a story with your child that follows the growth of a bean? Children will surely be captivated by the world woven from the joy of counting and the unfolding tale.

With its gentle-touch illustrations and friendly, rhythmic language, this picture book is perfect for winter read-aloud time.

Share moments together as parent and child, and enjoy a heartwarming time.

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[February] Recommended picture books for 2-year-olds: Books that capture winter and Setsubun (11–20)

Daruma-chan and Usagi-chanKAKO Satoshi

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Kakosako Riko’s “Darumachan and Usagichan” is a perfect picture book for February.

Set against snowy scenes that convey the chill of winter, the heartwarming story spun by Darumachan and Usagichan will feel delightful to two-year-olds.

It portrays the fun of making hand puppet dolls and the joy of playing in the snow, helping children feel close to the winter season.

The way the daruma and the rabbit talk with each other also conveys a charming, fantastical world.

It’s ideal for creating winter memories when teachers read it aloud together with children.

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Nezumi-kun and the SnowmanWritten by: Yoshio Nakae / Illustrated by: Noriko Ueno

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Even in the chill of winter, Nezumikun and the Snowman conveys a gentle warmth—a heartwarming story by picture-book author Yoshio Nakae and illustrator Noriko Ueno.

Nakae, who won the Kodansha Publishing Culture Award in 1974 for Nezumikun’s Vest, pairs his wonderful text with Ueno’s charming illustrations to create a perfect read-aloud for two-year-olds.

Children can mimic Nezumikun’s expressions while feeling the joy of building a snowman and the bonds of friendship.

It’s especially lovely to read together as a family in winter, making you forget the cold outside!

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The Mailman on a Snowy DayWritten by: Tan Koide / Illustrated by: Yasuko Koide

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On a cold winter’s day, The Mail Carrier on a Snowy Day is a lovely story that conveys the importance of kindness and cooperation.

The three mice who work hard in place of the rabbit who has caught a cold give children courage and gentleness.

The illustrations are very detailed, and Yasuko Koide’s warm touch further enhances the tale.

There are scenes that evoke Setsubun and the feeling of winter, allowing readers to enjoy a sense of the season.

It’s perfect for teachers and children to read together, and it’s a book we’d love parents to pick up as well.

It’s sure to bring a cozy read-aloud time to every home!

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Can we do bean throwing?Written by Rokudai Tanaka / Illustrated by Asae Suto

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“Can You Do Mamemaki?” is a picture book themed around Setsubun bean-throwing.

Released in December 2018, this story combines Asaê Suto’s gentle illustrations with Rokudai Tanaka’s warm narrative to share the fun of Setsubun with children ages two to three.

Mako-chan’s attempt at mamemaki brings this seasonal tradition close to home.

It’s a perfect read for February and recommended for children who want to learn the meaning of Setsubun through a picture book.

It’s sure to be a delightful experience for parents and children to enjoy together!

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