[February] Recommended picture books for 2-year-olds: Books that evoke winter and Setsubun
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] Picture books for 1-year-olds: books that evoke winter and Setsubun
- [February] Picture books for 3-year-olds with themes of Setsubun and winter
- [For 2-year-olds] Let's read together! Recommended picture books for March
- [For 2-year-olds] Recommended picture books to enjoy reading in January
- [Picture Books] Savor the fun of words: A special feature on recommended onomatopoeia picture books
- [For 2-year-olds] Enjoy spring-recommended picture books with your children
- [Childcare] Fun February craft ideas you’ll want to make with 2-year-olds!
- Ideas for Easy Winter Origami Crafts That Even 2-Year-Olds Will Love
- [February] Recommended picture books for 4-year-olds: Works that let children feel winter at preschool
- [For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended for January! A Collection of Exciting and Heartwarming Picture Books
- [For 3-year-olds] Recommended Picture Books to Read in March
- [For Age 4] Must-Read in January! Picture Books to Enjoy Winter
- [For preschoolers] A collection of origami ideas to enjoy February, including Setsubun and Valentine’s Day
[February] Recommended Picture Books for 2-Year-Olds: Stories that Capture Winter and Setsubun (21–30)
Same, Same, Momon-chan
This is a story about Momon-chan teaming up with Goldfish-san and Cactus-san to build a snowman.
The full two-page spreads vividly depict the scenes, conveying just how hard it is to make a big snowball.
You can’t help but want to cheer them on, saying, “Heave-ho, heave-ho!” Children will probably feel as if they’re making the snowman right alongside Momon-chan.
So, what kind of snowman did they end up making? It’s exciting to imagine! It’s a perfect book for winter read-alouds, capturing the joy of playing in the snow.
Go for it! Lululolo: Lots of Snowmen
The twin sisters Lulu and Lolo help shovel the snow that has piled up in the garden.
As they roll the snow, they also make a snowman.
What kind of snowman will Lulu and Lolo create? For adults, shoveling snow can be hard work, but with a little creativity, doing it together with children might lead to new discoveries and fun.
You can enjoy the anime currently airing on NHK Educational TV as an original picture book.
The interactions between Lulu and Lolo are very adorable, too.
It’s a perfect picture book for the cold winter season.
Sparkling, glimmering Merry Christmas!
Sparkly, Shiny Merry Christmas! is a picture book recommended for children around age two.
It uses glittering, radiant colors that are said to be easy for infants—with their still-developing eyesight—to notice and enjoy.
With each page turn you can feel the season, making it perfect as a Christmas gift.
The shimmering illustrations will make little ones want to reach out and touch them.
It might also be fun to look at the book from different angles—sideways or vertically—to see how it changes.
It’s coming! It’s here! New Year Seven!
“Here It Comes! It’s Here! New Year Seven” might be irresistible for kids who love sentai-style heroes.
The ever-sudden hero, Seven, has arrived for the New Year! Let’s learn about New Year’s Eve and New Year traditions together with Hero Seven.
From year-end preparations and ozoni soup to osechi dishes and New Year’s games, this book offers a solid introduction to Japan’s wonderful traditional customs.
It even comes with a sugoroku board game, dice, and a spinning top, so the whole family can play and enjoy time together!
Komadako-san and Yukidaruma-san
Komadako, who lives in the countryside, wakes up to find that snow has fallen and decides to make a snowman.
When she finishes a snowman about the same size as herself, she sits next to it for tea time.
To her surprise, the snowman starts having tea with her, too! After that, they play together, take a bath, and spend a delightful time.
It’s like a dream where you can spend the day with a snowman as if you were friends.
Please enjoy this gentle and lovely book during winter read-aloud time.
Pop-up Book: What Is Christmas?
If you’re looking for a picture book that explains the origins of Christmas in a way that’s easy for young children to understand, “What Is Christmas?” is a great pick.
The layered, interactive illustration on the cover is striking and makes you want to pick it up.
As you turn the pages, the interactive elements shift, and the book cheerfully teaches the history of Christmas with illustrations.
Another plus is that the pages are made of thick paper, making them easy for even two-year-olds to turn.
Be sure to read it with your children!
White, white Korowan.
This is a recommended winter read starring Korowan, a little puppy.
While Korowan is playing in front of his house, something like white fluff starts to fall from the sky.
When it touches his nose, it’s cold and melts right away.
When he asks his mother, she tells him, “That’s snow.” The snow keeps falling through the night, and by the next morning everything is pure white! Overjoyed, Korowan romps around in the snow.
Seeing Korowan play so happily will surely make children want to join in some snow play too.