[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: Books that evoke winter and Setsubun (31–40)
Bean scattering, parra-para
While Christmas and New Year’s are also winter events, isn’t Setsubun the one that makes children’s hearts pound in many different ways? This picture book centers on the bean-throwing custom.
As you toss beans, you drive away the ogres with the familiar chant, “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi”—“Demons out, good fortune in.” Children might feel a little scared, wondering if real ogres will come, but it’s reassuring to know from this book exactly how to send them away.
As a seasonal picture book, why not include it in your winter read-alouds?
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.
Mocchiin
Let me introduce the picture book “Mocchiin,” packed with the fun and deliciousness of mochi.
The first page shows a mochi-pounding scene using a mortar and pestle.
It also teaches various tasty ways to enjoy mochi, such as with seaweed, kinako, and natto.
The adorable illustrations feature mochi with little faces, and the vertical page layout beautifully expresses mochi stretching.
When children hear the countdown—3, 2, 1—they’ll likely say “Mocchiin!” and strike a stretching pose along with the mochi.
Just imagining it is absolutely adorable, isn’t it?
The mountain bathhouse
The picture book “Yama no Ofuroyasan” is set in a mountain bathhouse.
All sorts of animals come to the bath in the mountains—monkeys, wild boars, and… huh? Even a snowman shows up! You can’t help but worry: won’t it melt if it gets in the hot water? So, what will happen to the snowman? The surprising secret of the bath at the end is delightful, and you’ll finish the story with a smile.
It’s a perfect book to read aloud before a cozy winter bath.
The Bear Mailman
This picture book has a wonderfully charming premise: a bear who works as a mail carrier.
The story revolves around the bear, showing how carefully he does his job.
Even on Christmas Day, he delivers letters and packages to everyone.
You can feel the Christmas spirit here and there—the tree visible inside people’s homes, the holly decorating the bear’s hat.
After finishing his work, the bear sets out sweets and a drink for Santa and goes to sleep.
It would be lovely if a present arrived for the hardworking bear, too.
[February] Recommended picture books for 2-year-olds: Books that evoke winter and Setsubun (41–50)
Yuki
This is a snow-themed picture book written in gentle, conversational language.
The snow, drawn with shadows against a white background, looks so realistic you can almost feel its texture.
Soft, pure white snow… Is it cold? Will it melt? Children will surely want to touch and find out.
It’s a book that delights the senses and captures the spirit of winter—perfect to add to your winter read-alouds.
Even children who haven’t seen snow yet will be gently introduced to its scenery and feel through these pages.
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.