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

Composition nerdmutō
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 (41–50)

snow play

http://www.amazon.co.jp

On a cold winter morning, when children look out the window and see the snow has piled up, they get excited, don’t they? This picture book lets parents rediscover that sense of excitement and enjoy it together with their children.

The story begins when Little Pig looks out the window in the morning and sees that snow has fallen.

On snowy days, it’s thrilling to think about what kinds of games to play outside.

Snowball fights, sledding, building snowmen—many activities come to mind, but what did Little Pig choose to do? It might be nice to ask children what games they’d like to play when it snows.

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snowball

http://www.amazon.co.jp

The picture book Snowball, featuring the adorable Tottoru rolling snow, is utterly charming.

One morning, Tottoru notices that snow has fallen and makes a small snowball.

Then he starts rolling it over the snow, and the snowball grows bigger and bigger.

Before he knows it, he’s reached the top of a hill—and the snowball tumbles down.

What will happen to the snowball? The exciting turn of events will surely make children’s hearts race.

It’s a perfect read-aloud for winter that conveys the joy of playing in the snow.

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The Land of Snowmen

http://www.amazon.co.jp

The picture book on the next page, Snowman Country, begins with Hop making a snowman.

Hop names the snowman “Pepe.” Pepe has to return to the country of snowmen.

Because Hop loves Pepe, he asks to go to the snowman country together.

It’s a very heartwarming story.

It’s also recommended to enjoy the story while talking with children about what the snowman country might be like.

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Boris on a snowy day

http://www.amazon.co.jp

This is a book that will make you feel delighted as you watch Boris enjoying all kinds of snow play.

He starts by sliding on a sled.

It’s so cute how he describes sledding as being like a rocket and even tumbles over from going too fast.

After sledding, it’s time to make a snowman! Boris’s friend Barbara appears, and the two of them have a wonderful time together.

When they look at the finished snowman, Boris comes up with a great idea… Now, what could possibly happen next? A fun winter picture book that sparks children’s rich imaginations.

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Usako-chan on a Snowy Day

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Usako-chan is overjoyed to see snow for the first time.

Bundled up warmly, she has fun outside sledding and skating.

Then she finds a little bird crying.

It seems the bird is cold… So Usako-chan decides to make a home for it.

Will the little bird stop crying? This is a lovely picture book where, amid the fun of winter play and a few small mishaps, you can feel Usako-chan’s kindness.

It’s a story that even very young children can enjoy, so be sure to include it in your winter read-alouds.

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Yuki fufufu

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Let me introduce a picture book that lets you gently feel winter: “Yuki Fufufu.” The snow illustrations feel so real you could almost touch them, and the curious sound expressions that linger in your ears as you read make it a truly lovely book.

The children staring quietly up at the sky are especially striking, and it makes you wonder: what kind of faces would my own child make when they see snow? You can’t help but imagine it.

Each snowball has a little face, which is adorable, and kids will probably be delighted to spot them—“There’s one here, too!”—and eagerly point them out.

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