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[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] Recommended picture books for 2-year-olds: Books that evoke winter and Setsubun (41–50)

Advent Calendar Picture Book: I Wonder When Santa Will Come

This picture book lets you enjoy both an advent calendar that counts down the days to Christmas and a heartwarming Christmas story.

The setting is a northern land, where bear brothers Tete and Toto prepare for Christmas.

Writing a letter to Santa, cleaning the chimney, decorating the tree, getting the feast ready—everything shows just how excited the brothers are for Christmas.

Their kindness and cozy interactions are part of the charm, too.

It’s a heartwarming Christmas picture book that makes a wonderful gift.

[February] Recommended Picture Books for 2-Year-Olds: Books that Capture Winter and Setsubun (51–60)

Peek-a-boo, Christmas!

A picture book made with warm, cozy felt is perfect for a cold winter.

The tactile feel when you touch it and the reader’s voice will likely make you feel calm and relaxed.

As you lift the flaps, wondering what might be hidden under the felt, you’ll find things that bring the Christmas spirit to life.

Gently lift each flap while softly saying “Peekaboo.” At the end, bring the book close to your child’s face and say “Peekaboo!” to enjoy the moment together.

Christmas Hide-and-Seek

If you’re looking for a Christmas picture book with pop-up-style tricks, how about “Christmas Hide-and-Seek”? It’s a die-cut interactive book that even babies and toddlers can enjoy—with quiz elements, too! On the left page you’ll find colors, patterns, and decorations, and when you layer the next die-cut page over it, they transform into a snowman or a Christmas tree.

If the pictures alone aren’t enough, there are hints written in, so reading them aloud might help the children catch on.

Have fun feeling the Christmas spirit as you play!

Disney Everyone’s Christmas! A Search-and-Find Gift Picture Book

Let me introduce a Disney activity picture book with a Christmas theme.

Inside, you’ll find scenes from 14 works, including 101 Dalmatians, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, and Monsters, Inc.

Your goal is to find specified items—like crowns and ornaments—in each scene to clear the pages.

Every scene is filled with Christmas-themed decorations such as trees and wreaths, so you can really feel the holiday spirit while you play.

It’s perfect for enjoying as a Christmas activity or giving as a gift.

Tom and Pippo go out for a walk

This is a heartwarming picture book that depicts the simple moments of everyday life.

Tom and Pippo, Sal’s stuffed toy, are very close friends.

It’s full of stories that make you nod in recognition at ordinary scenes.

Tom imitates what his mother does for him and does the same for Pippo.

Perhaps Tom’s kindness is the kindness he received from his mother.

Within these short stories, the book is filled with love and warmth.

It’s easy for little ones to understand, so please enjoy reading it together as a parent and child.

Bam and Kero’s Cold Morning

On a cold morning, Bam and Kero head to the pond to go skating.

There, they find a duck trapped in the frozen ice.

They hurry to rescue it and gently thaw it out in a warm bath.

After that, they take a bath together with the now-energetic duck and help dry its feathers.

While they’re taking care of it, Kero keeps bringing things he wants them to look at—so cute! And those knickknacks and toys are so appealing! Kids will be glued to the pages and will want the same things.

The story is a bit long, but it’s a book you can enjoy just by looking at the pictures.

Piyo piyo, Merry Christmas

This is a work by Noriko Kudo, known for the “Noraneko Gundan” series.

The protagonists of the story are five sibling chicks.

All of them can’t wait for Christmas and anxiously wonder, “Will Santa really come?” as they wait with bated breath.

Their mother hen prepares a feast, and they decorate the tree.

A wonderful family Christmas is depicted here.

It’s a perfect book to share the joy of the holiday with children who ask, “What is Christmas?”