[For 2-year-olds] Let's read together! Recommended picture books for March

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

When children turn two, the full-fledged preparation for moving up to the preschool class begins in March.

They’ll have more opportunities to interact with friends within a group and to learn.

This time, we’re introducing picture books that are perfect for March.

With the pleasant, springlike weather, March makes you want to go out and explore.

It would be lovely if picture books could help children feel the season and enjoy the excitement of going on outings.

There are many books that work well as an introduction—for example, reading a picture book before outdoor activities.

Teachers, please join the children in feeling that excitement together.

[For 2-Year-Olds] Let’s Read Together! Recommended Picture Books for March (21–30)

Delicious Hina DollsText: Asae Suto / Illustrations: Yukiko Kobayashi

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When it comes to picture books to read in March, Hina Matsuri (Doll’s Festival) books are the obvious choice.

This one, titled “A Delicious Hina Matsuri,” is perfect for three-year-olds who are starting to take an interest in seasonal events.

Little Mouse and Little Squirrel look at the Hina dolls and each make something of their own.

As the title suggests, the “delicious” aspect is a big draw that captivates children as they read.

Through this book, kids can enjoyably get a feel for the history and traditions of Hina Matsuri, so be sure to give it a read!

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HelloText: Shigeo Watanabe / Illustrations: Yasuo Ohtomo

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Here’s an introduction to the picture book “Hello,” recommended for one-year-olds who, by March, are starting to enjoy chatting a little more.

In this book, the main character, a little bear, says “Hello” to everything he encounters.

Because it’s a book about greetings, you’ll find yourself naturally bowing and saying “Hello” as you read it aloud.

Watching the children listen while bowing along with the adults creates such a warm, heartwarming atmosphere.

Please give it a read together!

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warm and cozyHiroyuki Arai

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The picture book “Pokapoka,” perfect for spring, is wonderfully appealing with its clear illustration style and rhythmic, repeating words.

Just as spring brings grasses, flowers, and insects bustling to life, pay attention to the warm, watchful sun as well.

When reading the book, the key is to read gently, as if speaking to the plants and insects.

In the part that says, “It’s spring—wake up,” you might try adding the names of spring insects or flowers you found on a walk, even if they don’t appear in the book.

Doing so can expand the story and make it feel more familiar and close.

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dandelionMaki Arai

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“Dandelion,” a picture book that carefully and lovingly depicts the dandelions we often see in March.

It shows in detail how these familiar flowers bloom and how they turn into fluffy seed heads, tracing the entire life of a dandelion with great care.

Because dandelions are so familiar, children are naturally drawn in, and after reading, they’ll want to head out and look for real ones.

Through this book, you can sow seeds of curiosity and enjoy seeing how each child nurtures those seeds in their own way.

Give it a read!

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In conclusion

We introduced picture books we’d like to enjoy with two-year-olds in March.

As children start interacting more with friends and getting ready to move up to the preschool class, it would be wonderful if they could feel the spring season and develop an interest in stories through picture books.

Reading together with the children might let teachers enjoy that lovely spring feeling, too.

We hope you’ll spend a wonderful time with the children.