A picture book that 3-year-olds will be captivated by! A special book for enjoying a fun Christmas

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
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.

Christmas is just around the corner at last.

That makes you want to read a Christmas picture book to your child, doesn’t it? Three-year-olds are at a stage where their imagination really blossoms, so you can share a wonderful time together through Christmas picture books.

But many people may be unsure which books to choose.

So here, we’ll introduce heartwarming Christmas picture books that will make children’s eyes sparkle.

Enjoy a delightful encounter with Santa Claus together with your child!

A picture book that will captivate 3-year-olds! A special volume to enjoy a fun Christmas (1–10)

Merry Christmas, Penelope!

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Merry Christmas, Penelope! depicts the preparations leading up to the eagerly awaited holiday and the joyful scenes of the party on the day itself.

The story matches the excitement of Penelope, the main character, and the children who are looking forward to Christmas.

It’s packed with interactive features—like lighting up lamps and setting up the Christmas tree—that make it fun to play with over and over again.

This Christmas picture book, with its warm colors and gentle worldview, is sure to soothe and delight.

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Santa’s Secret That No One Knows

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“Santa only visits good children.” As Christmas approaches, many of us have heard—or even said—these words.

But why doesn’t Santa come if you’re not behaving? Here’s a picture book that answers that very question about Santa.

It’s a must-see for discovering how Santa tells who’s been good.

This heartwarming book reveals the secrets of Santa Claus.

The little elves are adorable, too, making it fun to look at and highly recommended.

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kepiko

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Wanpakudan’s Christmas

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Do you believe in Santa Claus? Here’s a picture book that lets you think about Santa while having fun.

On Christmas Eve, the three members of the Mischief Squad start arguing about whether Santa Claus exists.

Then the cat Nyanta shows up and says, “Santa Claus is real,” and leads the three along.

And who appears but Santa Claus himself! Enjoy reading this fun, dream-filled picture book with your child at Christmas.

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kepiko

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Picture books that captivate 3-year-olds! A special volume for enjoying Christmas (11–20)

Strawberry Santa

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Strawberry Santa, a delightful tale about strawberry Santas setting off on an adventure toward a Christmas town.

Since the story features tiny, adorable characters traveling in candy vehicles, you can enjoy not only the story but also the gentle, heartwarming illustrations.

You’ll be soothed by the cute Santas riding in dream-filled vehicles like a shortcake boat and a roll cake bus.

This picture book overflows with a uniquely Christmas atmosphere, inspired by strawberries that decorate Christmas cakes and Santas who deliver gifts.

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Santa the Cold‑Sensitive

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A Christmas picture book that offers an in-depth look at Santa Claus’s job, Father Christmas.

It’s a unique volume with a warmly human character portrayal: Santa dislikes the cold and loves a good drink.

Beyond simply delivering presents, it richly depicts his interactions with local people, helping children feel closer to Santa.

You also get a glimpse of his unexpected sides—adults may feel reassured or even have their image of Santa turned on its head! Perfect for Christmas read-alouds and as a gift.

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miyabi

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The Jolly Mailman’s Christmas

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A picture book titled “The Jolly Postman’s Christmas,” which tells the story of a postman delivering parcels on Christmas Eve.

It is a delightful tale based on the British pop-up picture book series “The Jolly Postman.” The book depicts the postman bringing Christmas cards, games, jigsaw puzzles, and more to children.

Letters that appear in the story are included with the book, allowing readers to enjoy the experience as if they themselves had received them.

It’s a perfect match for the excitement felt by children eagerly awaiting Christmas.

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Little Bear: The Night Before Christmas

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Yorukuma: The Night Before Christmas depicts the interaction between a little boy with worries on Christmas Eve and Yorukuma, a night bear.

The boy fears Santa might not come because he thinks he’s been bad, when Yorukuma suddenly appears.

Centered on the boy and Yorukuma’s exchange, a heartwarming story unfolds.

After their time together, the moment the boy realizes what he truly wanted is deeply moving.

The illustrations of cozy Christmas decorations and nighttime scenes convey warmth and kindness, making this a picture book that leaves you with a gentle, caring feeling.

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