[February] Picture books for 3-year-olds with themes of Setsubun and winter

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.

February, when the cold truly sets in, is a season that brings a sense of winter, with snowfall piling up and the arrival of Setsubun.

Children attending daycare are surely looking forward to events themed around playing in the snow and Setsubun.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of picture books for three-year-olds perfect for February.

We’ve picked a wide range—from stories that capture the feel of winter to tales featuring oni (ogres) as the stars of Setsubun.

From timeless classics loved across generations to buzzworthy new titles, we’ve gathered a variety to help you choose read-alouds for February.

Be sure to check them out!

[February] Picture books for 3-year-olds themed around Setsubun and winter (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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When the snow stops

http://www.amazon.co.jp

A heartwarming story about a parent and child rabbit, perfect for winter reading.

It’s snowing that day, so they can’t go outside, and the father can’t make it home.

The little rabbit is alone at home with its mother.

They decide to skip their shopping trip and spend time indoors playing cards and relaxing together.

Then, on a night when the snow lets up, they step outside for a little while to play in the snow.

A quiet winter tale portraying a special time shared between parent and child.

Why not read it during a precious moment with your own child? This gentle world is sure to soothe your heart.

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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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mayumi

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What is yuki?

http://www.amazon.co.jp

A story about a spring-born fox and rabbit who have never seen snow and ask their friends in the forest, “What is snow?” Using the clues they gather, the two set out to search for it.

Will they be able to find snow? Whether you already know snow or not, you’ll imagine what it’s like together with the fox and rabbit—and surely feel excited.

Enjoy the beautiful forest scenery and join them on their snow hunt.

And when real snow falls, try playing in it, too.

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sasashina

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