[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 (1–10)

Demons out!Keiko Sena

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The picture book Oni wa Soto by Sena Keiko is a delightful story themed around Setsubun.

The scenes where children and ogres connect with each other offer a wonderful opportunity to deepen understanding of the Setsubun tradition.

The illustrations are bright and friendly, perfectly suited to the sensibilities of three-year-olds.

It will also help teachers who read it aloud convey the meaning of Setsubun and ways to enjoy it.

As a picture book themed on Setsubun, a winter seasonal event, it will be a lovely experience for both children and their guardians.

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glovesText: Ukrainian folktale / Illustrations: Yevgeny M. Rachev

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Let me introduce the picture book “The Mitten,” based on a Ukrainian folk tale.

The illustrations are by Yevhenii M.

Rachev, and the Japanese translation is by Risako Uchida.

The story begins when a mouse finds a mitten dropped by an old man and slips inside to keep warm; then various other animals gather one after another.

The unpredictable twists will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Also pay attention to the fine details, such as the stitching on the mitten coming undone.

The textures are rendered so vividly that you can almost feel the mitten right before your eyes.

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Bam and Kero’s Cold MorningYuka Shimada

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Bam and Kero’s Cold Morning is a picture book that warmly portrays the charm of winter and the power of friendship.

Yuka Shimada’s adorable characters capture children’s hearts.

Perfect for this season with themes like Setsubun and playing in the snow, it will make you forget the chill of February.

Through Bam and Kero’s adventures helping Kai-chan the duck, it also conveys the importance of helping one another.

With its soft illustration style and gentle storytelling, this picture book is an ideal read-aloud for teachers, letting children enjoy themselves while learning many things.

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[February] Picture books for 3-year-olds with Setsubun and winter themes (11–20)

Whose footprints?accototo

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Accototo’s “Whose Footprints?” is a picture book that sparks wintertime excitement and curiosity.

Through a little mouse’s snowy exploration, children can join in the fun of guessing which animals left the tracks.

The warm, gentle illustrations invite kids to immerse themselves in a wonderful world of imagination.

It’s an ideal read-aloud not only for Setsubun bean-throwing festivities, but also after a day of playing in the snow.

Let this book bring you both the coziness of winter and the thrill of Setsubun.

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sleddingWakiko Sato

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Wakiko Sato’s works are perfect for conveying the fun of winter and the excitement of Setsubun to children.

Her warm illustrations are beloved by kids, and the stories where three-year-olds enjoy bean-throwing for Setsubun and sledding will fill readers with a cozy feeling.

Even the oni (ogres) of Setsubun are depicted with kindness, so children can enjoy the traditions without being scared.

These picture books are ideal for read-aloud time and will warm the hearts of teachers and children alike, even in the cold of winter.

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Sniff, sniffing the flowers.Written by Ruth Krauss / Illustrated by Marc Simont

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Hana wo Kunkun is a heartwarming picture book.

Set against nature’s shift from snowy landscapes to spring, it portrays animals awakening and celebrating the arrival of a new season.

For children, the animals’ adorable sniffing explorations convey the transition from winter to spring.

Ruth Krauss’s polished text and Marc Simont’s delicate illustrations blend beautifully, creating a memorable work.

It’s perfect for read-aloud sessions themed around Setsubun or winter.

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nori-maki (seaweed-wrapped sushi roll)Eiko Konishi

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Eiko Konishi’s picture book “Norimaki” is a volume the whole family can enjoy, much like Setsubun’s bean-throwing.

With bright, cheerful illustrations and rhythmic language, it’s sure to bring smiles to children’s faces.

Centered on how to make norimaki to celebrate Setsubun, this book portrays the fun of parents and children making it together, helping to deepen family communication through food.

It’s also ideal for preschool and kindergarten teachers to read aloud as part of a February theme.

Even in the cold of winter, its relatable content will warm the heart.

It’s recommended not only for Setsubun festivities, but also as a picture book choice that captures everyday moments.

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