[February] Picture books for 3-year-olds with themes of Setsubun and winter
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] Recommended picture books for 2-year-olds: Books that evoke winter and Setsubun
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- [February] Recommended picture books for 4-year-olds: Works that let children feel winter at preschool
- Picture Books to Read in February [For 5-Year-Olds]
- [For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended for January! A Collection of Exciting and Heartwarming Picture Books
- [For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended Picture Books for Spring | Exciting and Thrilling Reads
- [For 2-year-olds] Let's read together! Recommended picture books for March
- [For Age 4] Must-Read in January! Picture Books to Enjoy Winter
- [For 2-year-olds] Recommended picture books to enjoy reading in January
- [Picture Books] Savor the fun of words: A special feature on recommended onomatopoeia picture books
- [Quiz] A Collection of Quizzes You Can Use in February Childcare
- [February] Picture books for 1-year-olds: books that evoke winter and Setsubun
- [For 2-year-olds] Enjoy spring-recommended picture books with your children
[February] Picture books for 3-year-olds themed around Setsubun and winter (41–50)
What is yuki?
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.
[February] Picture books for 3-year-olds with Setsubun and winter themes (51–60)
Boris on a snowy day
This is a book that will make you feel delighted as you watch Boris enjoying all kinds of snow play.
He starts by sliding on a sled.
It’s so cute how he describes sledding as being like a rocket and even tumbles over from going too fast.
After sledding, it’s time to make a snowman! Boris’s friend Barbara appears, and the two of them have a wonderful time together.
When they look at the finished snowman, Boris comes up with a great idea… Now, what could possibly happen next? A fun winter picture book that sparks children’s rich imaginations.
Usako-chan on a Snowy Day
Usako-chan is overjoyed to see snow for the first time.
Bundled up warmly, she has fun outside sledding and skating.
Then she finds a little bird crying.
It seems the bird is cold… So Usako-chan decides to make a home for it.
Will the little bird stop crying? This is a lovely picture book where, amid the fun of winter play and a few small mishaps, you can feel Usako-chan’s kindness.
It’s a story that even very young children can enjoy, so be sure to include it in your winter read-alouds.
Snowy path stroll
Yukimichi Sanpo is a story about a girl taking a walk through a snowy landscape.
She looks outside to find a world of silver—who wouldn’t want to go out? Bundled up warmly, she crunches along the snow-covered path.
Along the way, she discovers camellia blossoms dusted with snow and icicles lined up along the eaves.
As you gaze at the beautiful watercolor illustrations, it feels as if a real winter scene is unfolding right before your eyes.
Children are sure to look on with sparkling eyes and enjoy it, too.
I’d be delighted if this picture book helps you find yet another way to enjoy winter.
Go-Go Snowball Fight in the Yokai Village
This is a story about yokai happily playing in the snow.
It’s one volume in the hugely popular Yokai Village series.
This time, a Kijimunaa is coming from a southern island.
Because the Kijimunaa comes from a warm place, it isn’t good with the cold.
So the yokai kindly lend it hats and scarves, and even interpret for it since it speaks in a dialect.
Through this picture book, children can learn a lot about how to connect with new friends and how to have fun together.
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.