[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 with Setsubun and winter themes (51–60)

Penelope plays in the snow

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Penelope is a koala girl character who’s hugely popular with kids.

In this picture book, you can enjoy watching Penelope play in the snow in all sorts of ways.

Building snowmen, having snowball fights, sledding—there are lots of fun activities children will want to imitate! What’s more, it’s a lift-the-flap/interactive book, so you can move the mechanisms and play along with Penelope.

It’s a highly recommended book that lets you experience a variety of winter fun all in one volume.

When it’s hard to get real snowfall, why not enjoy some snow play with this book?

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sasashina

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Cozy soup

http://www.amazon.co.jp

When it comes to picture books perfect for the deepening winter chill, “Poka-Poka Soup” is the one to pick.

One day, Takkun catches a cold and is lying in bed when he hears a voice coming from deep inside the futon.

As he ventures further in, he finds a chef making warm soup just for him.

After drinking the soup, his whole body feels toasty warm.

The soup his mother made tastes just the same as the chef’s.

It’s a story set deep within the futon that will make you feel warm inside, too.

After you finish reading, you might just feel like peeking under your own covers.

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Choo-choo Train: A Snowy Stroll

http://www.amazon.co.jp

This is a story about animals riding a locomotive and taking a stroll through the snow.

A daruma doll sits in the driver’s seat, and beyond the snowy scenery, many other wintry touches are sprinkled throughout.

The locomotive is a huge hit, running along the tracks packed to the brim… when suddenly a big snowball drops down and it makes an emergency stop! Just what is that snowball…? Blending in classic winter pastimes, this is a book that lets you joyfully wander through a snowy landscape.

After reading, some children might even go looking for snow themselves.

I hope this picture book helps you feel the special delights that only a cold winter can bring.

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sasashina

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Setsubun Seven

http://www.amazon.co.jp

This is a picture book about Setsubun, taught by heroes.

Speaking of Setsubun, the classic tradition is driving out ogres while saying, “Demons out! Good fortune in!” It’s an event that can make children’s hearts race, but because it’s part of Japan’s traditional culture, I really want them to experience it.

This picture book carefully explains the origins of Setsubun, so I think children will clearly understand why the event is necessary and what they should do.

And if a hero is by their side, they’ll surely be fine even if an ogre shows up!

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sasashina

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced picture books for three-year-olds filled with kindness and thoughtfulness that can warm up a cold winter.

Many of these titles are captivating not only for their stories but also for their illustrations, so we recommend taking your time to look at the pictures as you read aloud.

Choosing picture books perfect for February, when snowy landscapes spread outside, also helps children feel the winter season even while indoors.

Be sure to include picture books with memorable episodes about snow and ogres in your reading time.