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

Last updated:2025/11/8

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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)

Snowy days are so, so hot.Iwamura Kazuo

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As a picture book perfect for three-year-olds who are looking forward to Setsubun and snowy scenes, I recommend Kazuo Iwamura’s “Yuki no Hi wa Atsui Atsui” (“Hot, Hot on a Snowy Day”).

The way the young squirrels play in the snow and how their chilly father squirrel eventually joins in to enjoy the snow as well conveys a sense of family warmth and bonds.

Through this book, children can feel the warmth of a snowy day and the love of family.

Teaching both the joys of winter and the importance of family, this work is also ideal for read-aloud time.

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fluffy futonKazuko G. Stone

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“Fluffy Futon” is a very heartwarming picture book themed around the cold of winter.

The lively insects of Willow Village set off on an adventure in search of a futon, a tale that is sure to bring warmth to children’s hearts.

Kazuko G.

Stone’s beautiful colored-pencil illustrations spark the imagination of three-year-olds.

Reading it during the Setsubun season will add yet another joyful winter memory.

Why not include this book in your selection of winter picture books?

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There’s a demon in my belly.Written by Takako Ozawa / Illustrated by Tatsuma Nishimura

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“There Are Oni in My Tummy” is a perfect picture book for three-year-olds.

Through the bean-throwing custom of Setsubun, it encourages children to face the “oni inside their tummy” that represent their own emotions and behaviors, fostering self-understanding.

With text by Takako Ozawa and illustrations by Tatsuma Nishimura, the charming oni characters resonate with young readers.

By deepening understanding of oni, this story helps make the Setsubun festivities even more enjoyable.

It’s highly recommended for heartwarming read-aloud time at home or in preschool.

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Secret TrainText by Kumiko Kaoru / Illustrations by Yoko Kato

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“Naisho Densha” (The Secret Train) is a winter picture book perfect for three-year-olds, featuring the warm prose of Kumiko Kaoru and the gentle-touch illustrations of Yoko Kato.

The story, which depicts a Setsubun-season, winter-magic-like train journey, fills young readers with the thrill of adventure.

The red train gliding through the snow and the unfamiliar station names spark curiosity, making it ideal for parents and children to enjoy together.

The repeated phrase “Naisho, naisho” (“It’s a secret, it’s a secret”) sticks in children’s ears and invites their participation during read-aloud time.

Be sure to add it to your winter read-alouds.

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Bean Counting SongWritten by Minami Nishiuchi / Illustrated by Shizuko Wakayama

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Mame no Kazo-e Uta (The Bean Counting Song) is a perfect picture book for families to enjoy on Setsubun night.

Its gentle, rhythmic counting song helps children naturally become familiar with numbers while learning about how beans grow.

Shizuko Wakayama’s warm illustrations evoke the feel of winter and are full of touches that make it fun for parents and children to enjoy together.

It’s also easy for nursery and kindergarten teachers to incorporate as a read-aloud, providing an opportunity to deepen children’s understanding of Setsubun customs through the picture book.

Why not brighten a heartwarming winter moment with this book?

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A Snowy Day BirthdayChihiro Iwasaki

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Chihiro Iwasaki’s picture book “A Birthday on a Snowy Day” is perfect for the cold season of February, with a gentle story easy for three-year-olds to understand and delicate illustrations.

The modest wish held by the character Chii-chan and the unexpected turn her birthday takes tenderly resonate with children while conveying the warmth of winter.

Reading this book with a teacher at this time of year, ahead of winter events like Setsubun, is sure to enrich children’s imaginations.

It’s a lovely volume that helps rediscover the charms of winter and watch children grow with the arrival of a new season.

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