[For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended for January! A Collection of Exciting and Heartwarming Picture Books

The Beginning of the Twelve Zodiac Animals

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Have you ever been asked by a child, “Why isn’t there a Year of the Cat?” Here’s a picture book that turns that very question into a story even a three-year-old can understand, perfect for teaching about the zodiac.

It’s an ideal read for the start of the year, explaining how the twelve animals of the zodiac came to be.

On New Year’s morning, the gods summon the animals to choose which twelve will be leaders for the year and to decide their order.

Eager to be first, the animals hurry to the gods.

There’s also a bit about why cats chase mice.

Be sure to read it with your children during the New Year!

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kepiko

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New Year’s with osechi (traditional New Year’s cuisine)

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Let me introduce you to the picture book Osechi no Oshōgatsu, which conveys the warmth of a cloth book.

As the title suggests, it’s a volume themed around the New Year’s feast, osechi.

Astonishingly, the stacked food box (jubako) turns into a car and drives along the road, picking up the dishes it encounters—like black soybeans and kelp rolls—along the way.

The dishes themselves clearly explain their meanings, too.

Since everything is crafted with needlework rather than illustrated, it offers the luxurious feel of holding a cloth picture book.

The dishes even have little faces, making them absolutely adorable.

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sasashina

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Pumpkin Soup Bath

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Here’s a humor-filled picture book by Keiko Shibata, famous for the “Bread Thief” and “Polar Bear Picture Book” series.

Even the title—“Pumpkin Soup Bath”—makes you want to read it, doesn’t it? The story follows a trio of best friends—a bear, an alpaca, and a cat—who are walking through the forest with hungry tummies when they stumble upon a pumpkin bath.

There’s a sign saying you may get in but absolutely must not drink it… Still… Well, enjoy the punchline with your child and have a good laugh! It’s a curious picture book that makes you feel all warm and cozy as you read.

Kontoma Yumi-chan

http://www.amazon.co.jp

This is a story about Kon, a fox, and a human girl named Mayumi becoming friends.

While Mayumi is roasting mochi inside a snow hut (kamakura), Kon arrives.

He gives a little cough—“kon!”—to announce his presence.

The two quickly become close and promise to meet again the next day.

But the following day, no matter how long Kon waits, Mayumi doesn’t appear…

Centered on friendship and consideration for one another, this work conveys messages we want to share with children, told through a warm narrative and beautiful illustrations.

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sasashina

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Hedgehog-kun’s Snowman

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Here’s the perfect book for a snowy day.

The story goes like this: On a snowy day, a grandmother can’t help worrying about whether the package she ordered will arrive safely.

So little Hedgehog builds a big snowman as a landmark to keep the mail carrier from getting lost, but… It’s the kind of tale that makes you want to keep reading.

The illustrations, painted mainly in soft hues, carry a certain warmth, and the depiction of snow—like little tufts of cotton pressed onto the page—is lovely.

It’s a book that would also make a delightful gift.

The Snow Hare’s Gift

http://www.amazon.co.jp

The hero of this story is Pete the snow bunny.

He’s happily playing in the snow with his friends, but it’s so cold that everyone heads home.

Feeling at a loss, Pete suddenly has a great idea—something gentle and heartwarming that shows how much he cares about his friends.

This picture book uses silver foil on every page, so it sparkles as you turn the pages and fills you with excitement.

It’s also perfect for the Christmas season, making it a wonderful gift.

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sasashina

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The Yokai Grandma of Yokai Village

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Where do you all go back to in the countryside? For children, visiting Grandma’s house in the country is something novel and exciting—and even more so if it’s Great-Grandma’s.

Perhaps this picture book–like world exists somewhere between daydream and reality.

The heroine, Sumire, goes to stay over at her great-grandmother’s house, and when Great-Grandma starts moving her mouth and beckoning with her hand… Well, you’ll have to read to find out.

A highly recommended book that will make you want to visit Yokai Village!