[For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended for January! A Collection of Exciting and Heartwarming Picture Books
After the New Year holidays, our lively three-year-olds are coming back to preschool.
Some children might feel a bit nervous returning to daycare or kindergarten after such a long break.
So today, we’d like to introduce some recommended picture books for January that three-year-olds can enjoy! You might find books about New Year’s traditions, bath time, hot pot, snow, and other familiar experiences that children may have had—now brought to life in picture-book form.
We’re sure their eyes will sparkle with excitement.
Enjoy reading them together while chatting with the children!
- [For 3-year-olds] Recommended Picture Books to Read in March
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- [February] Picture books for 3-year-olds with themes of Setsubun and winter
- Recommended Picture Books to Read in January for 0-Year-Olds
- [For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended Picture Books for Spring | Exciting and Thrilling Reads
- [For Age 4] Must-Read in January! Picture Books to Enjoy Winter
- [February] Recommended picture books for 4-year-olds: Works that let children feel winter at preschool
- [February] Recommended picture books for 2-year-olds: Books that evoke winter and Setsubun
- [For 2-year-olds] Let's read together! Recommended picture books for March
- Picture books to read in winter! Story ideas that will captivate 3-year-olds
- [For 1-year-olds] Recommended picture books to read together in January
- [For 5-year-olds] Picture books recommended for reading in January
- [For 3-year-olds] Perfect January Winter & New Year Crafts! A Collection of Fun, Hands-On Ideas
[For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended for January! A Heart-Pounding, Heartwarming Picture Book Collection (41–50)
When the snow stops
A heartwarming story about a parent and child rabbit, perfect for winter reading.
It’s snowing that day, so they can’t go outside, and the father can’t make it home.
The little rabbit is alone at home with its mother.
They decide to skip their shopping trip and spend time indoors playing cards and relaxing together.
Then, on a night when the snow lets up, they step outside for a little while to play in the snow.
A quiet winter tale portraying a special time shared between parent and child.
Why not read it during a precious moment with your own child? This gentle world is sure to soothe your heart.
[For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended for January! A Collection of Heartwarming, Exciting Picture Books (51–60)
snowball
The picture book Snowball, featuring the adorable Tottoru rolling snow, is utterly charming.
One morning, Tottoru notices that snow has fallen and makes a small snowball.
Then he starts rolling it over the snow, and the snowball grows bigger and bigger.
Before he knows it, he’s reached the top of a hill—and the snowball tumbles down.
What will happen to the snowball? The exciting turn of events will surely make children’s hearts race.
It’s a perfect read-aloud for winter that conveys the joy of playing in the snow.
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.
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.
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.
