A collection of recommended picture books to read with 4-year-olds that will make the wait for Christmas exciting

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.

Christmas is just around the corner! For 4-year-olds, it’s a special season filled with excitement as they look forward to Santa and presents.

What makes the magic of Christmas shine even brighter is discovering heartwarming picture books.

They can comfort children as they wait for their gifts, or introduce them to little-known stories about Santa.

We’ll introduce a variety of wonderful, fun picture books that are perfect for this time of year.

Enjoy the unique world of Christmas stories together with your 4-year-olds!

Books to Read with 4-Year-Olds! A Collection of Recommended Picture Books That Will Make You Excited for Christmas (81–90)

Santa’s Present Factory

amzn.asia

This is a delightful picture book with the fun premise that Santa’s gift factory gets busy as Christmas approaches.

As you look around inside the factory, it becomes a quiz-style search to find who is doing what and where.

Not only does it include educational elements, but its colorful, cute illustrations and uniquely shaped, non-rectangular pages are sure to excite many children.

Once they get used to it, kids can read it on their own or enjoy reading it together with friends.

It’s a picture book everyone can enjoy.

Raise the rankinglower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

12 Months in Santa’s Country

amzn.asia

Santa comes into the spotlight in December, but this book was born from the question of what he does during the other months—a premise many of you might find intriguing.

In Finland, there is a legend that Santa lives with elves called tonttu on Mount Korvatunturi in the old Lapland region, and this picture book is based on that legend.

Reading this book will spark children’s imaginations even more.

Raise the rankinglower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

The Nightmare Before Christmas

amzn.asia

The picture book The Nightmare Before Christmas for 4-year-olds is packed with Tim Burton’s unique worldview.

With vividly colorful illustrations and distinctive characters, it stimulates children’s curiosity and imagination.

The main character, Jack, learns about what makes Christmas special.

Through Jack’s adventures, children may come to understand the true meaning and specialness of Christmas.

There’s also the joy of making new discoveries from the book’s vibrant colors and characters.

Raise the rankinglower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

Piyo piyo, Merry Christmas

amzn.asia

This book is the second installment in picture-book author Noriko Kudoh’s popular Piyo Piyo series.

The five Piyo Piyo chick siblings are looking forward to Christmas.

They’re all aflutter wondering if Santa will really come, and they enjoy delicious dishes and cake.

The quirky drawings of the chicks are adorable, too.

It’s a great book for helping children learn what Christmas is all about.

Be sure to read it aloud to kids who are wondering, “What is Christmas?” It’s also fun to make the cake and cream soda that appear in the story.

Raise the rankinglower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

Pokopoko Christmas Cookies

amzn.asia

Here is the Christmas edition of Sachie Sakai’s popular picture book series, Pokopoko.

This picture book, which would make a great Christmas gift, even comes with bonus sparkling stickers.

In the story, Pokopoko and friends bring cookies to share and enjoy Christmas together.

After reading, it might be fun to try baking cookies yourself.

Children who read the book may even feel like they’ve joined the party.

Raise the rankinglower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

On a magical night

amzn.asia

Here is a Christmas picture book that’s loved and translated all around the world.

When we think of Santa, his sleigh is pulled by reindeer—but this story depicts how Santa met those reindeer.

It’s said that Santa’s sleigh was originally pulled by a horse named Silver Bell.

This book tells the story of the reindeer who took the horse’s place and keeps working faithfully.

The colors in the illustrations are beautiful, and they’re likely to leave a strong impression on children and move them deeply.

It’s a wonderful book that teaches children the value of living with integrity.

Raise the rankinglower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

In conclusion

We introduced a variety of Christmas picture books.

Four-year-olds love imagining Santa’s world, don’t they? By experiencing Santa’s kindness and the magic of Christmas, wonderful stories are sure to blossom in a child’s heart.

Try spending a dreamlike time together with your four-year-old as you read picture books aloud.