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 Recommended Picture Book Collection That Will Make You Excited for Christmas (41–50)

Transforming Present

http://www.amazon.co.jp

The picture book “Henshin Present” (Transforming Present) tells the story of Santa delivering wonderful gifts.

In the tale, Santa visits children who are troubled or facing problems, and his presents neatly solve them.

Each child has a name, and by calling that name over and over, it transforms into a present.

It’s a fun picture book where you can guess what the present will be from the situation in the illustration and the child’s name.

We’d love for children to think about whether their own names might be able to transform into presents, too.

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Books to Read with a 4-Year-Old! A Collection of Recommended Picture Books That Will Make You Excited for Christmas (51–60)

Mary-chan’s Christmas

http://www.amazon.co.jp

The story features Mary-chan and Patapon the sheep.

Mary-chan tells Patapon about the Christmas she’s looking forward to.

One of the stories is about Santa putting presents in wooden shoes, and when Patapon hears this, he becomes sad, thinking he won’t receive any gifts.

Mary-chan doesn’t seem to notice Patapon’s feelings and talks only about her own presents.

It’s a work that depicts the pure feelings children have toward Christmas—joy and sadness.

There’s a heartwarming episode at the end, too.

Enjoy reading it along with the adorable illustrations.

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The Bear Mailman

http://www.amazon.co.jp

This picture book has a wonderfully charming premise: a bear who works as a mail carrier.

The story revolves around the bear, showing how carefully he does his job.

Even on Christmas Day, he delivers letters and packages to everyone.

You can feel the Christmas spirit here and there—the tree visible inside people’s homes, the holly decorating the bear’s hat.

After finishing his work, the bear sets out sweets and a drink for Santa and goes to sleep.

It would be lovely if a present arrived for the hardworking bear, too.

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Snow of Dreams

http://www.amazon.co.jp

If you’re looking for a pop-up Christmas book, how about Dream Snow? It’s a work by Eric Carle, known for The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and the story features an old man and some animals.

The old man wakes from a dream in which everything is covered in beautiful snow.

When he looks outside, real snow is falling, which makes him remember something; he hurriedly gets dressed.

What did he remember, and what is he about to do…? There are two pop-up mechanisms: one on the page with the animals, and the second on the last page, where you can hear the sound of bells.

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Little Bear: The Night Before Christmas

http://www.amazon.co.jp

A story about “Me” and “Night Bear” set on Christmas Eve.

Even though the next day is Christmas and should be full of fun, I’m too worried to sleep.

I get scolded a lot, so I’m afraid I’m a bad kid and Santa might not come.

Then Night Bear comes to visit, and the two of us start talking about Christmas.

It’s a warm yet slightly bittersweet, mysterious Christmas tale that draws in both children and adults.

Please enjoy reading it while taking in the softly drawn, beautiful Christmas scenes.

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Advent Calendar Picture Book: I Wonder When Santa Will Come

http://www.amazon.co.jp

This picture book lets you enjoy both an advent calendar that counts down the days to Christmas and a heartwarming Christmas story.

The setting is a northern land, where bear brothers Tete and Toto prepare for Christmas.

Writing a letter to Santa, cleaning the chimney, decorating the tree, getting the feast ready—everything shows just how excited the brothers are for Christmas.

Their kindness and cozy interactions are part of the charm, too.

It’s a heartwarming Christmas picture book that makes a wonderful gift.

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Peek-a-boo, Christmas!

http://www.amazon.co.jp

A picture book made with warm, cozy felt is perfect for a cold winter.

The tactile feel when you touch it and the reader’s voice will likely make you feel calm and relaxed.

As you lift the flaps, wondering what might be hidden under the felt, you’ll find things that bring the Christmas spirit to life.

Gently lift each flap while softly saying “Peekaboo.” At the end, bring the book close to your child’s face and say “Peekaboo!” to enjoy the moment together.

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