[February] Recommended picture books for 4-year-olds: Works that let children feel winter at preschool
There are many occasions where we read books to children, such as storytime sessions held indoors at preschools.
Some of you may be wondering which picture books to read in February.
In this article, we’ve put together a selection of picture books that are perfect for February and recommended for four-year-olds.
We’ll introduce works that let children feel the chill of winter, as well as ones themed around events like Setsubun and Valentine’s Day.
How about reading picture books with stories that warm the cold winter for the children?
- Picture Books to Read in February [For 5-Year-Olds]
- [March] Recommended for 4-year-olds! Picture books that will make you smile and grin
- [February] Picture books for 3-year-olds with themes of Setsubun and winter
- [February] Recommended picture books for 2-year-olds: Books that evoke winter and Setsubun
- [For Age 4] Must-Read in January! Picture Books to Enjoy Winter
- [For 4-year-olds] Enjoy February! A Collection of Craft Ideas
- [Picture Books] Savor the fun of words: A special feature on recommended onomatopoeia picture books
- March: Picture Books Recommended for Enjoying with 5-Year-Olds
- [February] A collection of picture books we want to read with the 0-year-old class
- [For 1-year-olds] Recommended picture books to read together in January
- For older kindergarteners: Let’s make it! A collection of recommended origami ideas for February
- [For 4-Year-Olds] Recommended Spring Picture Books | Engaging with the World and Friends
- [For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended for January! A Collection of Exciting and Heartwarming Picture Books
[February] Recommended picture books for 4-year-olds: Works that let children feel winter at daycare (61–70)
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.
The Mischief Squad and the Wolf Forest
The three kids from the “Wanpakudan” series once again wander into a mysterious world.
They find a signboard that says “Ōkami-mori” (Wolf Forest) and decide to go check it out.
There, they meet a small wolf and learn that spring still hasn’t come.
They set out to find a flower called “Haruyobi-hime,” which is said to bring spring when discovered.
It turns out the forest dates back to ancient times, where you can encounter creatures and scenery you don’t usually see.
It’s a delightful book that lets you feel like you’re adventuring alongside the Wanpakudan.
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.
Cozy soup
When it comes to picture books perfect for the deepening winter chill, “Poka-Poka Soup” is the one to pick.
One day, Takkun catches a cold and is lying in bed when he hears a voice coming from deep inside the futon.
As he ventures further in, he finds a chef making warm soup just for him.
After drinking the soup, his whole body feels toasty warm.
The soup his mother made tastes just the same as the chef’s.
It’s a story set deep within the futon that will make you feel warm inside, too.
After you finish reading, you might just feel like peeking under your own covers.
Choo-choo Train: A Snowy Stroll
This is a story about animals riding a locomotive and taking a stroll through the snow.
A daruma doll sits in the driver’s seat, and beyond the snowy scenery, many other wintry touches are sprinkled throughout.
The locomotive is a huge hit, running along the tracks packed to the brim… when suddenly a big snowball drops down and it makes an emergency stop! Just what is that snowball…? Blending in classic winter pastimes, this is a book that lets you joyfully wander through a snowy landscape.
After reading, some children might even go looking for snow themselves.
I hope this picture book helps you feel the special delights that only a cold winter can bring.
Moomintroll’s Winter
Familiar from the beloved characters! This is a picture book featuring the Moomins, originally created by Tove Jansson.
Waking in the night and unable to fall back asleep, Moomintroll decides to go outside.
There, he finds a silver world blanketed in snow…
In the quiet night of the valley, Moomintroll meets all kinds of creatures.
Beautiful snowy landscapes and wondrous, charming beings—this is a book that invites children into a dreamlike world.
If you read it at bedtime, it might make you want to go outside, so we recommend enjoying it during the day!