[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 you feel winter at daycare (71–80)
Tomin Hotel Gussuri Dozo
When the severity of the cold increases in winter, some animals go into hibernation, don’t they? This is a story about three rabbits who welcome hibernating animals at Hotel Good-Sleep-Doze deep in the forest.
Sometimes the winter chill is so intense that it’s hard to get by without a heater.
But the animals living in nature seem able to sleep soundly and greet the spring with peace of mind at Hotel Good-Sleep-Doze.
Although it’s a winter tale, the hotel is depicted in a way that conveys warmth.
It’s a unique work that shines a spotlight on hibernation—something humans don’t do.
It may also give children a chance to learn about hibernation through a picture book.
A Snowy Day BirthdayChihiro Iwasaki
Chihiro Iwasaki’s “A Birthday on a Snowy Day” is a story about a girl eagerly awaiting snow.
Its gentle illustrations and heartwarming narrative are captivating.
Children will likely relate to the wish of the protagonist, Chii-chan, as her birthday approaches.
It’s a perfect book for the cold month of February.
This picture book conveys the joys of winter and the warmth of friendships.
The mysterious happenings on a snowy day are sure to spark children’s imaginations.
Iwasaki’s delicate brushwork further enriches the world of the story.
It’s also a great choice for read-aloud sessions at storytime.
In conclusion
We have introduced a wide range of picture books, from stories set in the cold winter to works themed around traditional events beloved in Japan.
Many of them are engaging enough for adults as well, so teachers and guardians can enjoy them together with children.
They’re great for reading aloud to four-year-olds, or you can have the children read the books themselves.
Try reading these seasonally themed stories—featuring elements like chocolate or oni (ogres)—during storytelling sessions or read-aloud time.


