[February] Recommended picture books for 4-year-olds: Works that let children feel winter at preschool

Bean-Scattering BusTomohiko Fujimoto

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Mame-maki Bus is a story about a bus and some mice who go out to defeat the Cold Demon rampaging through town on Setsubun.

The Cold Demon coughs and turns everyone in town into demons.

Since it’s still quite cold around Setsubun, preventing colds is important, too.

Bean-throwing is often included as an event, but many children may not know why it’s done.

Reading Mame-maki Bus could be a good opportunity for children to build habits for preventing colds and to learn about the bean-throwing tradition.

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Kawamura Mina

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Pumpkin Soup Bath

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Here’s a humor-filled picture book by Keiko Shibata, famous for the “Bread Thief” and “Polar Bear Picture Book” series.

Even the title—“Pumpkin Soup Bath”—makes you want to read it, doesn’t it? The story follows a trio of best friends—a bear, an alpaca, and a cat—who are walking through the forest with hungry tummies when they stumble upon a pumpkin bath.

There’s a sign saying you may get in but absolutely must not drink it… Still… Well, enjoy the punchline with your child and have a good laugh! It’s a curious picture book that makes you feel all warm and cozy as you read.

Kontoma Yumi-chan

http://www.amazon.co.jp

This is a story about Kon, a fox, and a human girl named Mayumi becoming friends.

While Mayumi is roasting mochi inside a snow hut (kamakura), Kon arrives.

He gives a little cough—“kon!”—to announce his presence.

The two quickly become close and promise to meet again the next day.

But the following day, no matter how long Kon waits, Mayumi doesn’t appear…

Centered on friendship and consideration for one another, this work conveys messages we want to share with children, told through a warm narrative and beautiful illustrations.

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sasashina

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Setsubun Seven

http://www.amazon.co.jp

This is a picture book about Setsubun, taught by heroes.

Speaking of Setsubun, the classic tradition is driving out ogres while saying, “Demons out! Good fortune in!” It’s an event that can make children’s hearts race, but because it’s part of Japan’s traditional culture, I really want them to experience it.

This picture book carefully explains the origins of Setsubun, so I think children will clearly understand why the event is necessary and what they should do.

And if a hero is by their side, they’ll surely be fine even if an ogre shows up!

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sasashina

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Elephant’s Big Snowy Walk

http://www.amazon.co.jp

With their long noses and necks, elephants and giraffes might be the animals that first capture children’s interest.

The picture book series Elephant’s Walk, starring such an elephant, has been loved for over 50 years, and this is its fifth installment.

It’s a heartwarming thought: mothers who grew up reading Elephant’s Walk now reading this book aloud to their own children.

As always, the cheerful elephant sets off on a stroll, eager to show his friends the heavy snow piled on his back… With its simple, delightful repetition, this is a book you’ll want to read again and again.

Orlando the Cat: The Woolen Trousers

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Sparked by an unexpected mishap, this story lets you feel the bonds of family.

After accidentally getting doused in kerosene, the father cat loses the fur on the lower half of his body.

The mother cat knits him pants from yarn that match his original pattern, and the children cheer up their downcast dad.

Though it’s a tale about cats, the family’s all-out effort to say, “Let’s figure this out,” conveys a touching sense of familial love.

Today’s world often makes it hard for families to spend time together, with dual-income households and other pressures.

Time to read picture books as a family may be limited, but it would be wonderful to use picture books as a chance to think about family together.

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Nakajima Junko

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Hedgehog-kun’s Snowman

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Here’s the perfect book for a snowy day.

The story goes like this: On a snowy day, a grandmother can’t help worrying about whether the package she ordered will arrive safely.

So little Hedgehog builds a big snowman as a landmark to keep the mail carrier from getting lost, but… It’s the kind of tale that makes you want to keep reading.

The illustrations, painted mainly in soft hues, carry a certain warmth, and the depiction of snow—like little tufts of cotton pressed onto the page—is lovely.

It’s a book that would also make a delightful gift.