[For Age 4] Must-Read in January! Picture Books to Enjoy Winter
By the time children are four, some can read hiragana and even picture books on their own.
So this time, I’d like to introduce picture books for January that let four-year-olds enjoy the winter season.
We’ve gathered lots of exciting books with real stories—perfect for four-year-olds who are starting to enjoy plot and wonder what will happen next.
You’re sure to find a new favorite.
Whether reading alone or listening to a teacher read aloud, enjoy exploring many picture books!
- [February] Recommended picture books for 4-year-olds: Works that let children feel winter at preschool
- [For 5-year-olds] Picture books recommended for reading in January
- A collection of recommended picture books to read with 4-year-olds that will make the wait for Christmas exciting
- [For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended for January! A Collection of Exciting and Heartwarming Picture Books
- [For 2-year-olds] Recommended picture books to enjoy reading in January
- [March] Recommended for 4-year-olds! Picture books that will make you smile and grin
- [Picture Books] Savor the fun of words: A special feature on recommended onomatopoeia picture books
- For 4-Year-Olds: January Crafts! A Collection of Fun Ideas with Winter and New Year Themes
- [For 1-year-olds] Recommended picture books to read together in January
- [February] A collection of picture books we want to read with the 0-year-old class
- Picture Books to Read with 4-Year-Olds in Winter: Heartwarming Recommended Stories
- Picture Books to Read with 5-Year-Olds: Recommended Titles to Make Winter More Fun
- Picture books to read in winter! Story ideas that will captivate 3-year-olds
[Age 4] Must-reads for January! Picture books to enjoy winter (71–80)
When the snow stops
A heartwarming story about a parent and child rabbit, perfect for winter reading.
It’s snowing that day, so they can’t go outside, and the father can’t make it home.
The little rabbit is alone at home with its mother.
They decide to skip their shopping trip and spend time indoors playing cards and relaxing together.
Then, on a night when the snow lets up, they step outside for a little while to play in the snow.
A quiet winter tale portraying a special time shared between parent and child.
Why not read it during a precious moment with your own child? This gentle world is sure to soothe your heart.
snowball
The picture book Snowball, featuring the adorable Tottoru rolling snow, is utterly charming.
One morning, Tottoru notices that snow has fallen and makes a small snowball.
Then he starts rolling it over the snow, and the snowball grows bigger and bigger.
Before he knows it, he’s reached the top of a hill—and the snowball tumbles down.
What will happen to the snowball? The exciting turn of events will surely make children’s hearts race.
It’s a perfect read-aloud for winter that conveys the joy of playing in the snow.
The Land of Snowmen
The picture book on the next page, Snowman Country, begins with Hop making a snowman.
Hop names the snowman “Pepe.” Pepe has to return to the country of snowmen.
Because Hop loves Pepe, he asks to go to the snowman country together.
It’s a very heartwarming story.
It’s also recommended to enjoy the story while talking with children about what the snowman country might be like.
What is yuki?
A story about a spring-born fox and rabbit who have never seen snow and ask their friends in the forest, “What is snow?” Using the clues they gather, the two set out to search for it.
Will they be able to find snow? Whether you already know snow or not, you’ll imagine what it’s like together with the fox and rabbit—and surely feel excited.
Enjoy the beautiful forest scenery and join them on their snow hunt.
And when real snow falls, try playing in it, too.
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.
Go-Go Snowball Fight in the Yokai Village
This is a story about yokai happily playing in the snow.
It’s one volume in the hugely popular Yokai Village series.
This time, a Kijimunaa is coming from a southern island.
Because the Kijimunaa comes from a warm place, it isn’t good with the cold.
So the yokai kindly lend it hats and scarves, and even interpret for it since it speaks in a dialect.
Through this picture book, children can learn a lot about how to connect with new friends and how to have fun together.