[For Age 4] Must-Read in January! Picture Books to Enjoy Winter

The Mischief Squad and the Wolf Forest

http://www.amazon.co.jp

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.

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sasashina

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Tom and Pippo go out for a walk

http://www.amazon.co.jp

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.

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mayumi

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Cozy soup

http://www.amazon.co.jp

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.

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mayumi

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Choo-choo Train: A Snowy Stroll

http://www.amazon.co.jp

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.

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sasashina

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Moomintroll’s Winter

http://www.amazon.co.jp

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!

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sasashina

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Merry Christmas! An advent calendar to enjoy with picture books

http://www.amazon.co.jp

A special picture book that lets you count down the 24 days until Christmas with a storybook! Each day, as you open a tiny page, you’ll discover that day’s unique Christmas preparations—decorating the tree, baking treats, getting presents ready, and more.

It’s like having an advent calendar inside a picture book, and every time a page is opened, a child’s face lights up with a smile.

The time spent waiting is one of Christmas’s magical elements.

Through the joy of one page a day, this book nurtures the delightful feeling of “waiting with anticipation.”

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Nanaka

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Te arā Īmo uga ĪmoAya Watanabe

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From the hugely popular “Vegetable Life” picture book series for children, here’s an introduction to the delightfully titled “Te-ara-IMO Uga-IMO.” Handwashing and gargling are very important daily habits.

But kids might skip them because they’re eager to play or find washing a hassle.

At times like that, why not read this picture book first and then try washing and gargling? It’s packed with catchy, rhythmic phrases that kids will want to sing along to.

If everyone hums along while washing their hands, it’s sure to make the routine more fun.