[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)
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.
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.