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

Wanpaku-dan’s Snow Festival

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Here’s a picture book perfect for four-year-olds in winter! It features a kamakura (a snow hut), familiar in snowy regions.

One winter day, the three members of the Mischief Squad build a kamakura in the park.

That night, when they gather to have a party inside it, a snow-made rabbit snowman appears.

When the three step out of the kamakura with the rabbit snowman, they discover a snowy amusement park stretching out before them! The snowy world is depicted with beautiful illustrations that might even make adults feel excited.

Be sure to enjoy the snowy amusement park together with your child.

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Penguin Land of the Mischief Squad

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A big hit with kids! Let us introduce the Wanpakudan series.

This time, the story is set in the Antarctic, a perfect winter wonderland of snow and ice.

On a cold morning, the three members of the mischievous Wanpakudan, who were playing on the ice at the park, wander into a world of snow and ice.

Arriving at Penguin Land in Antarctica, the trio work together to help the penguins.

It’s a grand-scale tale featuring impressive two-page spreads, and the penguin-inhabited town is full of charm.

The interactive pages along the way are also highly recommended.

You’ll feel like you’ve gone on an adventure to the Antarctic—come enjoy the world of penguins!

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The Beginning of the Twelve Zodiac Animals

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Have the children heard the word “junishi,” the twelve zodiac signs? It’s used to count years, but they might not know much about it.

I wonder if any of them know this year’s zodiac animal from New Year’s cards.

Here is a picture book I’d like to recommend to such children: “The Beginning of the Twelve Zodiac Animals.” It carefully explains how the animals known as the twelve zodiac signs were chosen and why they are in that order.

Along with this year’s zodiac animal, please use this book to learn about the twelve signs.

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Somewhere in this town

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This Town, Somewhere is a story about a boy searching for his lost cat.

It’s a bittersweet tale, yet when you finish reading, you’re left with a sense of satisfaction, much like after watching a good film.

The illustrations—of the cityscape the boy watches from the bus, the wintry snowy scenes—carry a certain poignancy, as if reflecting the boy’s inner world.

Many readers may find themselves closing their eyes, moved by the lingering resonance of the sad yet warm ending, thinking, “So that’s what it was.” It might be a work that touches the heart all the more precisely because you’re an adult.

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The Ten Frogs’ Winter Hibernation

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Let your imagination soar! Here’s a delightful picture book recommended for 4-year-olds who love making things.

Even in winter, ten little frogs who don’t want to hibernate decide to build an underground “Winter Hideout House.” Inside, there are swings, slides, and preserved foods—it all looks like so much fun.

And at the end, you won’t want to miss the super-cute scene with the ten of them.

As you read, enjoy guessing with your child what they’ll make from the various items that appear.

You might be surprised by your child’s unexpected ideas!

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White Korowan

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It’ll make you want to burst into the children’s song “Yuki”! Here’s a picture book about a puppy playing in the snow that’s perfect for 4-year-olds.

Korowan, a puppy who’s seeing snow for the first time, is so delighted that he dashes outside to play.

As Korowan rolls around and plays in the snow, his friend Chorowan comes along, too.

One of the charms of the book is Ken Kuroi’s illustrations—the puppies are irresistibly cute, and the snow looks stunningly beautiful.

You might find yourself so captivated that you turn the pages more slowly.

And when Korowan comes home, there’s a heartwarming story of his gentle mother waiting for him.

Enjoy the snow with your child through these lovely illustrations.

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Mouse’s fishing for fish

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The popular Septuplets series for kids! Here’s a picture book perfect for winter, recommended for four-year-olds.

One day, the seven siblings go ice skating on a frozen lake with their mom and dad.

But when they see a family of weasels ice fishing, they decide to try fishing themselves.

It’s a heartwarming story that shows the closeness of the family.

The mother, who’s actually a master angler, and the father, who handcrafts anything for his family, are especially wonderful.

Cooking over a bonfire on the ice looks fun and delicious, too.

It might even make you want to go smelt fishing.

Kazuo Iwamura’s gentle, detailed illustrations of the mice are also captivating, so please give it a read.

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