Picture Books to Read with 4-Year-Olds in Winter: Heartwarming Recommended Stories
How about spending a lovely time with your 4-year-old by reading picture books that are perfect for winter? Here, we’ll introduce winter-themed picture books that spark a 4-year-old’s curiosity and nurture their imagination.
From playing in the snow and cozy hot-pot meals to fun Christmas moments, there are plenty of heartwarming stories featuring snow and winter creatures—perfect for snuggling up and reading indoors.
Story time with your 4-year-old will become even more enjoyable.
Through these picture books, you’re sure to find hints for making the cold winter season fun!
Picture books to read with 4-year-olds in winter! Heartwarming recommended stories (1–10)
New Year’s with osechi (traditional New Year’s cuisine)
Let me introduce you to the picture book Osechi no Oshōgatsu, which conveys the warmth of a cloth book.
As the title suggests, it’s a volume themed around the New Year’s feast, osechi.
Astonishingly, the stacked food box (jubako) turns into a car and drives along the road, picking up the dishes it encounters—like black soybeans and kelp rolls—along the way.
The dishes themselves clearly explain their meanings, too.
Since everything is crafted with needlework rather than illustrated, it offers the luxurious feel of holding a cloth picture book.
The dishes even have little faces, making them absolutely adorable.
Pumpkin Soup Bath
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
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.
Sakura and Yuki
Sakura and Yuki is a book depicting the spirits of cherry blossoms and snow who wish to meet “just once more.” Although the two meet and become friends, they find it hard to see each other again, and their longing only grows.
The way they ask a cat and a little bird about one another is endearing and a little bittersweet.
Just looking at the beautiful illustrations, drawn with a delicate touch, invites you to imagine a gentle, warm story.
It’s a picture book to enjoy by looking and listening, filled with stunning snowy scenes and cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Setsubun Seven
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!
gloves
It’s a story about various animals crawling into a mitten that was lying in the snow.
A mouse, a frog, a rabbit, a fox… At first the mitten has plenty of room, but it gets tighter and tighter as more animals squeeze in.
Just when there seems to be no space left, along comes a bear.
The animals say there’s no more room, but the bear really wants to get in.
What will they do? The mitten, packed full, looks nice and warm, but a bit cramped.
Still, it makes you want to climb in with them, doesn’t it?
The Snow Hare’s Gift
The hero of this story is Pete the snow bunny.
He’s happily playing in the snow with his friends, but it’s so cold that everyone heads home.
Feeling at a loss, Pete suddenly has a great idea—something gentle and heartwarming that shows how much he cares about his friends.
This picture book uses silver foil on every page, so it sparkles as you turn the pages and fills you with excitement.
It’s also perfect for the Christmas season, making it a wonderful gift.