Picture Books to Read in February [For 5-Year-Olds]
When you think of events in February, what comes to mind?
Perhaps Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, or if it’s a holiday, National Foundation Day.
Some of you might picture the cold or snowy landscapes before any specific events.
This time, we’d like to introduce picture books about February that are perfect for five-year-olds.
We’ve selected a wide range—from sweet, charming stories to titles that even adults can learn from!
Be sure to read to the end!
- [February] Recommended picture books for 4-year-olds: Works that let children feel winter at preschool
- [February] Picture books for 3-year-olds with themes of Setsubun and winter
- March: Picture Books Recommended for Enjoying with 5-Year-Olds
- [For 5-year-olds] Picture Books to Read in Spring | Let’s Explore Different Worlds with Children
- [Picture Books] Savor the fun of words: A special feature on recommended onomatopoeia picture books
- [February] Recommended picture books for 2-year-olds: Books that evoke winter and Setsubun
- [For 2-year-olds] Let's read together! Recommended picture books for March
- [For preschoolers] A collection of origami ideas to enjoy February, including Setsubun and Valentine’s Day
- [Quiz] A Collection of Quizzes You Can Use in February Childcare
- [February] A collection of picture books we want to read with the 0-year-old class
- For older kindergarteners: Let’s make it! A collection of recommended origami ideas for February
- [For 2-year-olds] Recommended picture books to enjoy reading in January
- [For 5-year-olds] Picture books recommended for reading in January
[For Age 5] Picture Books to Read in February (21–30)
Someone’s single glove
On cold days, lots of children go out wearing gloves, don’t they? Mako-chan, the little girl in this picture book, also puts on the brand-new gloves she just got and goes for a walk with her big sister and their dog Kunku.
Along the way, they find single gloves dropped here and there, and some of them look like rabbits and other shapes.
It’s a delightful book that showcases children’s rich imaginations.
The ending, where a miracle-like coincidence occurs, will surely put children at ease.
It also seems like a story that nurtures a sense of taking good care of one’s belongings.
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?
Choo-choo Train: A Snowy Stroll
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.
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!
Abuku-tattaShinobu Saito
Shinobu Saito’s “Abukutatta” is a picture book that’s perfect for the cold season.
Centered on a traditional children’s song, it’s a work that parents and children can enjoy together.
The book is sprinkled with rhythmic wordplay that stimulates children’s imagination.
Saito’s warm illustrations gently depict winter scenes.
It’s also a great read around Setsubun.
Through this picture book, children can experience traditional Japanese games and songs.
Storytime with this book is sure to become a fond memory.
In conclusion
I introduced quite a lot—did any of them catch your eye? As you might expect, there were many picture books featuring Setsubun and oni (demons).
Whether long-beloved classics or recently released new titles, they’re all delightful!