[For 5-year-olds] Picture books recommended for reading in January

The Mischief Squad and the Wolf Forest

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One of the hugely popular entries in the “Wanpakudan” series, which has surpassed one million copies in total.

It’s a heart-pounding adventure story that fully lives up to the catchphrase, “Exciting fantasy adventures for children.” The story follows the Adventure Gang, who lose their way in a forest where spring never comes.

There, together with a wolf pup named Kamui whom they meet, they set off on a quest to find the flower of the “Spring-Summoning Princess,” said to bring spring.

Will the Adventure Gang be able to call spring to the wolves’ forest…? It’s a grand tale that seems perfect as the basis for an animated film, and one you can enjoy again and again!

Penguin Land of the Mischief Squad

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Even just the word “Wanpakku” (mischievous) is exciting, and when you add “dan” (gang) to it, it’s sure to spark children’s curiosity.

In this story, the mischievous gang accidentally wanders into a world of snow and ice.

When they’re in trouble amid a blizzard, they’re rescued by none other than penguins.

But Penguin Land, where the penguins live, is facing the threat of a volcanic eruption… a thrilling development reminiscent of an animated film.

This title is also well known as part of the “Wanpakudan” series.

Of course, the other “Wanpakudan” books are highly recommended too!

The Tale of the Twelve Zodiac Animals

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How old were you when you first learned about the twelve zodiac animals? Strangely enough, before you even realize it, you’ve memorized them and can rattle them off on your fingers—“rat, ox, tiger, rabbi…”—all the way to the twelfth.

This book is packed with all things related to the twelve animals.

It’s full of curiosity-sparking topics, like the origin story every adult knows, how the order was decided, and why the ever-popular cat didn’t make the cut.

A highly recommended book you’ll want to read again and again!

Kitten and Coat

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Long ago, coats tended to be seen as something only adults wore, but these days students—and of course even little children—can throw them on with ease.

Here is a lovely story with a coat as its theme.

Time passes without the child ever wearing the coat their mother bought for them, and then one day they suddenly remember it… This heartwarming tale, which adults can enjoy as well, won the Grand Prize at the 5th Picture Book Publishing Awards.

It’s a charming story about a coat and a cat—one you’ll want to read while snuggled up in a warm blanket.

The Mochi’s Feelings

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Mochi is now lined up in supermarkets regardless of New Year’s.

I’ve heard more households have stopped displaying kagami-mochi for the holiday.

How about at your place? Here’s a picture book told from a unique perspective—that of the edible mochi itself.

In the story, the mochi can’t stand being cut, stretched, and eaten anymore, so it runs away! The setup even feels a bit like a comic.

I’m sure even kids who aren’t very fond of books will find it interesting.

Kasajizō

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Even adults have probably heard the famous tale “Kasajizō” at least once.

To buy New Year’s rice cakes, an old man makes some hats and goes to sell them.

But he can’t sell a single one and, feeling down, he heads home.

On the way, he finds stone Jizō statues covered in snow and puts the hats he has on them.

The next day, he hears the sound of a sleigh approaching… This picture book is a very heartwarming story, and the snowy landscapes depicted are beautiful.

In January, be sure to read “Kasajizō” and experience its quiet, gentle world of snow.

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The Bear Cub’s New Year’s Eve

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This is the picture book “Kumanoko no Toshikoshi” (A Little Bear’s New Year’s Eve), which gently portrays what it means to welcome a new year.

Every time the little bear sees his mom and dad doing a big year-end cleaning, writing New Year’s cards, or shopping for osechi (traditional New Year’s dishes), he asks what they are doing.

In this way, he’s moved by each thing people do to welcome the New Year, and he enjoys imitating them.

If you read this book with children in January, they’ll likely tell you about their own experiences: “I did ___!” “I did ___ too!” Please read this picture book and ask them how they spent New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

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