[For 5-year-olds] Picture books recommended for reading in January
By the time children are five, they can enjoy a wide variety of picture books, including those with meaningful messages and those full of humor.
Fantasy picture books are especially popular—stories set in worlds of dreams and adventure, or tales where you meet unknown creatures and can enjoy the feeling of being the main character.
The sense of fantasy that often fades as we grow up is something I hope will always remain in our hearts through picture books.
This time, we’re introducing many picture books perfect for five-year-olds to read in January, so be sure to find some that will make children’s hearts flutter with excitement!
- Picture Books to Read in February [For 5-Year-Olds]
- [For Age 4] Must-Read in January! Picture Books to Enjoy Winter
- [For 5-year-olds] Picture Books to Read in Spring | Let’s Explore Different Worlds with Children
- Picture Books to Read with 5-Year-Olds: Recommended Titles to Make Winter More Fun
- [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: Picture Books Recommended for Enjoying with 5-Year-Olds
- A collection of recommended Christmas picture books that will captivate 5-year-olds!
- [For 1-year-olds] Recommended picture books to read together in January
- Enjoy Autumn Picture Books! A Collection of Ideas to Read with Your 5-Year-Old
- Recommended Picture Books to Read in January for 0-Year-Olds
- Fun January Crafts! A Collection of Ideas You Can Make and Play With for 5-Year-Olds
- [February] Recommended picture books for 4-year-olds: Works that let children feel winter at preschool
[For 5-year-olds] Picture books to read in January (41–50)
Nemu in winter hibernation
Nem, a hardworking boy, has come to live on his own at Ippo House.
The season of harsh winter hibernation is just around the corner.
Besides Nem, there are other residents at Ippo House: Pao, who lives in a room filled with books; Mio, who loves painting and singing; and Hiira, who is the same age as Nem.
The four of them interact as they prepare for winter.
This heartwarming book tenderly watches over Nem, leaving you with a cozy feeling.
Someday, children too will strike out on their own like this and broaden their worlds, won’t they? A work that gently spreads through the hearts of adults as well—tinged with a little loneliness and a little joy.
to make a winter coat
A cold winter has arrived.
Saki-chan wants to go play outside, but she doesn’t have a coat to wear.
Then her mother lets her wear her own red coat.
However, since it was too big, they decide to tailor it…
Watching her mother’s coat transform into a lovely coat just the way Saki-chan likes it feels like magic and fills you with excitement.
This is a book that nurtures a sense of valuing things and an interest in making things.
Feel the season of winter as you enjoy this warm story.
snowball
The picture book Snowball, featuring the adorable Tottoru rolling snow, is utterly charming.
One morning, Tottoru notices that snow has fallen and makes a small snowball.
Then he starts rolling it over the snow, and the snowball grows bigger and bigger.
Before he knows it, he’s reached the top of a hill—and the snowball tumbles down.
What will happen to the snowball? The exciting turn of events will surely make children’s hearts race.
It’s a perfect read-aloud for winter that conveys the joy of playing in the snow.
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.
Moomintroll’s Winter
Familiar from the beloved characters! This is a picture book featuring the Moomins, originally created by Tove Jansson.
Waking in the night and unable to fall back asleep, Moomintroll decides to go outside.
There, he finds a silver world blanketed in snow…
In the quiet night of the valley, Moomintroll meets all kinds of creatures.
Beautiful snowy landscapes and wondrous, charming beings—this is a book that invites children into a dreamlike world.
If you read it at bedtime, it might make you want to go outside, so we recommend enjoying it during the day!