March: Picture Books Recommended for Enjoying with 5-Year-Olds

The Feelings of a FightText: Aiko Shibata / Illustrations: Hideo Ito

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Kids sometimes get along and sometimes they fight, don’t they? The picture book “Kenka no Kimochi” (How It Feels to Fight) portrays how children feel when they’ve had a quarrel.

Frustration, sadness, and that feeling of not being ready to make up even after someone apologizes… The dynamic illustrations and the straightforward expression of children’s emotions will surely draw young readers in.

Five-year-olds are about to start elementary school, make more friends, and may find themselves fighting more often.

But by reading this book, they can feel reassured that fights do come to an end—and that they can be back to being good friends again soon.

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Who’s the sleepyhead?Text: Reiko Katayama / Illustrations: Azumimushi

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From winter into spring, even adults often feel sleepy, don’t they? “Who’s the Sleepyhead?” is a story perfect for springtime, where Mimi the rabbit goes around waking up her friends.

The interactions between Mimi and her friends, as well as their charming homes, are absolutely delightful—you’ll find yourself gazing dreamily at the pages.

For children, feeling drowsy or oversleeping is a very relatable theme.

They’ll surely enjoy the book while empathizing with Mimi and her friends.

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You know what’s wonderful about you?Text: Eikichi Tamaoki / Illustrations: Michiko Egashira

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A work that shares many wonderful things about little children and portrays how they grow through the four seasons.

Each word, overflowing with love, gently whispers to your heart, “You are truly wonderful,” filling you with warmth.

This is a picture book to read when you want children to realize that simply being alive, simply existing, is remarkable, and that it’s okay to be just the way they are.

It’s perfect for older kindergarteners taking their first steps toward elementary school.

Please try reading it when you want to convey your love—from parent to child, from teacher to child.

Nezumi-kun’s Pip-Pip PicnicText: Yoshio Nakae / Illustrations: Noriko Ueno

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The long-loved Nezumikun picture book series has charmed readers for years.

This time, it’s a perfect springtime picnic story.

Nezumikun and his friends, who planned to meet at the park with their packed lunches, try to decide, “Where should we go?” but can’t agree on a destination.

In the end, an unexpected turn leads them to a truly wonderful place.

The story carries the author’s message that “the most important things are close at hand.” Like the warmth of a spring day, this Nezumikun picture book gently warms the heart—be sure to read it with your children.

The Mischief Squad’s Secret BaseText: Yumiko Yuki / Illustrations: Yoshiya Ueno

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Many of you may have fond memories of building secret hideouts when you were little.

One book in the mischievous Wanpakudan series that taps into that childhood spirit is Wanpakudan no Himitsukichi (The Mischief Squad’s Secret Base).

When the three members of the mischievous gang open the door to the secret base they built in a vacant lot, they find a world where cats talk on the other side.

Transformed into cats themselves, the three are roped into joining a band of alley cats.

Children are sure to be captivated by this wondrous world brimming with dreams and excitement! Be sure to read it together with children full of imagination and curiosity, and enjoy a delightful time.

Mame-mame-kunText by Davide Cali / Illustrations by Sébastien Mourrain

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A story about the tiny, bean-sized protagonist, Mamemame-kun, growing up.

Although his small body brings many inconveniences and challenges, Mamemame-kun discovers things only he can do and finds what he loves, growing stronger and more resilient along the way.

This is a book that gives courage to five-year-olds who are excited yet anxious about starting elementary school.

The stylish, richly atmospheric illustrations are brimming with Mamemame-kun’s charm.

Just like the confident Mamemame-kun, we hope children will embrace their individuality and find their own path forward.

Everyone is friendsText: Hirotaka Nakagawa / Illustrations: Yasunari Murakami

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Minna Tomodachi (We’re All Friends) is a book I want to read with the senior kindergarteners who are about to graduate.

There’s also a graduation song that sets the book’s words to music, isn’t there? I imagine many kindergartens and nursery schools sing the Minna Tomodachi song at their graduation ceremonies.

As you read the picture book, its simple, short phrases speak straight to the heart, and memories with friends naturally come flooding back.

With a bright, positive tone, it teaches the importance of time spent with friends and of friends themselves.

Be sure to turn the pages while singing together with the children, and look back on each and every memory.