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

The reason we display Hina dolls for HinamatsuriText: Nanao Seo / Illustrations: Jun Okamoto

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There’s a custom of displaying hina dolls during Hinamatsuri, a traditional Japanese festival, based on the belief that the dolls act as substitutes to protect girls.

This picture book presents the origins of Hinamatsuri in a story that’s easy for children to understand.

The nostalgic Japanese scenes are delicately depicted in calm tones, and the book also touches on warm sibling love.

How will five-year-olds—who are in a period of rich sensitivity and rapid emotional growth—respond to it? I hope you’ll read it together and deepen their interest in traditional events.

Delicious Hina DollsText: Asae Suto / Illustrations: Yukiko Kobayashi

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When it comes to picture books to read in March, Hina Matsuri (Doll’s Festival) books are the obvious choice.

This one, titled “A Delicious Hina Matsuri,” is perfect for three-year-olds who are starting to take an interest in seasonal events.

Little Mouse and Little Squirrel look at the Hina dolls and each make something of their own.

As the title suggests, the “delicious” aspect is a big draw that captivates children as they read.

Through this book, kids can enjoyably get a feel for the history and traditions of Hina Matsuri, so be sure to give it a read!

Bread ThiefKeiko Shibata

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Keiko Shibata’s picture book “The Bread Thief” is a wildly popular title not only with children but also with adults, and it’s such a unique book that it’s become a series.

The character leaves a strong impression, and its surreal humor is addicting—both kids and grown-ups can’t help but laugh out loud.

A loaf of bread hoists another bread and makes a getaway—so what on earth is this bread’s true identity…? The book is filled with delicious-looking breads that might just make you hungry! After reading, why not buy some bread and head out to the park?

dandelionMaki Arai

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“Dandelion,” a picture book that carefully and lovingly depicts the dandelions we often see in March.

It shows in detail how these familiar flowers bloom and how they turn into fluffy seed heads, tracing the entire life of a dandelion with great care.

Because dandelions are so familiar, children are naturally drawn in, and after reading, they’ll want to head out and look for real ones.

Through this book, you can sow seeds of curiosity and enjoy seeing how each child nurtures those seeds in their own way.

Give it a read!

Secret, secret HinamatsuriMami Suzuki

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Let me introduce “Himitsu Himitsu no Hinamatsuri.” It’s written entirely in hiragana, making it a perfect picture book for toddlers who are just starting to take an interest in letters.

While the main character, Ei-chan, is drawing, they hear a voice coming from the closet.

To their surprise, the Hina dolls are talking! The dolls, discovered by Ei-chan, hurriedly try to go back, but… The story is wonderfully unique, and the exchanges between Ei-chan and the Hina dolls are really fun.

Be sure to pick it up and enjoy this fantastical world!

Mr. Cabbage and Mr. ButayamaShinta Cho

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How about this picture book for March, when spring cabbage is at its tastiest? “Cabbage-kun and Mr.

Butayama” is a humor-filled picture book illustrated by Shinta Cho, and it’s hugely popular with children.

It features the funny duo of Cabbage-kun and Mr.

Butayama, who can’t help seeing Cabbage-kun as something to eat.

This time, it’s a thrilling story set on a suspension bridge deep in the mountains.

Despite the tension, the book has an irresistibly funny and heartwarming feel.

Please give it a read!

Te arā Īmo uga ĪmoAya Watanabe

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From the hugely popular “Vegetable Life” picture book series for children, here’s an introduction to the delightfully titled “Te-ara-IMO Uga-IMO.” Handwashing and gargling are very important daily habits.

But kids might skip them because they’re eager to play or find washing a hassle.

At times like that, why not read this picture book first and then try washing and gargling? It’s packed with catchy, rhythmic phrases that kids will want to sing along to.

If everyone hums along while washing their hands, it’s sure to make the routine more fun.