Picture books to read at Christmas! A collection of picture book ideas that will move adults, too.

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”

On Christmas night, many of us want to spend a special time with our children.

Christmas trees and presents are wonderful, but curling up in a warm room, opening a picture book, and immersing yourselves in a world of stories creates memories that will stay in your hearts for years to come.

In this article, we introduce picture books that are perfect for Christmas.

We’ve gathered titles filled with heartwarming stories and beautiful illustrations, as well as books with delightful twists that will bring out smiles—great for both read-aloud time and independent reading.

This Christmas, gather around a picture book with someone you love and savor an irreplaceable moment together!

Picture books to read at Christmas! An idea collection of picture books that will move adults too (31–40)

You know, in Santa’s country…

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This is a picture book called “You know, in Santa’s Country…” The soft, fluffy artwork is absolutely adorable and heartwarming.

It’s a story that follows a year in the life of kids’ beloved Santa, and it’s unique to see so many Santas having weigh-ins, riding seals and hot-air balloons, and enjoying themselves.

Even children who tend to get bored will likely stay captivated right to the end!

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hiyori

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Big tree, small tree

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This is a story inspired by the Christmas tree, an essential element that brightens the holiday season.

A large tree arrives at Mr.

Willowby’s mansion, but when they try to set it up, it’s so tall that it hits the ceiling.

They cut off the top and give it to the maid, but in her home the tip also hits the ceiling.

The pattern of the top getting stuck, being cut off, and then passed on to someone else repeats again and again.

Although the tree grows smaller, the joy spreads far and wide—a warm and uplifting tale.

The cheerful appearances of the forest animals are especially memorable, and the gentle illustrations that carry the story along seem to convey happiness to the readers as well.

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kappamaki

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The Little Helpers’ Christmas

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This is the picture book Otasukekobito no Christmas, written by Chihiro Nakagawa and illustrated by Junji Koyose.

It’s a cute, horizontally formatted book, and the key feature is that it’s full of hardworking vehicles.

Boys who love things that go would be thrilled! It’s also appealing because if you read it carefully, there’s a lot to enjoy—the connection to Santa becomes clear at the end, and you can discover new details by looking closely at the tiny little people throughout the illustrations.

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hiyori

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The Nutcracker

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The Nutcracker, a famous ballet based on music by the Russian composer Tchaikovsky, is a work inspired by a fairy tale by E.

Hoffmann.

On Christmas Eve, Clara accidentally breaks a nutcracker she received as a gift from her uncle.

Saddened that the nutcracker she fell in love with at first sight is broken, she has a mysterious dream that night.

She meets toy soldiers and a prince, and is invited to the Land of Dolls, where she spends a magical time.

The tea, sweets, and dances from various countries with which she is entertained in the Land of Dolls are also portrayed in the ballet, making it delightful to enjoy together with the music, so please be sure to see it as well.

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nikki

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Santa the Cold‑Sensitive

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It’s a behind-the-scenes look at Santa’s job delivering presents to children on Christmas Eve.

It doesn’t just cover the preparations for Christmas and the delivery of gifts; it also depicts his interactions with local people, detailing Santa’s actions from Christmas Eve through Christmas morning.

Santa’s endearing character—sensitive to the cold and fond of a drink—is a big part of the charm.

After finishing his work, he enjoys Christmas himself, and in the end he offers words hoping that readers will have a joyful Christmas too.

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kappamaki

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