Christmas picture books that toddlers can enjoy! A collection of read-aloud stories that will leave a lasting impression.

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.
lighterutatane
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.

How about enjoying a Christmas picture-book read-aloud with your children? As you watch the snow fall outside the window, spend a special time together in a warm, cozy room.

Open your favorite Christmas picture book, and a wonderful world of stories unfolds before you.

Here, we’ll introduce heartwarming picture books perfect for the holiday season and tips for read-alouds that will resonate with children.

It’s sure to create lovely Christmas memories for both kids and adults.

Christmas picture books that toddlers can enjoy! A collection of read-aloud stories that leave a lasting impression (11–20)

Christmas of the Working Vehicles

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This is the Christmas version of the beloved “Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site” series, hugely popular with vehicle-loving kids.

At the construction site, the trucks work hard from morning till night on big jobs.

Not only is the story heartwarming, with wonderful presents waiting for them when their work is done, but the ending—where their work itself becomes a special gift for someone—is especially moving.

With a variety of vehicles like dump trucks and bulldozers, children are drawn right in, and the book gently guides them to sleep with a comforting “Good night” at the end.

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Gifts from the Window

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“Window Gifts” is a perfect read for the heart-thumping excitement of the Christmas season.

Taro Gomi’s adorable illustrations and cleverly twisted story draw children into the magic of Christmas! Plus, the playful die-cut holes add to the experience, and the book is filled with messages that resonate not only with kids but with adults too.

Reading it together will help deepen a special bond with your children.

If you’re unsure which picture book to choose for read-aloud time, why not select this one?

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Santa’s Magic Spell

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“Santa’s Magic Spell” is a book that teaches the joy of Christmas in a way you’ve never seen before.

What arrives from Santa isn’t the hoped-for presents, but, at first glance, a tough gift for kids: vegetables and a letter with a magic spell written on it.

However, when you chant the spell over the vegetables, they transform into fun shapes! The playful papercut illustrations, together with the simple message, are sure to bring children an exciting surprise.

It’s perfect for read-aloud time at nurseries, kindergartens, and at home—be sure to check it out!

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miyabi

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Mr./Ms. Tree

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A Christmas picture book by Hiroyuki Arai, a popular author among younger children for his cute, colorful art and unique ideas.

The premise of a Christmas tree as the main character is exciting and instantly draws children in.

Watching a simple tree become more and more splendid with various decorations mirrors the fun of decorating a tree.

The ending invites children into the story with, “But something’s missing—what could it be?” Be sure to enjoy the time spent thinking it through together!

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hiyori

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Nontan! It’s Santa Claus!

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The Nontan series is something everyone has come across at least once.

“Nontan! It’s Santa Claus” is a picture book that depicts the protagonist Nontan’s journey to find his Christmas present.

The sadness of not being able to find the cat Santa that Nontan is looking for tugs at the reader’s heart, yet that very emotion enhances Nontan’s charm and heightens children’s sense of anticipation.

The rhythmic language and cute illustrations draw children in, and among picture books for toddlers, this one may be the most evocative of the Christmas spirit.

It’s perfect for read-aloud time and makes a wonderful gift!

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miyabi

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Christmas on December 26

http://www.amazon.co.jp

“Christmas on December 26” is a story that takes place after Christmas.

A girl who received a dog from Santa sets out to find him so she can say thank you.

She must have been overjoyed to want to search for someone just to say “thank you”… It’s a work whose pure-hearted childlike sentiment will move adults as well.

Precisely because getting presents at Christmas has become so commonplace today, I hope children will never forget this sense of gratitude.

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sasashina

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Christmas picture books toddlers will enjoy! A collection of read-aloud stories that leave a lasting impression (21–30)

13 Santas

http://www.amazon.co.jp

If you want to choose a Christmas picture book with impact, how about “The 13 Santas”? The characters are 13 mischievous Santas…

or are they? They don’t wear red suits like the Santa we all know; instead, they lick frying pans, bang doors, and do all sorts of quirky things.

They look different from the widely recognized image, but they’re full of personality and really fun.

Set in Iceland, the story also offers a glimpse into people’s everyday lives there.

Enjoy each unique character and be sure to read it together as a parent and child.

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sasashina

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