[Picture Books] Savor the fun of words: A special feature on recommended onomatopoeia picture books
Have you ever heard the word onomatopoeia?
It refers to words written with rhythmic sound effects like “wan-wan” (woof-woof) or “jaa-jaa” (the sound of rushing water).
When reading picture books aloud, some teachers may feel a bit unsure about how to read these.
The onomatopoeia picture books we’re introducing this time are very easy to read if you imagine the sounds as you go!
For example, when you see “fuwa-fuwa” (fluffy), you wouldn’t read it in a strong, booming voice, would you?
“Fuwa-fuwa” gives a gentle, light impression, so if you read it in a way that shares that image, it will come across clearly.
We’re also introducing many books whose rhythm of language is fun—not just the sounds—so please give them a read!
- [For Toddlers] Fun Trick Questions! Recommended Gotcha Riddles
- [For 3-Year-Olds] Recommended Picture Books for Spring | Exciting and Thrilling Reads
- [For 0-Year-Olds] Picture Books to Read in Spring | Enjoy Picture Books with Your Children
- [For 2-year-olds] Enjoy spring-recommended picture books with your children
- [February] A collection of picture books we want to read with the 0-year-old class
- [Fun] A Collection of Picture Books Featuring Ghosts [Scary]
- [For 2-year-olds] Recommended picture books to enjoy reading in January
- [For Preschoolers] Fun Riddle Collection
- [For 1-year-olds] Picture Books to Enjoy in Spring | Wildflowers and Creatures
- [For 1-year-olds] Recommended picture books to read together in January
- March: Picture Books Recommended for Enjoying with 5-Year-Olds
- [For 5-year-olds] Picture Books to Read in Spring | Let’s Explore Different Worlds with Children
- [Childcare] Letter and word games: Introducing fun activities using hiragana
[Picture Books] Savor the Joy of Words: A Recommended Onomatopoeia Picture Book Collection (1–10)
Nyu— slooosh, slither slither
We’d like to introduce “Nyuu— Suru Suru Suru” by Shinta Cho, a Japanese manga artist and picture book author known for works like “Cabbage-kun” and “The Talkative Omelet.” Its mysterious worldview becomes even more captivating through children’s imaginations! In this story, a hand that goes “nyuu” appears and pulls all sorts of things into the ground—sure to make kids hold their breath.
It’s a book that lets readers enjoy a thrilling sense of suspense.
It’s also a great idea to ask children what they felt after reading it.
Boing!
Let me introduce Tatsuhide Matsuoka’s “Jump!”.
As you can see from the frog on the cover, it features creatures that are great at jumping—“boing!” Unlike most picture books that turn sideways, this one flips vertically to convey the height of the jumps.
Enjoy reading it with your child while chatting about the different, personality-filled ways each animal jumps! It also makes a perfect lead-in before active play, helping kids picture that lively “boing!” jump.
fluffy fluffy fluffy
Shuntaro Tanikawa, one of Japan’s most renowned poets, has created many enduring works, and I’m sure many of you have read his book Moko Moko Moko.
In this work, the illustrations seem to link with the onomatopoeia, and the bold colors and distinctive movements of the images are striking.
Rather than understanding it as a fixed, linear story, it’s a wonderful piece that sparks the imagination.
The impression also changes depending on the reader’s tone of voice and reading speed, which makes it very engaging.
Enjoy the book together while watching your child’s reactions and expressions, and come to love the work alongside them!
woof woof woof woof
We’d like to introduce Jun Takabatake’s Wan Wan Wan Wan, known for Whose Bicycle Is This?.
As you turn the picture-book pages, different creatures appear one after another and make their sounds.
For children who aren’t yet comfortable reading text, it works well to ask in a quiz style.
It’s a work you can enjoy together as your child grows! By tuning your energy and pacing as the reader, you’ll likely see the child’s feelings and thoughts show on their face.
Precisely because it’s simple, you can get hooked on the delightful world of this picture book.
A Picture Book of Japanese Onomatopoeia
A perfect work to spark the question, “When would you use this onomatopoeia?” Let me introduce Noriko Takano’s Picture Book of Japanese Onomatopoeia.
It’s often hard to explain subtle differences in nuance with words, isn’t it? Even adults can find themselves at a loss for words when a child asks, “What does that mean?” How about getting familiar with onomatopoeia in everyday life through this book? As your range of expression grows, conversations become even more fun!