[Picture Books] Savor the fun of words: A special feature on recommended onomatopoeia picture books

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.

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!

[Picture Books] Savoring the Joy of Words: Recommended Onomatopoeia Picture Books (11–20)

glug glug gurgle gurgle

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Let me introduce Gobo Gobo Gobogobo by Katsumi Komagata, renowned in Japan as a book artist and designer.

This work lets you enjoy lively onomatopoeia alongside vividly colored circles in blue, red, orange, and more.

The bold use of color naturally draws children’s interest.

And because there’s no fixed “right” story, the world of the picture book can be enjoyed in many ways through the reader’s tone and rhythm.

As a book that lets children experience the joy of sound, why not use it to spark their senses? Be sure to read it together with your child!

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Dah-dah!

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Let me introduce Michiyo Namura’s “Daddaa.” The charm of onomatopoeia is that everyone—from infants to adults—can enjoy it.

Use onomatopoeia to express things that come across without thinking or to describe what you see just as it is, and say them out loud with gusto.

You’ll find smiles bubbling up, and your facial expressions and tone of voice naturally brighten.

It’s such a lovely work! Communicating with children through picture books is so much fun.

This is a perfect choice as a first picture book or a memorable keepsake.

Please give it a read.

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Hunga hunga

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A striking, impactful cover! Let me introduce Shuji Oonari’s “Funga Funga.” A gorilla dad who’s short on exercise does some warm-ups and then starts jogging.

The setup alone is humorous and instantly draws you into the world.

It’s fun to imagine the feelings conveyed by the onomatopoeia “funga,” and he’s a character you can’t help but root for.

Why not try adding your own original “funga” to your daily life? Definitely give it a read.

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Popāpe popipappu

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Let us introduce Shuntaro Tanikawa’s Popa-pe Popi Pappu, by a poet, translator, picture-book author, screenwriter, and more—an artist who has long supported Japanese culture through the power of words.

The picture book features quirky creatures and onomatopoeia.

Somehow, children seem to delight in its rhythm and sounds.

When you open your mouth wide and read it aloud, the rhythm just feels good.

Its catchy wordplay is bound to hook everyone from infants to adults! Be sure to enjoy the onomatopoeia out loud together with your child.

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Mokera mokera

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Let me introduce you to Mokera Mokera by Yosuke Yamashita, a man of many talents: jazz pianist, composer, essayist, and writer.

It’s a picture book with a delightful rhythm of words.

It’s best for the reader not to overthink it—just read freely and naturally, following your heart.

As you watch your child’s expressions, try discovering fun rhythms and your favorite onomatopoeia together! Before you know it, you’ll be drawn into the world of Mokera Mokera and grow fond of it.

The mysterious illustrations are also quite charming, aren’t they?

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