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

Last updated:2025/1/19

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] Savor the Joy of Words: A Recommended Onomatopoeia Picture Book Collection (1–10)

Clatter clatter, clatter clatter.

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A picture book with an adorable little train on the cover! Let me introduce Mizumaru Anzai’s “Gatan Goton Gatan Goton.” This picture book features a train as the main character, with passengers boarding one after another at the cue, “Please let me on!” The passengers are familiar to children—like a baby bottle, a cup, a spoon, and a cat.

Watching familiar things get on the train will draw children into the world of the book.

The rhythm and tempo of the words are delightful, making it a joy to read aloud!

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Zaa zaa biri biri

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Let’s enjoy onomatopoeia from everyday life! We’re introducing Noriko Matsui’s “Jaa Jaa Biri Biri.” The picture book features many familiar things from a child’s daily life and is packed with onomatopoeic words you can use even after finishing the book.

It’s a work that lets children feel the fun of hearing the sounds of the book’s world link with the sounds of their own lives.

The illustrations are simple and easy to understand, and the colors are bold, which will capture children’s interest.

By all means, enjoy reading it together with your child.

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Sushin

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Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish made by combining rice and toppings.

Here’s a picture book where sushi takes center stage! Let me introduce Hikari Tanaka’s “Sushin.” Many children probably love sushi.

However, the sushi that appears in this book is different from the sushi you usually see—it’s packed with humor.

This work has a surreal quality, with laughter that creeps up on you, and once you start imagining it in your head, you just can’t stop! You’ll find yourself hooked, wanting to read it again and again.

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Soso-so.

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Look for the adorable cover with koalas snugly cuddling together! We’re introducing Hikaru Tanaka’s “Sososososo.” The sound of the word “sososososo” itself piques your curiosity, doesn’t it? The world is simple yet surreal, but the charm lies in the koalas’ cuteness and humor—so much so that your hands might tremble as you turn the pages.

If you read it with a sense of rhythm, intonation, and pauses, it will resonate even more with children.

Composed of onomatopoeia, it’s a wonderful work you can purely enjoy without overthinking anything!

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Acorn ton-pororin

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Let us introduce Etsuko Takega, who writes children’s poetry and picture books, as well as retellings and translations, and has authored many biographies for children: her work “Donguri Tonpororin.” It’s a striking piece featuring onomatopoeia that captures the exact moment a tree drops its acorn.

The story that unfolds from there is also captivating.

Scenes in which dialogue expands through the nature of autumn are composed of simple, familiar words you often hear in daily life, making them easy on the ear.

It’s a lovely work that you can read as if you were singing!

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