Perfect for the reading season of autumn! Recommended picture books that will captivate elementary school children

Miffy picture book set for ages 3 and upDick Bruna

http://www.amazon.co.jp

The four-volume series Usako-chan for Ages 3 features the adorable Usako-chan in a red dress, going to school to study and spending the night at a friend’s house.

The content may be a bit advanced for three-year-olds, but this picture book might spark a sense of aspiration.

It arrived in Japan in 1964, and many adults likely read it when they were children.

As you can see, this Usako-chan is actually Miffy.

It’s a difference that arose through translation around the world, but the change in name might be a little confusing.

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Moomin Complete Fairy TalesTove Jansson

http://www.amazon.co.jp

The Moomin Fairy Tale Complete Works is a collection depicting the world of the ever-popular character Moomin.

It’s a set of stories you’ll want to read while sensing both the charming residents of Moominvalley and the richness of Nordic nature.

The memorable lines that appear throughout are well known, and many of the quotes—truths about life—will give even adults much to ponder.

The Moomin worldview, which naturally embraces diversity, is a perfect fit for the modern era.

Please enjoy these tales where gentle everyday life and adventure are artfully blended.

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Andersen’s Fairy TalesHans Christian Andersen

http://www.amazon.co.jp

This is a collection of works by the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen, often called the king of fairy tales.

His famous masterpieces—The Little Mermaid, The Little Match Girl, and The Emperor’s New Clothes—are likely stories everyone has read at least once.

This collection was published in three volumes, with illustrations accompanying every tale.

The artwork was created by the husband-and-wife duo Dušan Kállay, recipients of the Hans Christian Andersen Award, who devoted four years to the project.

Please enjoy reading the stories along with the beautiful illustrations.

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Grimms’ Fairy TalesJacob Ludwig Grimm / Wilhelm Karl Grimm

http://www.amazon.co.jp

The Grimms’ Fairy Tales are German folktales collected by the Brothers Grimm.

Including stories such as Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, and The Wolf and the Seven Young Goats, Grimms’ Fairy Tales contain many stories that appeal to both children and adults, and their beautiful illustrations are also well known.

The popularity of Grimms’ Fairy Tales likely stems not only from the sheer number of works to enjoy, but also from the essential aspects of human nature depicted in the stories and the various lessons one can draw from them.

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Alice in WonderlandLewis Carroll

http://www.amazon.co.jp

This work depicts the grand adventure of Alice, who wanders into a mysterious land.

Chasing after the White Rabbit, the girl Alice falls down a hole—and the world she lands in is one where none of the rules of the human world apply.

As she encounters strange and whimsical characters like the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts, Alice flits freely about this world.

She drinks a potion to shrink so she can pass through a small door, her tears turn into a pool—these fantasy-tinged scenes are highlights not to be missed!

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The Cat That Lived a Million TimesYoko Sano

http://www.amazon.co.jp

This is a work depicting a cat that dies 100 times and comes back to life 100 times.

The cat, kept by various owners and living self-centeredly, meets someone it truly loves and its heart begins to change.

For children, the fact that a cat that should have died comes back to life will be surprising and thrilling.

For adults, it may prompt reflection on its satire and the profound themes of life and death.

It’s an engaging picture book whose impact changes depending on the reader’s age.

Please try reading it together as a parent and child.

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I am the kingTeruo Teramura

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Boku wa Ōsama (I Am the King) is one volume in the eleven-book King series.

The story begins when the king, wanting to make an enormous omelet, orders someone to fetch an elephant egg.

Beyond its unique plot, this is a book to savor for its rich expressions and striking onomatopoeia.

Watching the selfish king, caregivers might find themselves reminded of their own children.

Perhaps that’s one reason it’s hard to dislike this willful king.

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