By Rachel Lawson
Much of the international children’s book scene centres on Europe, where there is a long history of high-quality children’s stories and vibrant contemporary publishing to choose from. Certainly many of our great Gecko Press books are European, from Sweden, France, Germany and more. But we make sure to look to different parts of the world, and are very often drawn to children’s books from Japan.
Every culture has a range of literature, of course, but Japanese children’s books seem to have a natural affinity with the child’s point of view—that’s important for us in a Gecko Press book. Every one of our books from Japan is a long-selling favourite in its original language. We try to choose the books we know generations of children have already loved. When you look at them as a collection, you find warmth, perfectly executed simplicity, and very often a big happy laugh.
The newest on the Gecko Press list is The Fluffy Futon by Yuichi Kasano—guaranteed to lift your spirits—and below are three of our most enduring favourites, one for every reading age.
The Fluffy Futon by Yuichi Kasano
A soft fluffy futon in the sun is an irresistible spot for a nap, as everyone discovers in this picture book that will make you laugh, yawn—and feel like you’ve woken from a very good sleep.
“A charming story with subtly fantastic illustrations.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Delightfully droll” — Red Reading Hub
Picture book, 3+ years
Who’s Hiding? by Satoru Onishi
An astonishingly simple book, full of surprises. Eighteen fun-loving animals do something new on every page and send readers into an up-close, attention-to-detail discovery. Children learn the names of animals, to recognize expressions, colours, and how to count.
“Brilliant.” —Kate De Goldi, Radio New Zealand
Picture book and board book 2+ years
Jump! by Tatsuhide Matsuoka
This lively board book gets children joining in the fun of each animal’s jump—sharing the sounds and actions. A frog jumps. Boing! A kitten jumps. Boi-ing! A dog jumps. Boi-oi-oi-oi-oing! . . . “And I jump too—BOING!”
“Delightful—pounce on it!” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
“As a book to inspire movement, this one bounds.” — starred, Publishers Weekly
Board book 1+ years
Yours Sincerely, Giraffe by Megumi Iwasa & Jun Takabatake
This international bestseller is an absurd and endearing story about an African giraffe and his pen pal, a penguin. Handwritten letters and charming line drawings complement this funny tale about mistaken assumptions and friendships from afar.
“This is a rare book: joyful, ingenuous, playfully earnest, but without a whiff of studied cuteness.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
“A highly amusing early chapter book for readers who may also be learning the art of letter writing.” — starred, School Library Journal
“Its gentle friendship story will leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy.” — starred, Booklist
Chapter books 6+ years
