While in Japan we found some wonderful bookstores. (I always seek those out wherever I travel!). Of course I bee-lined to the children's sections! It was neat seeing familiar picture books but in Japanese. And I loved seeing Japanese authors and illustrators that I was unfamiliar with. Some things are cross-cultural in children's books, like bright engaging drawings and cute characters. I ended up bringing these two books home because even though I couldn't read any of the Japanese text, I could still tell and enjoy what the story was. Isn't that a sign of a good picture book?
There are so many things that are cute in Japanese culture. "Kawaii" is absolutely everywhere, even in the food! This first book I believe features a naughty watermelon who refuses to be cut. And the second book follows adorable bugs on their journey home (google translate revealed a father and son bug who take a snail taxi to the grandmother's house.)
