Today I would like to introduce one of my favorite books, “Koguma-chan no Doro-Asobi”. This picture book is a delightful story about children’s favorite do-soro play and friendship. It is a book that is perfect for reading aloud and can be enjoyed together by parents and children.
Basic Information
- Title: Koguma-chan no Doroasobi
- Author: Hisashi Mori, Yoshimi Wada
- Illustrator: Ken Wakayama
- Year of publication: 1973
- Publisher: Kogumasha
- Age Range: Toddlers and up
Contents
In this picture book, Koguma-chan is absorbed in playing with mud, digging holes with a shovel, making mud dumplings, and other activities that children enjoy. Shirokuma-chan appears and joins in the mud play, but when the mud dumplings get crushed, the two get into a fight. However, after the quarrel, they play Doro together with Shirokuma-chan and make up with each other. This story reminds us of the importance of fun play and friendship.
Feature
The charm of Ken Wakayama’s picture books lies in their simple and gentle illustrations and easy-to-understand storylines. This work strongly reflects these characteristics, with characters drawn in clear colors and simple shapes that seem to come alive with each turn of the page. The short sentences and repetitive rhythm make the stories accessible to young children, making them ideal for reading aloud.
Discover and Learn
The first lesson to be learned from this picture book is the joy of children’s play. Playing in the mud may not be a common experience for children today, but through this picture book, we can convey the joy of getting muddy. The scene in which the children make up after a quarrel will teach them the importance of communication and interaction with friends. Children who read this book can also learn by recalling their own similar experiences and empathizing with them.
Recommended Readers
This picture book is recommended for children in their infancy. Parents and children who like to repeat pages from picture books and read to their children will especially enjoy the rhythm of the story and the colorful illustrations, which are appealing and enjoyable to read together. Children who are experiencing their first quarrels and making up can also relate to the story by overlapping it with their own experiences.
Summary
“Koguma-chan no Doroasobi” is one of Ken Wakayama’s best-known works, a wonderful picture book with simple text and colorful illustrations that conveys the joy of playing with dirt and the importance of relationships with friends. When young children experience their first quarrels and make-ups, they will be able to reaffirm and share the joy of friendship and play through this story. Read this picture book with your child and get lost in the adventures of Koguma-chan and Shirokuma-chan.
