Kuma-Kuma Chan's Travels

In the third book in the Kuma-Kuma Chan series, the title character flies off to a south sea isle where he lies in the sun and drifts into a lazy snooze. He climbs to the summit of a mountain and views the sunrise while drinking a cup of hot chocolate. Instead of physically setting out for one place or another, Kuma-Kuma travels freely all over the world—inside his head. Once again, Kuma-Kuma Chan charms as he exemplifies the joy of a simple, peaceful life. With its spare text and delightful illustrations, this small-format picture book invites readers to explore their own imaginations and create their own travels.

Kazue Takahashi made her debut as a picture book author with the beloved Kuma-Kuma Chan series in 2001. Her picture books include The Mailbox in the Forest and The Secret Forest Friends (story with Kyoko Hara). Takahashi’s illustrations embody kawaii—the quality of being cute and adorable, which is prominent in Japanese popular culture.