Abstract

Unlucky from morning till night.
Argh! Forgot it! Got yelled at!
Everything goes wrong, no matter what.
Starting with being late, forgotten homework, silly mistakes, endless trouble, getting scowled at by the teacher, and then scolded by the principal—
"Of all days, why today?!" A truly worst day ever.

Picture book author Satoshin captures these raw childhood emotions with a sharp, rhythmic prose.
Short, punchy, repeating phrases give voice to every child's inner screams, creating an upbeat, fast-paced read-aloud rhythm.

The artwork is brought to life by world-renowned animator Koji Yamamura.
Dynamic compositions and expressive visuals amplify the protagonist's emotional roller coaster, unleashing waves of laughter and empathy with every page turn.

This isn't a book for preaching,
nor does it wrap up failures in a neat, tidy bow.
It's simply a best-ever picture book that lets kids laugh off their unluckiest days!

Dedicated to every child across the country thinking, "Today is just not my day."
By the final page, they'll surely whisper to themselves:

—Tomorrow will be okay.
A reassuring comforting companion for any down-and-out day!

Author’s Information

Satoshin
Born in Niigata Prefecture in 1968. After working at an advertising agency, spending time as a stay-at-home dad, and working as a freelance copywriter, he became a picture book author. His works include Unko! (Poop!) and Watashi wa Akaneko (I Am a Red Cat), both illustrated by Toshio Nishimura, Ma, Ikka! (Oh Well!), Otona kara Kimi he (From Grown-ups to You), and Osushi ga Sukisugite (I Love Sushi Too Much). Unko! won the 1st Libro Picture Book Award and 3rd MOE Picture Book Retailers Award. He created "Otete Ehon" (Hand Picture Books), a communicative storytelling game, and actively promotes it. He serves as a visiting professor at Tokai University and Ogaki Women's College.

Koji Yamamura
Born in Aichi Prefecture in 1964. An internationally acclaimed creator of short animated films utilizing a variety of artistic styles. His film Mt. Head (2002) won the Grand Prix at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2003 and was nominated for Best Animated Short Film at the 75th Academy Awards—both historic firsts for a Japanese director. His notable works include Paxi, The Old Crocodile, and Franz Kafka's A Country Doctor. He has received over 155 awards at international film festivals worldwide. Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and professor at Tokyo University of the Arts Graduate School of Film and New Media. His books include Animation Nature, and his picture book works include Oyaya, Oyasai, Rain Won't (Ame ni mo Makezu), and Nagai de sho, Rippa de sho.