Abstract

"I found my mommy!" — A completely new birth story where children take center stage

"Where were we before we were born?"
A book has been created that provides the happiest, most thrilling answer to this simple childhood question.

The latest work by renowned picture book author Katsuya Hirose, I Found You, Nice to Meet You! (Mitsuketa yo Yoroshiku ne!), delightfully upends the conventional wisdom of "birth picture books." While most works depict mothers "waiting for their babies to arrive," the protagonists of this story are the children themselves.

Three Heart-Fluttering Highlights of This Picture Book

1. Babies aren't "chosen"—they "choose" and come to you on their own!
From a starry night sky, children go on an adventure, looking for their mothers while asking, "Where is she? Where is she?" The sight of them descending to Earth on their own terms with a joyful "Found you!" instills in young readers an unwavering sense of self-worth and confidence: "I am wanted, and I am here by my own choice."

2. The womb is like a festival!? The full-color world of Katsuya Hirose
"Inside the belly" isn't a dark and quiet place. Depicted with Hirose's signature dynamic colors and humor, the "pre-birth excitement" turns even childbirth anxiety into delightful anticipation.

3. A catchy rhythm that makes reading aloud even more fun!
Repetitive phrases like "Not yet!" and "Ready now!" are easy for young children to remember quickly and chant along.

A Gift-Ready Edition That Becomes a "One-of-a-Kind" Treasure
A special space is provided on the endpapers to write a personal message. It's designed not just as a book to read, but as a "gift" to convey your feelings to loved ones.
• For expectant parents: Add a word of encouragement from the father: "Thank you for working so hard."
• For baby showers: A "tasteful gift" that stands out from typical presents for friends and relatives.
• For growth milestones: Add a message like "Thank you for coming into this world" for birthdays or school enrollments, turning it into a lifelong keepsake.
• From child to parent: Instead of a letter, when they want to know their roots and express gratitude.

"I found my mommy!"
Hold your child tight with this picture book as they proudly tell you those words.

Author’s Information

Graduated from the Advanced Course at Setsu Mode Seminar. Picture book author and graphic designer. His representative works include the "Yokai Yokocho" (Yokai Alley) series (Ehongan). Other works include Neko Odoru (Cats Dance), Toku no Shinseki yori Chikaku no Neko (A Nearby Cat is Better Than a Distant Relative) (Ehongan), Ookina Kabe ga Atta to Sa (There Was a Big Wall) written by Satoshin (Bunkeido), Pika Gologolo Nyaa! (Flash, Rumble, Meow!) (Kyoiku Gageki), and the "Dororon Yokai no Mori" series written by Kanta Minamida (Bunken Shuppan), among many others.