Abstract

[Recommended for elementary school 1st and 2nd graders!] [Assigned reading for the 72nd (2026) National Youth Essay Contest, Lower Elementary School Division] Which is correct, "tosenbo" or "toosenbo"? Either is fine. ...Mako-chan is fed up with the workbooks her grandmother brings home every time she visits, so she decides to go out to play on the days her grandmother comes over. There, she meets a lost robot called "Kotoba Robo". Kotoba Robo says he can teach her anything about Japanese language. Mako-chan thought, "Now I can relax!" If she leaves the workbooks and homework to Kotoba Robo, it will be easy, easy. But Mako-chan gradually begins to question whether this is okay, and realizes that being honest and growing is more enjoyable than the pleasure of slacking off. What is "true learning"? Popular author Shiiko Murakami humorously conveys this question through Mako-chan's growth. (Recommended points) - It's easy to read because you can empathize with Mako-chan's honest feelings! - A friendship blossoms between her and Kotoba Robo, leading to an unexpectedly touching development! - It leaves you with a good feeling after reading and warms your heart!

Author’s Information

Shiiko Murakami was born in Mie Prefecture. She won the 37th Japan Children's Literature Association Newcomer Award for "Kamekichi's Free Research" (Iwasaki Shoten), the 17th Hirosuke Children's Literature Award for "The Refrigerator's Summer Vacation" (PHP Institute), the 53rd Noma Children's Literature Award in 2015 for "Singing is Picking Up Small Lives" (Kodansha), and the 70th Sankei Children's Publishing Culture Award Nippon Broadcasting Award for "The Me I Want to Be" (Froebel-kan). Her works featuring cats include "Neko Tan!" Akiko Tanji was born in Hiroshima Prefecture in 1972 and raised in Tokyo. She is an illustrator and picture book author. She is a graduate of the picture book workshop "Atosaki Juku". She designed the characters for the short animation "Yum.Yum.Yummy" on NHK Educational TV's "Eigo de Asobo". Her major picture books include "Chimney-chan on a Snowy Day" (Gakken), "Ants Dripping" (Shufunotomo), "Spring is Dawn" (text by Sei Shonagon, edited by Takashi Saito, Holp Shuppan), "Chiko-chan is in Trouble" (Holp Shuppan), and "Nabel-chan and Marble-chan" (Hakusensha). She has also illustrated books such as "The Witch and the Mysterious Ring" (Froebel-kan).