Abstract

Meet Little Blue, a tiny bird who is smaller than the others, poor at singing, and even a slightly different color than his friends. Sometimes his friends pick on him, but with a heart brimming with curiosity and adventure he lives each day to the fullest. His mother is always there watching over him, ready to love, encourage, and console. With the support of his mother, Little Blue determines to set out by himself on a journey to what he calls “My Treasure,” a far-off mountain that shines like gold on the horizon. This picture book was illustrated with two messages in mind: To mothers, “The greatest and best thing a parent can do is to believe in and care for their child.” To children, “Always look on the bright side, and move forward on the path you choose.”

Author’s Information

Naomi Matsuzono
After working as a kindergarten teacher, runs a home-based handmade preschool for children from the age of three to school age, where they learn about art and life skills. She also reads picture books to children and their mothers and teaches at local kindergartens and elementary schools.

Masamichi Ito
Japanese picture book author and illustrator. His brightly colored works, featuring a boy, a dog, and an old man, are known for their appealing depictions, and are often used in corporate advertisements.