#Japan #smartphone #Chūō City #Children's Books #Nick Brand

A Whimsical Fairytale for Kids

In an effort to protect children from the rising threat of social media-related crimes, Micro Magazine Inc. from Chuo City, Tokyo, is launching a whimsical SNS giveaway campaign celebrating the release of the children’s book, The Chicken Who Found a Smartphone. Two lucky winners will receive a copy of this intriguing tale through a lottery, and it promises an entertaining yet educational experience for young readers.

How to Enter the Giveaway

To participate in this exciting giveaway, simply follow the official Social Media accounts of the Children’s Book Editorial Department on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Follow the official X account: Micro Magazine X Account
and the official Instagram account: Kodomono Hon Instagram

2. Repost the campaign post (or like it on Instagram) to double your chances of winning! You can even submit a screenshot as proof. On Instagram, just make sure to tag @kodomono_hon in the image.

3. Once done, you’re all set!

Giveaways and Deadlines

Micro Magazine will draw winners for two copies of the whimsical book by August 15, 2026. Only those who are selected during the month of August 2026 will receive a direct message with the exciting news.

Important Notes

• - If your account is set to private, you won’t be eligible for the draw.
• - The prize will only be shipped within Japan.
• - Participants under 18 should have parental consent.
• - Inquiries regarding the draw or results cannot be accommodated.
• - It’s crucial to respond to the DMs within five days of receipt.

The Story Behind the Book

The Chicken Who Found a Smartphone, written by the award-winning Australian author Nick Brand, takes young readers on a whimsical journey. The story follows a hen with a heart of gold who stumbles upon a mysterious glowing box. Initially astonished, the chicken soon finds herself absorbed by messages from seemingly friendly animals. Just as excitement builds, she believes she is finally going to meet one of her friends who has been reaching out.

As the plot unfolds, the story cleverly showcases the importance of media literacy and being cautious in the digital world, making it a perfect introduction for children on how to navigate social media safely.

The book is published in a manageable B4 size, featuring 32 pages, and is priced at 1,518 yen (including tax). With a captivating translation by Miki Ishida, it comes highly recommended for families looking to open discussions about safety in the online realm.
For more details, visit Kodomono Hon’s website.

About the Author

Nick Brand, born in 1973 in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, turned his passion for storytelling into a successful career as a children’s book author after working in a bookstore. His debut came in 2005, and he has since accumulated numerous accolades, including the 2012 Australian Children’s Book Award for his title Daisuki Dakko.

Miki Ishida, a translator from Kanagawa born in 1970, began her career working in publishing after studying Japanese literature at university. With her rich experience, she has played a vital role in bringing various children’s books to a Japanese audience.

The Children’s Book Editorial Department not only publishes critically acclaimed works like Okasan wa ne, which has sold over 1.5 million copies globally, but also offers a diverse range of children’s books that spark joy and learning. They continue to promote new releases and activities through various social media channels, ensuring that families stay engaged and informed.

Follow them for exciting updates on new releases and fun activities! X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok