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A Captivating Journey of Cats and Math

The enchanting world of children's literature is brimming with creativity, and two delightful titles have recently captured the attention of both young readers and parents alike. Published by Micro Magazine in Chuo, Tokyo, the picture books Tasu Hiku Neko and its sequel Tasu Hiku Neko to Hiyoko-dan, are exciting adventures that intertwine storytelling with early math skills.

An Innovative Approach to Learning Math

The first book, Tasu Hiku Neko, was released on May 18, 2021, and quickly gained immense popularity, earning spots in the Futureya Picture Book Awards and the Libro Picture Book Awards. This engaging story revolves around a group of cats who stumble upon a treasure map and embark on a thrilling adventure to find buried treasure. But it’s not just a tale of adventure; it cleverly incorporates the concepts of addition and subtraction as the cats navigate various challenges, learning math along the way. The ISBN for this book is 9784867161395, priced at 1,320 yen including tax.

Storyline:
As the cats set out on their journey, they chant, “Where’s the treasure? Keep moving forward!” However, they face numerous obstacles that lead to several cats falling behind. Will they be able to reach the treasure in the end?



The sequel, Tasu Hiku Neko to Hiyoko-dan, is set for release on December 5, 2024, and promises to be even more thrilling. The ISBN is 9784867166758, priced at 1,540 yen.
In this continuation, the cats find another treasure map but are soon confronted by a mischievous group of cats calling themselves the “Hiyoko-dan” (Chick Group). This new twist raises the stakes and introduces more opportunities to engage with numbers—this time challenging readers with the concept of numbers up to 20 as they follow the cats’ entertaining escapades.

Storyline:
Once again, our adventurous cats set off to uncover hidden treasure, but an unexpected attack from the “Hiyoko-dan” complicates their journey. Will they ever find the treasure, or will the antics of the Hiyoko-dan foil their plans?

Meet the Talented Creators

The creative minds behind these charming stories include author Niwa and supervising author Chiaki Osako.

Niwa, born in Nagano Prefecture and a graduate of Joshibi University of Art and Design, transitioned from graphic design to crafting beautiful and practical creations centered around everyday life. With a deep love for cats, Niwa passionately writes about their antics, as seen in other works like “Momo-chan and the Christmas Trouble.” Her motto, “No cat, No life,” encapsulates her devotion to her furry friends.

Chiaki Osako, originally from Osaka, graduated from Sophia University and is a certified math coach by the Japan Mathematical Certification Association. After working in a tutoring service, she founded the SPICA® math school for young children. Osako focuses on teaching early math skills and has authored numerous books to aid parents and educators alike.

The Impact of Micro Magazine’s Children’s Books Division

Micro Magazine's children’s book division is known for publishing a diverse range of titles, including the wildly successful Okaasan wa ne which has sold over 1.5 million copies. The division continues to thrive, providing rich content for young readers and fostering a love for learning through engaging stories.

Follow their official site here for new releases and interactive resources.

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As the excitement builds for the release of the sequel, both parents and children alike can surely look forward to a delightful literary experience that seamlessly blends fun and education!