#Japan #Tokyo #Rocket Penguin #Baby Whale #Kitamura Hito

A New Heartwarming Tale for Children

On July 9, 2026, the latest addition to the beloved picture book series by the playful duo, Rocket Kurayou, will hit the shelves: "Rocket Penguin and Baby Whale". Published by Sekai Bunka, this enchanting book is designed to resonate with the emotions that children often experience, such as fear and loneliness.

Adults often find themselves encouraging children to "just try harder" when faced with challenging feelings. However, this story takes a different approach. Instead of pushing children to overcome these feelings alone, it highlights the importance of companionship. The narrative emphasizes the comfort of having supportive friends, showing that their presence can pave the way for courage and step forward into the unknown.

The text is crafted by the playfulness of Rocket Kurayou, a duo renowned for their catchy songs featured on NHK E-Tele's "Okaasan to Issho". Accompanying the text are the warm and inviting illustrations by Kitamura Hito, a talented artist known for his ability to create gentle and vivid worlds. Together, they foster a spirit of adventure and trying new things among children, making this book perfect for reading aloud or singing along at home or in preschools.

The tale centers on the friendship between Rocket Penguin and Baby Whale. Initially, Baby Whale feels fear and uncertainty about diving into the dark ocean depths. Even when encouraged by Penguin, Baby Whale continuously responds with "No way!". In a moment of resilience, Penguin and his seal friends begin to sing a lively song of support, reminding Baby Whale: "Whenever you feel scared or alone, we're right here by your side."

With the reassurance of companionship, Baby Whale bravely takes a step forward into the vast sea, echoing the book's essential message: courage and friendship open the doors to remarkable experiences.

This beautifully illustrated tale not only tells a story but also inspires children to face their fears, teaching them the value of courage and the joy of supporting one another. It's more than just a story; it's a heartfelt embrace for every child navigating their feelings.

About the Authors

Text by Rocket Kurayou

Hailing from Tottori Prefecture, this playful duo entertains families across the nation with their concerts and workshops for caregivers. In 2018, they gained recognition for their original children's song on NHK E-Tele, "Omochi Biyo~n!" which was crafted by Satoshi Takada in collaboration with Masaki Kurihara.

Illustrations by Kitamura Hito

Born in Tokyo in 1981, Kitamura is an acclaimed picture book author and illustrator. His notable works include titles like "Manjiro-san and Onigiri", "Manjiro-san and Watermelon" (both written by Izumi Honda, published by Fukuinkan Shoten), and "Let's Stripes" (Shogakukan). He has also illustrated books such as "And Life Goes On" by Gen Hoshino, and "The Star I Protect" by Akane Kanda, showcasing a variety of creative talent.

Book Details

Title: Rocket Penguin and Baby Whale
Release Date: July 9, 2026 (Thursday)
Price: 1,760 yen (including tax)
Format: A4 size, 24 pages
Publisher: Sekai Bunka Corp.
Buy it now!
Amazon Link

Previous Titles

Another book from the series, "Rocket Penguin", was released on June 24, 2022, offering similar themes of courage and friendship.
Price: 1,320 yen (including tax)
Learn more here
Amazon Link