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Kinokuniya's Best Kids Books of 2026

The Kinokuniya Group, renowned for its commitment to promoting literature and culture, has announced its highly anticipated list of the top ten children's books for 2026, aptly named "Kinobes! Kids 2026." This initiative was launched in 2022, aiming to celebrate and support emerging authors and highlight new publications that might otherwise be overlooked.

The selection process for this year's top books involved the input of 14 judges, who are all dedicated staff members from various Kinokuniya bookstores. Their recommendations, based on personal readings and the enthusiastic responses of children and parents alike, have culminated in a well-rounded list that promises to engage young readers and encourage their love for reading.

Here’s the rundown of the top ten titles:

1. A Train on a Star by Yoko Mori (Fukuyama Shoten)
- A whimsical tale of adventure among the stars that sparks imagination.

2. Jamboree of Thieves by Yuu Abe (Horupu Publishing)
- An exhilarating story that introduces young readers to thrilling escapades.

3. Clouds by Mamikoshio Shiotani (Kaiseisha)
- A beautifully illustrated book that brings the beauty of nature into children's lives.

4. Can’t Wait by Shinsuke Yoshitake (Bronze New Publishing)
- A thought-provoking story that reflects the emotions of childhood expectation.

5. Invisible Jobs by Kei Tokunaga (Chuo Koron Shinsha)
- A fascinating look at the invisible aspects of the adult world, perfect for curious minds.

6. Super Butterfly Encyclopedia by Tupara Tupara (Alice Publishing)
- An engaging guide to butterflies, filled with vibrant illustrations and facts.

7. The Encyclopedia of Mysteries Around Us That Even Adults Don't Know by Neru no Daisuki (Diamond Publishing)
- A captivating exploration of the world's secrets in a child-friendly format.

8. Pokémon Ecology Encyclopedia by The Pokémon Company, illustrated by Chihiro Kinoshita (Shogakukan)
- A must-have for Pokémon fans, diving deep into the ecosystems of their favorite creatures.

9. Emergency Guide Vol. 3 by Noritake Suzuki (Shogakukan)
- An adventurous handbook that prepares young readers for emergency scenarios with entertaining narratives.

10. Treasures of the Starry Sky by Makiko Toyofuku (BL Publishing)
- A poetic journey through the night sky, encouraging children to stargaze.

The "Kinobes! Kids 2026" fair will commence on February 1, 2026, across all Kinokuniya Group stores and their online platform. In addition to the book displays, a complimentary booklet featuring comments from the staff regarding each selected book will be distributed at stores, giving insights into why these titles were chosen.

This initiative not only promotes great stories but also bridges the gap between young readers and literature, encouraging families to engage with new and exciting works that may otherwise go undiscovered.

For more details on this initiative, visit the special page: Kinobes! Kids Awards.

For inquiries regarding this release, please contact the Kinokuniya Group's Public Relations Department at [email protected].