A Picture Book to Foster Inclusive Classrooms by Gently Explaining the Mechanisms of Stuttering, the Feelings of Those Affected, and Concrete Ways Friends and Teachers Can Help

Key facts

  • A Picture Book to Foster Inclusive Classrooms by Gently Explaining the Mechanisms of Stuttering, the Feelings of Those Affected, and Concrete Ways Friends and Teachers Can Help
  • Godo Shuppan Co., Ltd. will release the picture book "Kotone and Cott's Voice Balloon: A Picture Book to Understand Stuttering" on June 11, 2026. Through the experiences of the first-grade protagonist, Kotone, who struggles with stuttering, the book gently and accessibly explains the mechanisms of stuttering, the feelings of those affected, and concrete ways friends and teachers can offer support, set within a game world. The aim is to foster classrooms where no one is left behind.
  • Source: PR Times
  • Date: June 11, 2026

Direct answer

Godo Shuppan Co., Ltd. will release the picture book "Kotone and Cott's Voice Balloon: A Picture Book to Understand Stuttering" on June 11, 2026. Through the experiences of the first-grade protagonist, Kotone, who struggles with stuttering, the book gently and accessibly explains the mechanisms of stuttering, the feelings of those affected, and concrete ways friends and teachers can offer support, set within a game world. The aim is to foster classrooms where no one is left behind.

Citation
A Picture Book to Foster Inclusive Classrooms by Gently Explaining the Mechanisms of Stuttering, the Feelings of Those Affected, and Concrete Ways Friends and Teachers Can Help (June 11, 2026), PR Times
Source
PR Times
Date
June 11, 2026
Godo Shuppan Co., Ltd. will release the picture book "Kotone and Cott's Voice Balloon: A Picture Book to Understand Stuttering" on June 11, 2026. Through the experiences of the first-grade protagonist, Kotone, who struggles with stuttering, the book gently and accessibly explains the mechanisms of stuttering, the feelings of those affected, and concrete ways friends and teachers can offer support, set within a game world. The aim is to foster classrooms where no one is left behind.

📋 Article Processing Timeline

  • 📰 Published: June 11, 2026 at 10:00
  • 🔍 Collected: June 11, 2026 at 10:25 (25 min after Published)
  • 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 16:52 (30h 26m after Collected)
Godo Shuppan Co., Ltd. will release "Kotone and Cott's Voice Balloon: A Picture Book to Understand Stuttering" (Illustrations and Text by Ono Ono, Commentary by Yoshikazu Kikuchi) in bookstores and online retailers nationwide on June 11, 2026. Kotone, the protagonist and a first-grader, absolutely hates reading aloud. This is because stuttering causes her to get stuck on words or draw them out. Every time it's her turn to read in front of everyone, her chest tightens. Today, Japanese class begins, and it's time for reading aloud. Just then, Cott, a rabbit character from her favorite game, appears in the classroom. Guided by Cott, Kotone and her classmates embark on a journey into the game world. Suddenly, that world transforms into a "Stuttering Understanding Stage." Through the game's world, the book introduces the mechanisms of stuttering, the feelings of those who stutter, and concrete ways friends and teachers can interact with them, in a fun and easy-to-understand manner. During reading time. When it's her turn, the protagonist Kotone becomes unable to speak due to stuttering. Guided by Cott the rabbit, all the classmates jump into the game world. However, Kotone is too scared to move, unable to perform as well as everyone else. Being unable to speak when trying to talk is like not being able to grasp the right timing to jump into a rope. ● Author Information Ono Ono (Illustrations and Text) Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1987. A person who stutters and a certified social worker. After graduating from the Department of Social Welfare, Faculty of Social Welfare, she worked as a counselor at a long-term care insurance facility and as a medical social worker at a hospital. She currently works as a care manager. Her published works include "Stuttering Girl: I Can't Speak Smoothly, But I Work" (Godo Shuppan). Yoshikazu Kikuchi (Commentary) Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1978. Ph.D. in Medicine. Physician. Specializes in stuttering. Graduated from Kagoshima La-Sall High School. Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University. Obtained his doctorate from the Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University. He currently works as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Kyushu University Hospital, where he runs one of Japan's few stuttering clinics. He is invited to lecture nationwide to promote awareness of stuttering. He is a leading expert who energetically engages in the clinical practice, education, and research of stuttering from a physician's perspective. His numerous books on stuttering include "I am a Stuttering Doctor" (Mainichi Shimbun), "Introduction to Evidence-Based Stuttering Support," "Mom's Support Book for Children's Stuttering," and "Reasonable Accommodations for Stuttering" (all published by Gakuen-sha), and "The World of Stuttering" (Kobunsha Shinsho). ● Bibliographic Information "Kotone and Cott's Voice Balloon: A Picture Book to Understand Stuttering" https://www.godo-shuppan.co.jp/book/b676374.html Illustrations and Text by Ono Ono, Commentary by Yoshikazu Kikuchi □ List Price = ¥2,200 (excluding tax) □ ISBN Code: 978-4-7726-1600-3 [Amazon] https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4772616004 [Rakuten Books] https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18585362

FAQ

What is the purpose of publishing this picture book?

The aim is to help children easily understand stuttering, deepen their understanding and empathy towards those affected, and support the creation of classrooms where everyone can feel comfortable.

Is the content of the picture book difficult for children?

It is written in a fun and easy-to-understand manner, set in a game world, suitable for first-graders. Children can naturally learn about stuttering through the protagonist's experiences.

What kind of information about stuttering can be learned?

Readers can learn about the basic mechanisms of stuttering, the feelings of those affected such as fear and anxiety about speaking, and specific ways friends and teachers can offer support.

Who are the author Ono Ono and commentator Yoshikazu Kikuchi?

Author Ono Ono is a person who stutters and a social worker, while commentator Yoshikazu Kikuchi is a physician specializing in stuttering. They provide reliable information from both the perspective of an affected individual and expert knowledge.

Where can this picture book be purchased?

It will be available from June 11, 2026, at bookstores nationwide and major online retailers (e.g., Amazon, Rakuten Books).