Picture Book "Yuru Wani Bibi: Please Teach Me How to Close My Mouth" Selected for the 2026 Bologna Ragazzi Award Amazing Bookshelf
The picture book "Yuru Wani Bibi: Please Teach Me How to Close My Mouth" (Author: Hikaru Amemiya), published in June 2024 by PIE International Inc. (Toshima-ku), has been selected as one of the books for the 2026 Bologna Ragazzi Award Amazing Bookshelf. This special exhibition showcases outstanding works from those submitted to the Bologna Ragazzi Award, with 150 highly acclaimed books chosen from over 4,000 entries from 73 countries and regions worldwide.
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PIE International Inc. (Toshima-ku) announced that its picture book, "Yuru Wani Bibi: Please Teach Me How to Close My Mouth" (Author: Hikaru Amemiya), published in June 2024, has been selected as one of the books for the 2026 Bologna Ragazzi Award Amazing Bookshelf.
What is the Bologna Ragazzi Award Amazing Bookshelf?
It is a special exhibition that introduces particularly outstanding works from those submitted to the Bologna Ragazzi Award. In 2026, the award's judges selected 150 highly acclaimed books as the "BRAW Amazing Bookshelf," in addition to the winning and special award entries, from over 4,000 works submitted by publishers from 73 countries and regions worldwide. Every year, at the Bologna Children's Book Fair, where publishing professionals from around the world gather, it attracts attention as an international bookshelf that provides a quick overview of trends in children's books and picture books globally for that year.
About the Picture Book
"Yuru Wani Bibi: Please Teach Me How to Close My Mouth"
Author: Hikaru Amemiya
Oh, how did I used to close my mouth?
Bibi the crocodile let out a big yawn. The moment he became conscious of it, he forgot how to close his mouth. His friends try to help him, but no matter what they do, his mouth just snaps open. This picture book is filled with the charm of crocodiles, blending adorable characters with delicate illustrations.
<Book Overview>
Title: "Yuru Wani Bibi: Please Teach Me How to Close My Mouth"
Specifications: A4 modified size (197 x 264mm) / Hardcover / 32 Pages (Full Color)
List Price: 1,485 yen (1,350 yen + tax)
ISBN: 978-4-7562-5854-0 C8793
Release Date: June 21, 2024
Author: Hikaru Amemiya
Publisher: PIE International
Author Profile
Hikaru Amemiya
Born in Tokyo in 1994. Graduated from Musashino Art University, Faculty of Art and Design, Department of Oil Painting, Printmaking Major. Completed graduate studies in Art at Musashino Art University. Since her first visit to Atagawa Banana Crocodile Park during her university years, she has been fascinated by crocodiles and continues to draw them. Since 2017, she has held an annual solo exhibition "Wani wo Kaku" (Drawing Crocodiles) at Caran d'Ache Ginza Boutique.
2017: Selected for the 85th Japan Print Association Exhibition
2018: Excellence Award at the 43rd National University Print Exhibition
Hikaru Amemiya Solo Exhibition "Wani no Rinjin-ten" (Crocodile Neighbors Exhibition) (Atagawa Banana Crocodile Park)
2019: 13th National University Print Exhibition Award Winners' Exhibition (Bummeido Gallery)
1st TYPS Printmaking Studio Exhibition (Kokubunji Kurumi Gallery)
Inquiries Regarding the Book
PIE International Inc.
2-32-4 Minami-Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0005
TEL: 03-3944-3981
Website: https://pie.co.jp/
X: https://twitter.com/PIE_Children
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pie__ehon/