[Event Report] Picture Book 'Tod ni Otodoke' Reading, Talk & Autograph Session Held at Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro

◎Event Overview

Reading of the picture book 'Tod ni Otodoke'

At the outdoor area Marine Garden "Performance Stage," usually used for performances by sea lions and other animals, a reading of 'Tod ni Otodoke' was conducted by Kenta Otsuka and Karin Kanou. Under the blue sky, the venue was energized by the call "Tod ni Otodoke!" which is also the title of the picture book.

Talk event while observing real sea lions

After the reading, a California sea lion named "Chapp" appeared. The aquarium staff explained the physical characteristics of sea lions and how they move differently from other marine animals. Otsuka and Kanou also had a hands-on sea lion training experience, creating a moment of collaboration between the picture book and real sea lions.

Autograph session

After the event, a signing session was held, with many families in attendance and a warm atmosphere throughout. They enjoyed interacting with readers both children and adults.

◎Recommendation comments from the keeping staff at Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro

On the occasion of this collaboration event, the keeping staff at Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro provided comments about 'Tod ni Otodoke' and the event.

"When I picked up this picture book at a bookstore, I thought, 'It's so easy to understand! This is a great way to convey information!' At the same time, I wondered if a collaboration between this book and the sea lions at Sunshine Aquarium would be interesting. We actually realized it on May 30, 'World Sea Lion Day.' The cross-talk between the picture book and real animals in the same place felt like a new way to communicate about animals. I would be happy to collaborate with other animals as well."

(Sunshine Aquarium Keeping Staff, Harumasa Ashikari)

"This is a book I personally read to my son every night, so I was very happy when the reading event at the company was confirmed. I looked forward to making it a fun and lively event. It turned out to be a very enjoyable event, and we were able to show the sea lions up close to Otsuka and Kanou, conveying their charm. It was a truly meaningful time. I hope to hold more events that connect picture book stories with real animals in the future."

(Sunshine Aquarium Keeping Staff, Arima Forsyth)

◎About the Picture Book

'Tod ni Otodoke' written by Kenta Otsuka, illustrated by Karin Kanou

A seagull is tasked with delivering a birthday cake to a Steller sea lion. However, when the door opens, a sea lion that looks very similar comes out. Next, a seal that also looks quite similar appears. The seagull cannot easily reach the Steller sea lion. When it finally meets one, what happens? A humorous picture book that also teaches the differences between marine creatures.

https://pie.co.jp/book/i/5856/

Specifications: A4 variant (250×221mm) / hardcover / 32 pages (Full Color)

Price: 1,400 yen + tax

ISBN: 978-4-7562-5856-4 C8793

Release date: July 12, 2024

Written by Kenta Otsuka, Illustrated by Karin Kanou

Publisher: PIE International

Kenta Otsuka

Born in Saitama Prefecture. A picture book author who creates stories. His picture books include 'Tod ni Otodoke', 'Tobimasen.', 'Namaketeimasen.', 'Ugokimasen.', 'Onyake', 'Dennya', 'Yoi Dote!' (PIE International), 'Ichigo Santa', 'Oyatsu Toranporin' (Hakusensha), 'Ichinichi Panda' (Shogakukan), 'Fun Korogasa zu' (KADOKAWA), 'Anata no Namae o', 'Ika wa Ikatteru' (Micro Magazine), 'Chin'anago no Chinchin Densha' (Kodansha), 'Inai Inai Zou!', 'Yatte Mita' (Iwasaki Shoten), and more.

https://otsukakenta.com/

Karin Kanou

Born in Ehime Prefecture. Graduated from Tokyo Zokei University with a major in sculpture. She vividly depicts animals and nature. In 2013, she received the Kenbuchi Picture Book Village Grand Prize Bibakarasu Award for 'Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta.' (Shin Nihon Shuppansha), for which she did the illustrations. Her picture books include 'Tod ni Otodoke' (PIE International), the 'Kanashiki Debu Neko-chan' series (Ehime Shimbunsha / Shueisha Bunko), the 'Dorobou Neko' series (Bungeisha), 'Oyasumi Oyasumi Minna Oyasumi' (Kinnohoshi-sha), 'Manekko Nyankoro Mochi' (PHP Institute), 'Neko Picnic' (Kyoiku Gageki), 'Karakusa Youchien Inu Hariko-kun no Takara Sagashi' (NHK Publishing), and more.

https://karinkano.com/

Inquiries about the book

PIE International Co., Ltd.
2-32-4 Minami-Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0005
TEL: 03-3944-3981
Website: https://pie.co.jp/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pieinternational
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIE_Children
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pie__ehon/