New Picture Book "Oshiete! Sanrio Characters: How to Politely Say No" Released! Learn How to Express Feelings with Sanrio Characters! Latest Installment in Popular Series with 300,000 Copies Sold!

Gakken Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / Representative Director and President: Tatsuya Nanjo), a group company of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / Representative Director and President: Hiroaki Miyahara), released the book "Oshiete! Sanrio Characters: How to Politely Say No" on April 23, 2026.

"Oshiete! Sanrio Characters: How to Politely Say No"

■New Release from the Popular Series: "How to Politely Say No"

――I want to say "no" while staying friends.

・Even though I really didn't want to, I said "YES" because I didn't want to make the other person sad.

・Even though I preferred something else, I went along with it because the other person said they preferred something different.

・I couldn't put my "no" feelings into words, so I stayed silent, cried, or got angry.

Everyone has had experiences like these, right? It's difficult even for adults to politely say "no" while maintaining relationships. However, by skillfully communicating difficult feelings, both you and the other person can enjoy every day more comfortably.

This book helps children develop the ability to say "NO" without damaging relationships. It is recommended for shy children who struggle with self-assertion, and for children who have difficulty expressing their feelings in group settings. It teaches communication skills for living a relaxed life while valuing oneself.

It's also perfect as a gift for children making friends or preparing for a new school year. Let's take a step towards living more authentically and happily with Kuromi, My Melody, and friends!

★Contents Introduction★

Q. What should I say when I don't want to lend a book?

Q. I want to play indoors, but my friend wants to play outside. What should I say?

This book is full of familiar everyday situations. Because children can relate to them personally, they can think about practical ways to say "no" that aren't just right or wrong answers.

For example...

・Someone asked to borrow a book I'm reading, but I still want to read it.

・Someone said something disheartening about something I made with all my heart.

・I want to play indoors, but my friend wants to play outside... etc.

"Ah, I should have communicated it this way back then."

"Next time something like this happens, I'll try saying it this way."

This leads to hints for daily life.

Kuromi, My Melody, and friends gently support your challenges!

Gain the courage to take a step forward with cute illustrations and stories ♪

■Over 300,000 Copies Sold! The Hugely Popular "Oshiete! Sanrio Characters" Series

The "Oshiete! Sanrio Characters" is a picture book series where children learn knowledge they need from infancy to live better futures, together with Sanrio characters. The themes vary, including "Anata no Karada wo Daiji ni Suru Hon" (A Book to Cherish Your Body), which deals with body safety like private parts, and "Ironna Kimochi" (Various Feelings), which covers the four basic emotions of "happy," "angry," "sad," and "scared" that children understand deeply in early childhood. It gently and clearly conveys important but difficult-to-explain themes within the world of Sanrio characters.

Since its launch in December 2024, the series has been reprinted multiple times and is hugely popular. It is especially well-received by children aged 3 to 7, particularly around school entry, and their families.

★Titles Currently Available

・My Melody's protective picture book for protecting one's body and dignity

▶"Anata no Karada wo Daiji ni Suru Hon"

・Learn "happy" feelings with Pompompurin

▶"Ironna Kimochi: Ureshii tte Nani?"

・Learn "angry" feelings with Kuromi

▶"Ironna Kimochi: Okoru tte Nani?"

・Learn "sad" feelings with Cinnamoroll

▶"Ironna Kimochi: Kanashii tte Nani?"

・Learn "scared" feelings with Hello Kitty

▶"Ironna Kimochi: Kowai tte Nani?"

・A book to think about words that make you happy

▶"Fuwafuwa Kotoba de Nakayoku Naru Hon"

・An eating education picture book, the first step to enjoying food

▶"Oishii wa Shiawase: Tabemono to Nakayoku Naru Hon"

© 2026 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L670787

[Product Overview]

■"Oshiete! Sanrio Characters: How to Politely Say No"

Supervised by: Yoko Yokoyama (Head of Children's Studies Department, Chiba Keizai University Junior College)

Illustrations by: Inuko

Price: 1,540 yen (tax included)

Release Date: April 23, 2026

Format: 182 x 182 mm / 32 pages

Digital version: None

ISBN: 978-4-05-206318-3

Publisher: Gakken Co., Ltd.

Gakken Publishing Website: https://hon.gakken.jp/book/1020631800

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