Mamiko Shiotani's Enchanting Picture Book for Children and Adults, "The Secret Story of the Egg" (Volume 3), to be Released June 15th

Bronze Shinsha Co., Ltd. (Location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Machiko Wakatsuki) will release the picture book "The Secret Story of the Egg" (Author: Mamiko Shiotani) on Monday, June 15, 2026, at bookstores nationwide. This book is the third installment following Mamiko Shiotani's popular picture books "The Story of the Egg" and "The Story of the Fig." The first book, "The Story of the Egg," published in February 2021, received high acclaim for its narrative and the beauty of its pencil illustrations, winning numerous awards including the Grand Prize at the 27th Japan Picture Book Award and a Gold Medal at the 28th Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava. In the second book, "The Story of the Fig," a boastful fig tells a grand adventure story. The surreal and humorous tales have captivated a wide range of readers, from children to adults. In this third installment of the series, the gradually growing egg experiences "first feelings" of jealousy, nervousness, and unease towards its kitchen companions. Amidst interactions that will bring a chuckle, the story delicately portrays emotions and mental movements that everyone has experienced. Please enjoy the story unfolded by the unique egg and its friends. Furthermore, this picture book series contains three short stories in each volume, making it recommended as a first solo reading book for children. To commemorate the publication, an exhibition of the picture book's original illustrations will be held from Friday, July 24, 2026, at Bronze Shinsha Gallery "Seido Room J" (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo). Mamiko Shiotani is also scheduled to be present during the exhibition period. Bibliographic Information "The Secret Story of the Egg" by Mamiko Shiotani ・Release Date: Monday, June 15, 2026 ・Price: 1,430 yen (tax included) ・Format: 210×148mm, Hardcover ・Pages: 48 pages ・Sales: Available at bookstores nationwide and other retailers ・Book Website: https://www.bronze.co.jp/books/9784893097552/ Synopsis Hi, long time no see. I am an egg. One day, I suddenly thought, "Maybe I'll try writing 'poetry'." An egg recites "poetry" at a kitchen reading session. As soon as it finishes, without being asked, everyone starts giving their own opinions... Three captivating stories that draw you in the more you read. Story 1: A New Thing / Story 2: The Bagworm / Story 3: In Front of Everyone Author Introduction Photo by Yoshinori Kurosawa Mamiko Shiotani Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1987. Graduated from Joshibi University of Art and Design, Department of Craft and Design. Her first picture book, "The Ghost in the Attic," won the Excellence Award at the 15th Pinpoint Picture Book Competition in 2014, marking her debut as a picture book author. Her unique world, depicted with delicate pencil drawings, captivates readers. Her works include "The Stone That Fell From the Sky," "The Ghost in the Attic Room," "Mr. Fish," and "Clouds" (all published by Kaiseisha). Resides in Tokyo. Commemorative Exhibition: Mamiko Shiotani's "The Secret Story of the Egg" Picture Book Exhibition An exhibition of original illustrations will be held at Bronze Shinsha Gallery "Seido Room J" to celebrate the publication. Please enjoy the delicately drawn original illustrations up close. 【Exhibition Dates】 Friday, July 24, Saturday, July 25, Sunday, July 26, Friday, July 31, Saturday, August 1, Sunday, August 2, 2026 13:00 - 17:00 (Free Admission) 【Venue】 Bronze Shinsha Gallery "Seido Room J" (Jingumae 6-31-15, Mansion 31 3C, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) https://maps.app.goo.gl/cobBULBYtU5va3RX7 【Mamiko Shiotani's Appearance Dates】 Scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 13:00 to 17:00 Mamiko Shiotani's Picture Book Series "The Story of the Egg" Published February 2021 / Price: 1,430 yen (tax included) One day, an egg suddenly wakes up. It walks for the first time, talks for the first time. It wakes up Marshmallow, gets off the kitchen counter, and goes on an adventure. "The Story of the Fig" Published February 2023 / Price: 1,430 yen (tax included) A story-telling session about a fig is planned in the kitchen. The friends are excited about the thrilling adventure story. Only the egg and Marshmallow listen with skepticism... Bronze Shinsha Co., Ltd. TEL: 03-3498-3272 E-mail: webmaster@bronze.co.jp