On August 19, 2026, Futabasha Co., Ltd. will release the children's book series "Kobokku and the Mysterious Insect Tree" for middle elementary school grades. This work is a new type of collection of linked short stories that allows readers to enjoy the story while also learning about the surprising ecology and mechanisms of insects.
"What if there was an insect that could grant wishes...?"
The setting is Hananomori Elementary School, a ward-run school with a mulberry tree over 100 years old. This mulberry tree is called the Wish Tree, and there was a mysterious rumor that it could grant the wishes of those with strong desires in their hearts.
Kobokku, the new guardian of the Wish Tree, sends out insects suited to each person's wish from a large hollow.
The insects strive to grant the children's wishes, but their power has rules that must be followed, and if the promises are broken, the insects transform into pests.
Triggered by an incident involving a transformed pest insect, three childhood friends learn about the secret of the Wish Tree and Kobokku's existence, forming the "Insect Club." Whenever inexplicable incidents occur at school, they are the first to realize it might be the work of insects and rush to stop the transformed pests.
The "Insect Club" members take on mysterious incidents caused by the amplified insect ecology, such as mimicry and parasitism, through the power of the Wish Tree. A new series filled with the amazing world of insects, where you can learn about the charm of insects while enjoying the story, opens here!
Enjoyable for Parents and Children! Features of This Book
KEY FIGURES
1 Insect ecology is directly incorporated into the story!
All the insects that appear are real. The original ecology of each insect, such as the mimicry of stick insects, the swimming power of diving beetles, and the compound eyes of dragonflies, causes mysterious incidents in the story. Readers can learn about the surprising powers and mechanisms of insects while having fun.
2 "Insect Club Investigation Files" included at the end of each chapter
Insects that appeared in the story are clearly introduced with illustrations. It answers questions like "What kind of insect is it really?" after reading, allowing readers to enjoy both the story and the encyclopedia.
3 All kanji in the main text have furigana
The main text is fully equipped with furigana for all kanji. It is easy to read not only for middle elementary school students but also for lower elementary school students, making it enjoyable for parents and children to read together.
4 Easy to read with friendly illustrations
The illustrations are by Komugi, an active illustrator. Cute characters color the story, making it enjoyable for children who are not fond of insects or reading.
Recommended for Children Like These!
・ Likes insects and living creatures
・ Likes mysterious stories and fantasy
・ Wants to read stories set in school
・ Wants to gain knowledge while enjoying reading
・ Wants to experience "Learning is fun!"
<Author Profile>
Author: Kaori Shinohara
Writer and cultural entomologist. Born February 1995. Her works include "LIFE - How to Live That Humans Don't Know" (Bunkosha, co-authored), "Fumufumu, Gatten! Amazing Quiz About Living Things" (Bungeishunju), "Walking Pupa, Poop Cocoon" (Daiwa Shobo), "Find the Cute! My Favorite Living Things Encyclopedia" (Nagaoka Shoten), "Super Rare Insect Encyclopedia: If You Find It, It's God!" (Nihon Bungeisha), and "No Map, No Destination, But Not Lost" (NHK Publishing). She is also active on TV and radio, including as an animal investigator on Nippon TV's "Ah! Everyone's Zoo."
Illustrator: Komugi
An illustrator specializing in themes of non-human beings, sci-fi, and retro. Creates character designs, illustrations, and merchandise.
<Bibliographic Information>
Title: "Kobokku and the Mysterious Insect Tree"
Author: Kaori Shinohara
Release Date: August 19, 2026 (Wed)
Format: 46 size
Pages: 216P
Price: 1,400 yen (excluding tax)
Publisher: Futabasha
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: 商品発売