From France! Beloved in Over 30 Countries: Space & Science Anime 'Little Malabar' Picture Book to Launch July 15, 2026 — Special Talk Show by Voice Actress Konomi Kohara Announced!

KADOKAWA Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Director, Representative Executive Officer, President & CEO: Takeshi Konno) has announced the release of 'The Kindest Space Story in the World: The Little Explorer Little Malabar's Adventure' (Text: Miki Yamashita, Supervision: Tomoki Nakamura) on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

From France! The Globally Beloved Space & Science Anime 'Little Malabar'

This is the first picture book in Japan based on the animated series 'Little Malabar'.

About the Anime 'Little Malabar'

A flagship French educational animation series, 'Little Malabar' is distributed in over 30 countries and regions, including Japan, in 22 languages. The story follows the curious protagonist Malabar as he joyfully explores and learns about planets in the solar system and the mysteries of the universe.

The artistic visuals, which charm not only children but also adults, possess a unique appeal and are highly acclaimed, especially across Europe.

Spark Curiosity in Space and Science! Five Stories Now in Picture Book Format

1. Five Perfect Themes for Children Beginning to Explore Space

The book introduces five cosmic themes — 'Shooting Stars,' 'The Birth of Earth and the Moon,' 'The Sun,' 'Auroras,' and 'Black Holes' — through engaging stories. It's perfect for young readers just discovering space, whether reading independently or as a bedtime story shared with parents.

2. Enjoy the Anime's Artistic Expressions in Book Form

The picture book captures the artistic charm of the anime, including the protagonist Malabar, his animal companions, and celestial bodies that teach about space. Readers can enjoy the same aesthetic in print.

By experiencing both the anime and the picture book, understanding is deepened.

3. Original Explanatory Pages Reveal How the Universe Works

After each story, the book includes original explanatory pages that provide deeper insights into the cosmic phenomena.

This book is enjoyable for a wide age range, from age 3 to adults.

Launch Commemoration Event 1

Exclusive for Buyers! Special Talk Event Featuring Konomi Kohara, Voice of Malabar in the Anime

To celebrate the release of 'The Kindest Space Story in the World: The Little Explorer Little Malabar's Adventure,' a special buyer-exclusive event will be held.

Join Konomi Kohara, who voices the protagonist Malabar in the anime, for a fun and educational talk show about space.

* Scheduled for September 2026 in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Details available via the QR code on the book's obi strip.

Performer Profile

Konomi Kohara (Kohara Konomi)

Born June 28. Voice actress represented by Ozawa Office. Known for roles in popular anime such as 'Star☆Twinkle PreCure' (Lala Hagoromo / Cure Milky), 'Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation' (Roxie Migurdia), and 'Kaguya-sama: Love Is War' (Chika Fujiwara). Also active in planetarium dome films like 'SPACE☆TRAVEL' and 'To the Moon and Beyond'.

Launch Commemoration Event 2

Anime Screening Event at 'Space Goods' (Hamamatsucho)! Screening & Talk Show to Deepen Understanding of the Picture Book Episodes

On Saturday, August 8, 2026, we will host an anime screening and talk show at 'Space Goods' (Hamamatsucho), welcoming children's literature author Miki Yamashita, who wrote the stories for the picture book. The event will feature screenings of episodes from the book, explanations to deepen understanding, and answers to audience-submitted questions about space. Ideal for children eager to learn more about space, as well as those encountering it for the first time.

[Event Details]

Date: August 8, 2026 (Saturday)

Time: 14:00–15:00 (Registration from 13:30) * Start and end times may vary slightly depending on the day's schedule.

Venue: Space Goods (Directly connected to JR Hamamatsucho Station South Exit, Tokyo)

Access: https://spacegoods.net/hpgen/HPB/entries/30.html

Admission: Free

Details & Registration: https://spacegoodstokyo20260808.peatix.com

Bibliographic Information

Title: The Kindest Space Story in the World: The Little Explorer Little Malabar's Adventure

Text: Miki Yamashita

Supervision: Tomoki Nakamura

Price: ¥1,980 (¥1,800 + tax)

Release Date: July 15, 2026 (Wednesday)

Format: B5 modified size

Pages: 96

ISBN: 978-4-04-117062-5

Publisher: KADOKAWA Corporation

KADOKAWA Children's Book Portal Site 'Yomeruba' — Full Details Page >>

(C) TCHACK / Pictanovo / 2018–2022 / In association with france•tv Based on the picture books 'Petit Malabar' by Nelly Blumenthal and Jean Duprat (C) Albin Michel Publishing