Award-Winning 'A Octopus on My Head' from Astra International Picture Book Contest Published as Picture Book!

'An Octopus on My Head' (Original title: Un poulpe sur la tête) Written and illustrated by Tashiro Chisato, Original concept by Jenny Guillemot

About the Astra International Picture Book Original Story Contest

The Astra International Picture Book Original Story Contest is an initiative led by publishers from America, Europe, and Asia to discover outstanding picture book authors and publish their works globally. The contest aims to connect creators and editors from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, fostering the creation of high-quality, diverse picture books for children worldwide. Kodansha has participated since the second edition. In the second contest, 2,248 entries were submitted from 83 countries, and Jenny Guillemot, a French writer and librarian, won the 'Kodansha Award' with her story 'An Octopus on My Head.'

Interview with Jenny Guillemot, Winner of the 'Kodansha Award' at the 2nd Astra International Picture Book Original Story Contest

Jenny Guillemot

What 'An Octopus on My Head' Is About

A young boy goes swimming at the beach and dives into the sea. When he surfaces, there's an octopus sitting on his head! The octopus grows larger each day, and the boy goes to school with it on his head. He gets scolded by his teacher and avoided by friends—nothing but trouble. But during class, the octopus helps him answer correctly, and it squirts ink at a bullying classmate. Gradually, the boy begins to grow fond of the octopus. The octopus loves baths and being read bedtime stories. After spending a full year together, the next summer finally brings the time to say goodbye. What 'message of love' does the octopus leave behind on the beach? This touching and heartwarming story invites reflection on understanding differences and wordless friendship.

From 'An Octopus on My Head' (Written and illustrated by Tashiro Chisato, Original concept by Jenny Guillemot)

International Picture Book Artist Chisato Tashiro Brings the Story to Life

The award-winning manuscript was transformed into a picture book by acclaimed artist Chisato Tashiro. Tashiro made her international debut with 'I Am a Chameleon,' published simultaneously in seven languages. Her other works include 'Five Lovely Mice: The Great Moving Plan,' winner of the Japan Picture Book Award (Horupu Publishing), 'Christmas Shopping' (Kodansha), 'Where Does Suzume-kun Eat His Lunch?' (Fukutake Shoten), 'Sniff, Sniff, What a Nice Smell!' (Gran Mama Publishing), and 'Everyone's House' (Bunkidō).

The editorial team interviewed Tashiro Chisato about her process of adapting 'An Octopus on My Head' into a picture book.

Behind the Scenes with Picture Book Artist Chisato Tashiro: A 6-Part Series

From Chisato Tashiro

Picture Book Artist Chisato Tashiro

At first, I was a little nervous about condensing Jenny's long original story into a picture book format. But as I began sketching and researching octopuses, I found myself deeply connecting with the boy and the octopus, and the process became truly joyful.

I hope readers can feel the friendship between the boy and the octopus. There are moments that make you chuckle or surprise you, but every episode leads toward the final scene. I hope readers will enjoy the book while thinking of their dear friends and family.

From 'An Octopus on My Head' (Written and illustrated by Tashiro Chisato, Original concept by Jenny Guillemot)

From 'An Octopus on My Head' (Written and illustrated by Tashiro Chisato, Original concept by Jenny Guillemot)

Fuku Nonaka, Child Octopus Researcher Featured on 'Darwin Awakens!' Praises the Book!

From Fuku Nonaka

Fuku Nonaka, a fifth-grade octopus researcher featured on NHK's 'Darwin Awakens! The Ocean's Sage and the Forest's Jewel'

The movement of the octopus, especially the way its arms undulate, feels incredibly realistic. The octopus in the picture book is so adorable. The final scene between the boy and the octopus moved me deeply. I think the octopus is intelligent, kind, and empathetic. Octopuses are highly intelligent, and I truly believe friendship between humans and octopuses is possible.

NHK's 'Darwin Awakens!' also covered the story! A fifth-grade octopus researcher experiments on whether 'octopuses and humans can be friends'—a special interview commemorating the release of 'An Octopus on My Head'