[Picture Book] Dozo no Isu (The Chair of 'Please') / The Cycle of Kindness
This picture book was among the ones a friend brought over yesterday.
I had completely forgotten, but I had been wanting to read this one.
It is a story of misunderstandings and kindness among forest animals, unfolding from a small chair made by a rabbit. The simple, adorable animal illustrations and rhythmic text make you feel warm and fuzzy inside.
Written by Yoshiko Kayama
Illustrated by Kozo Kakimoto
Hisakata Child (1981)
Rabbit, donkey, bear, fox, squirrel.
It is cute how each of them slightly misunderstands the meaning of "please."
It just goes to show that everyone "interprets words in a way that suits them" (laughs).
But what is wonderful about this picture book is what happens after they realize what they have done.
It is the "please" for someone else that is born from being fulfilled.for someone else.
"It's okay even if you did it."
You smile a little and feel relieved. The items left on the chair or left behind cleverly evoke the animals and their belongings.
I felt that children learn kindness while enjoying that repetition.
Since I know the face of my friend's child,
I imagined the scene of them being read to many times when they were little.
They are sure to grow up to be a thoughtful child, haha.
Even as an adult, reading this picture book now makes me feel warm and fuzzy.