Picture Book: 'Piyoxy's Search for a Dream' (Full Version Available for Free)
*In the actual picture book, furigana is provided for all kanji characters.
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My name is Piyoxy.
I am 10 years old.
I am a chick who spends every day happily.
But, actually, I have a worry right now.
All my friends have dreams.
I don't have a dream.
What I want to become,
what I want to do,
I still don't know.
Will I ever find a dream of my own?
I'm scared of becoming an adult.
Everyone is amazing; I'm so envious.
How do people find their dreams?
'Why are you looking down?'
'I don't have a dream, and all my friends do.'
'It's okay.'
'Really?'
'You still have plenty of time ahead of you, so it's okay.'
'At what age did you find your dream, sir?'
'After I turned 30.'
'30!?'
'Even if you don't have a dream now, if you cherish your daily experiences and encounters,
you will surely become a wonderful adult.'
Piyoxy is 20 years old.
I've grown up quite a bit, but I still don't have a dream.
I'm envious of my friends.
What will happen to me if I stay like this?
I still don't know what kind of adult I want to be.
I'm full of anxiety.
That's it!
I'll go on a journey to search for a dream.
There must be so many things I don't know yet.
Without setting a goal, I'll just start walking.
I hope I can find some kind of hint.
'Could it be... from that time?'
'Huh!? Sir!?'
'You've grown up. Do you remember me?'
'Of course, I remember you.'
'Why are you on a journey?'
'I still don't have a dream, and I was hoping for some kind of hint.'
'That's amazing. I'm sure you'll find something.'
"I'll give you this case. It's a charm to help you find your dream."
"Thank you."
"Inside, there is my business card."
Let's meet again when you've found your dream."
"I'm so happy. Thank you."
"But promise me you won't open it until you find your dream."
"Okay, I promise."
"I want to find my dream and see you again."
"I'll be rooting for you."
"Okay."
"Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
Piyoxy, 30 years old.
Inspired by my travels, I started a company that makes picture books.
I encountered many picture books during my travels,
and they gave me so much courage.
I want to create picture books that can give others courage, too.
Before I knew it, I had found my dream.
At dusk, I saw children playing in the square.
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
"I want to be a pilot."
"I want to be a doctor."
One child was looking down, appearing discouraged.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't have a dream."
"It's okay."
"Really?"
"Even if you don't have a dream now, if you cherish your daily experiences and encounters,
you will surely become a wonderful adult."
It's okay if you don't find your dream right away.
Beyond the experiences you have now, you will see what you want to do.
Let's jump into the unknown world.
Naturally, you will find what you want to do,
and what you can become passionate about.
So, there is no need to rush.
It took me 30 years to find my dream.
The chick's story has only just begun.
The chick's dream search will continue for a long time.
I wonder how that man from back then is doing.
That's right, I should have his business card.
I'll tell him that I've found my dream now.
Huh?
It's my business card.
That man from back then...
Was it me?
The End
<<Afterword>>
I wrote this picture book to convey the message: "It's okay if you don't find your dream right away. By having various experiences, you will surely find what you want to do. And even when you become an adult, the search for a dream never ends."
Like Piyoxy, I spent a long time struggling because I didn't have a dream and couldn't find what I wanted to do. Piyoxy's ages of 10, 20, and 30 are based on my own original experiences.
The revelation at the end that the man was actually myself is a free expression unique to storytelling. Having the future self go back to give advice to the younger, struggling self is a narrative device.
The fact that the 30-year-old Piyoxy was telling children the same words the man told the 10-year-old Piyoxy—"Even if you don't have a dream now, if you cherish your daily experiences and encounters, you will surely become a wonderful adult"—might have given away the twist.
This story is based on the message I wanted to convey to my past self. I am sure there are many children who have similar worries. Perhaps there are also adults who have given up on their dreams or challenges. I would be happy if this picture book could give someone courage.
I struggled a lot with my first picture book production, but I am relieved that this book is complete. I am happy to have been able to write a picture book using the words I cherish: "Dreams, Encounters, Promises, and Support." And I learned that the world of picture books is a fun place.
Finally, since GalaxyBooks engages in book donation activities, I felt I wanted to spread the gift culture of picture books once again. If you liked this picture book, please consider gifting it to someone important to you. The royalties from this picture book will be donated to a children's fund.
Thank you for reading until the end.
Masaya Kado, President and CEO, GalaxyBooks Co., Ltd.
<<Information on Purchase Benefits for the Picture Book 'Chick's Dream Search'>>
As a benefit for purchasing the picture book, we have decided to present "newly written short story data" based on the picture book. It is a one-shot short story filled with descriptions that could not be written in the picture book. Please enjoy this new sensation of a picture book novel version.
You can apply via the application form by scanning the QR code on the last page of the picture book. Once you apply, we will send you the newly written short story PDF data in the near future. Please note that the purchase benefit may end due to various circumstances, so please apply as soon as possible.
<<Sales Information for the Picture Book 'Chick's Dream Search'>>
◆Release Date: Sales start from 5:00 PM on Tuesday, August 20th
◆Sales Store: Limited sale of 300 copies on BASE (online shop) (up to 2 copies per family)
◆Sales Price: 2,750 yen (tax included) (free shipping)
◆Purchase Benefit: Newly written data for the short story 'Chick's Dream Search'
◆Note 1: All copies will be delivered signed
◆Note 2: Since I, Kado, will be signing and handling all shipping tasks, it might take about 1 to 2 weeks from purchase to arrival. Please forgive me. I will do my best.