My First Errand

Written by Yoriko Tsutsui, Illustrated by Akiko Hayashi
Fukuinkan Shoten

　　………………………………

As I wrote in my previous article on 'Self-Introduction',

this is the book that made me rediscover the charm of picture books
and sparked my long-lasting relationship with them.

(Or rather, it was more of a feeling of 'rediscovery!!')

Therefore,
for the first recommendation I introduce in 'Grandma's Children's Department Store',
I definitely want it to be this picture book.

I think.

※This article contains promotions.

　　………………………………

What kind of story is
《My First Errand》?...

Clutching the money her mother gave her tightly,
she goes on her first errand...

to buy milk for the baby.

Usually, this is a path she would have walked
holding her mother's hand.

But today, she is all alone!!

...that is the story
　　………………………………


The path to the shop is drawn across the full spread of the pages.

After turning the corner,

it becomes an uphill slope.


Undeterred by the happenings along the way,
she finally reaches the shop, but...


　　………………………………


While reading it,

I feel as if I am also clutching money in my hand,
tensing my shoulders,
and walking nervously.
The illustrations tell so many things,


and there are plenty of little discoveries all over the pages.

It would be fun to find them together


with your child.
　　………………………………
Ever since I read this picture book,

I have become a huge fan not just of 'picture books' in general,

but also of the illustrator, Akiko Hayashi.

So, from here on out,

the frequency of me introducing Akiko Hayashi's picture books might... increase (^^♪︎




　　…………………………………


Suddenly,I remembered my own children's 'first errand'.


Since it's a bit far to walk to the shop,
and there were many cars,


it was quite difficult, so
their 'first' was the mission of
'delivering the neighborhood circular to the house next door'.



The house next door is right beside us, but

due to the location of the entrance,



they had to go around a narrow road

with no sidewalk where cars pass by quite often.

My older child held the circular tightly to their chest,
held the younger child's hand,



and stepped onto the road while checking left and right...
...and they were able to deliver it safely.

　　………………………………





Fortunately,


I could see the children walking


clearly from our second-floor window,

so I was able to watch over them, but
I don't think the mother in this picture book

could see them like that.



Although she sent them off with a smile and cheer,

I wonder if she was nervous inside?





　　………………………………

...Now then,what happened to the 'errand' to buy milk...




　　………………………………

If you ever have the chance to pick up this picture book,

please
take a look at the back cover too ⸜( ´ ꒳ ` )⸝



　　………………………………

《 Conclusion 》

Picture books have many charms, such as the atmosphere of the illustrations and the rhythm of the text, that are hard to convey unless you actually pick them up.
If you have the opportunity, I hope you will see them in person at a bookstore or library, and choose them after feeling that you 'want to read' or 'want to have them read' it.


I would be happy if this article could be the start of an encounter with a book.

#BookIntroduction #MyFirstErrand #YorikoTsutsui #AkikoHayashi #FukuinkanShoten #PictureBook #Children #Adults #Parenting #Memories