[For those born on June 15th] A picture book charm to lighten your heart: 'So Much, So Much' - A story born on your birthday
Hello. I am Take-Gorilla, a 'Birthday Picture Book Sommelier' who introduces a picture book born on each day of the year.
This article is written for you, who celebrates your birthday today, June 15th, and for everyone who has gently watched over your precious journey.
To you, who celebrates this special day, June 15th
The season has arrived where the light peeking through the breaks in the rainy season makes the young leaves shine brightly.
Born on June 15th, you carry that atmosphere with you, possessing a lighthearted nature that allows you to get along with anyone immediately.
However, in the moments when you are suddenly alone, you quietly ponder the meaning of things.
Deep inside, aren't there several 'secret drawers' tucked away that you have never shown to anyone?
The brightness you show in front of others, and the depth of your contemplation when you are alone.
The fact that these two coexist without contradiction is where your mysterious charm lies.
This time of year, as the halfway point of the year approaches, is the perfect timing to pause, look back on your journey, and take a new step forward.
On such a day as today, there is one book I would like to present as your Birthday Picture Book Sommelier.
Birthday Picture Book for June 15th: 'So Much, So Much'
Author: Shinsuke Yoshitake
Poplar Publishing
First edition: June 15, 2021
The book I have chosen as today's birthday picture book is Shinsuke Yoshitake's masterpiece'So Much, So Much'.
The release date of this book is June 17th, the same as yours.
There is a reason why I want to give this book to you, who was born so close to such a fateful day.
The story progresses around the magic word 'so much,' which overflows in the daily life of raising children.
'You were so eager to have that toy, and now you're already bored with it'
'The room that was cleaned so neatly is already this messy again'
The story begins with those everyday moments that make everyone chuckle.
However, with every turn of the page, the flow of time gradually expands to a larger scale.
The small child eventually grows into an adult and leaves home, and at the same time, you, as a parent, grow older as well.
Within the repetition of 'so much' and 'already this much,' the twenty or thirty years of a life are quietly depicted.
The reason it deeply touches the hearts of adults with every page turn
From the perspective of a professional editor, this picture book is extremely unusual and imbued with a perfect aesthetic. First of all, the reason many readers agree that it is a book for adults lies in its thoroughly stripped-down words and the brilliance of its use of white space.
The way cherry trees grow, the tricycle at the entrance disappears, and the cityscape changes little by little eloquently tells the story of 'passing time.' And then, the climax of the story. After absorbing all the hardships and joys of raising a child, the mother utters the words, 'Still not enough.'
The moment we encounter these words, we realize something. That even the 'troublesome things' and 'difficult things' in parenting and life were actually part of an irreplaceable treasure. As a Birthday Picture Book Sommelier, I can assert that there is no other work that has depicted such a deep affirmation of 'life' while incorporating humor.
'Birthday Picture Book 365,' a daily morning charm
'Birthday Picture Book 365' is a project that delivers one picture book every morning that aligns with the atmosphere and seasonal colors of each of the 365 days.
'I wonder what kind of picture book is chosen for my birthday,' 'I want to take a peek at the birthdays of my loved ones too.'
If you feel that way, by tracing through the past articles, you will surely encounter a book that brings someone's face to mind.
If these words have reached your heart, even a little, as you do your best today.
Instead of a celebration, please press 'Like' to let me know.
That single tap of yours will be the best present for me as well.
Happy Birthday. Finally, to you
Once again, Happy Birthday.
May today be a starting day where you cherish the path you have walked so far and can greedily enjoy the future ahead, saying, 'Still not enough.'
'Anna ni Anna ni' should become a one-of-a-kind charm in the world that brings you back to your roots whenever you feel like you might stop in the rough waves of life.
In tomorrow's birthday picture book, I have prepared a book I want to gift to you, who are a little clumsy but kinder than anyone else.
If you have a dear friend whose birthday is today, why not quietly share this article with them as a birthday message?
And so you don't miss tomorrow's story, please feel free to 'follow' and come back to see me again.
May your new year be filled with many 'Anna ni' moments and be truly precious.
May your new year be filled with many 'Anna ni' moments and be truly wonderful.
See you again for tomorrow's birthday picture book.
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