Powerful 'Grandpa Hippo' Takes Center Stage!? Humorous Picture Book 'Kabajii' by Popular Picture Book Authors Kenta Otsuka and Yuka Kitamura to be Released on May 14th

Sekai Bunka Publishing Co., Ltd. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) will release the picture book 'Kabajii' (story by Kenta Otsuka, illustrations by Yuka Kitamura) on Thursday, May 14th.

♦ You'll want to meet your beloved grandparents!

Popo-kun and Tama-chan's grandpa hippo is great at running, swimming, and eating! He's a grandpa they're proud of. One day, Popo-kun drops his fishing rod into the pond...

A humorous story by the popular picture book author duo, Kenta Otsuka and Yuka Kitamura, who have many successful works. The unexpected ending will surprise you and make you laugh! It's a picture book that will make you want to chat and play with your beloved grandparents.

♦ From author Kenta Otsuka

The episodes and experiences shared by grandfathers and grandmothers sometimes surprise us. When their stories are too wild, we might feel like doubting them, thinking, 'Is that really true... isn't it a lie...?' But then, since grandfathers and grandmothers are telling them seriously, we might feel like we have no choice but to believe them, thinking, 'Maybe it's true after all.'

Popo-kun and Tama-chan, the grandchildren, seemed to listen to Grandpa Hippo's unbelievable episodes, like playing with dinosaurs or traveling around the world with whales, with a strange feeling, thinking, 'Is it true? But...' Perhaps Grandpa Hippo just wanted to see his grandchildren's surprised faces and excited expressions. Which is it, in reality...?

In any case, I think grandfathers and grandmothers in the world are truly powerful and energetic. Moreover, they have experienced so many things in their long lives, so there's no competing with them. I also want to become a wonderful grandfather who can say, 'Now is my prime,' no matter how old I get.

♦ Author Profiles

Story by Kenta Otsuka Born in Saitama Prefecture. A picture book author who writes stories. His picture book works include 'Todoni Otodoke,' 'Ugokimasen,' 'Onyake' (PIE International), 'Ichinichi Panda' (Shogakukan), 'Oyatsu Trampoline' (Hakusensha), 'Hamusu Tantei to Kaitou Nyaa' (Gakken), and 'Ninja Shijukara no Suke' (Sekai Bunka Publishing).

Illustrations by Yuka Kitamura Graduated from Tama Art University. Received an honorable mention in the 33rd Kodansha Picture Book Newcomer Award for 'Onigiri Ninja.' Her picture books include 'Kakekko Kakekko,' 'Neko desu,' 'Gorilla-san wa' (Kodansha), 'Kodomo Kaigi,' 'Motto Kodomo Kaigi' (Fukuinkan Shoten), and 'Futo-n no Ofuton' (BL Publishing).

♦ Publication Overview 'Kabajii'

Release Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026

Price: 1,760 yen (tax included)

Specifications: A4 modified / 24 pages

Publisher: Sekai Bunka Wonder Group Co., Ltd.

Publisher & Distributor: Sekai Bunka Publishing Co., Ltd.

https://books.sekaibunka.com/book/b10166317.html

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4418268227/sekaibunkacom-22