5 Years After Popular Picture Book 'The King's Sweets' — Newest Entry in 'World Sweets' Series Announced! 'Sumire no Satozuke' (Violet Sugar Candy) Released

Sekai Bunka Sha will release the latest installment of the 'World Sweets' picture book series, 'Sumire no Satozuke' (text by Mutsumi Ishii, illustrations by Krimgen), on Thursday, May 28.

◆ The Magic of Melting Sweets: The Story of Sara and Her Grandfather

<Plot Summary> Since losing her grandmother, Sara has been worried about her grandfather living alone. One day, she goes to stay at her grandfather's house. While picking violets in the garden, something mysterious happens...

The rich writing of children's book author Mutsumi Ishii and the classical, exotic illustrations by Krimgen delicately depict the sadness of loss and the memories and warmth passed down through time. The end of the book includes a recipe for 'Violet Sugar Candy'. Along with the lingering feeling of the story, it is packed with enjoyment that makes the world of sweets feel closer. After reading, like a sweet and gentle fragrance remaining in the heart, this work invites readers to think of memories of loved ones while encountering world sweet cultures.

◆ 5 Years After 'The King's Sweets' — A New Sweet Story Connecting Memories and Feelings

About five years have passed since the publication of the book award winner 'The King's Sweets' (illustrated by Rei Kurahashi). Mutsumi Ishii's 'World Sweets' series now has a long-awaited new release. While the previous work featured the traditional French pastry 'Galette des Rois', this work focuses on 'Violet Sugar Candy', which was once beloved by the Austrian imperial court. These delicate sweets, made by enclosing small violet flowers in sugar, were cherished as preserved food, spread in Toulouse, France—known as the 'City of Violets'—and have been loved by many. It is said that they captivated Empress Elisabeth of the Habsburg family and composer Frédéric Chopin.

For author Mutsumi Ishii, 'Violet Sugar Candy' was a special treat linked to precious memories. For this work, she teamed up for the first time with artist Krimgen, who lived in Austria—the setting of the story—for eight years. The soft scenes of Austria, carefully arranged tables, gardens reflecting the seasons, and the delicate violet sugar candies—the atmosphere of life in a distant country breathes in every corner of the pages.

◆ Publication Commemorative Picture Book Original Drawing Exhibition

To commemorate the publication, an original drawing exhibition will be held at TEGAMISHA BOOKSTORE. The display space will feature double-signed copies, new items with violet motifs, and many of Krimgen's popular paper goods such as stamps and masking tapes.

['Sumire no Satozuke' Krimgen Picture Book Original Drawing Exhibition] Venue: TEGAMISHA BOOKSTORE Period: Thursday, May 28, 2026 – Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Address: E2-109, 1F Green Springs, 3-1 Midori-cho, Tachikawa City, Tokyo Business Hours: 11:00 – 19:00 Regular Holidays: None Access: 8-minute walk from JR Tachikawa Station