Popular Picture Book Based on Elementary Art Textbook 'Sukimachannel' Announces Reprint!

Reprint Announced for Picture Book 'Sukimachannel'

Gakken Co., Ltd., a group company of Gakken Holdings, has decided to reprint the picture book 'Sukimachannel' (originally released on February 16, 2026) as of May 7, 2026.

This work was inspired by an art activity found in first-grade elementary school art textbooks. Since its publication, feedback such as 'my child is captivated' and 'they have started exploring every nook and cranny in the house' has led to this reprint, and it is now being actively used in childcare and educational settings.

### An 'Experiential' Book Born from Textbooks

'Sukimachannel' follows a character made of gap-filling tape with pipe-cleaner limbs, interacting with children. By placing self-made 'Sukimachannel' figures into real-world gaps, children can imagine those spaces transforming into rooms or baths, sparking their imagination. The project was supervised by Ikuko Minami, the creator of the original educational theme, and reflects careful research into elementary school settings to build a heartwarming world that resonates with both children and adults.

### Practical Implementation: Raymond Shimotakaido Nursery

The book is fueling creative play in childcare settings. At Raymond Shimotakaido Nursery, children create their own 'Sukimachannel' figures using cardboard and pipe cleaners, imagining scenarios like 'Is this their home?' or 'Could they live here?'. Children develop diverse stories—from creating adventure maps to building ships and planes—often sparked by their own initiative. Educators report that the play expands dynamically from the children's own desires to explore.

### Comment from the Editor (Yuri Tanaka, Gakken Content Strategy Office)

'The greatest charm of Sukimachannel lies in how children transform ordinary gaps into homes or baths through their own imagination. Seeing them nurture these narratives in childcare practice is deeply moving. The production of this book began when I was inspired by my own daughter bringing home her handmade Sukimachannel. With the cooperation of Nichibun (Nihon Bunkyo Shuppan), we carefully reconstructed the individual personalities of these creations into a story.'

### Product Overview

- **Title**: Sukimachannel - **Original Story**: Ikuko Minami - **Text**: Kazuko Yamamoto - **Illustrations**: Yuki Nishimura - **Cooperation**: Nihon Bunkyo Shuppan Co., Ltd. - **Price**: 1,650 JPY (including tax) - **Release Date**: February 16, 2026 - **Page Count**: 32 pages - **Publisher**: Gakken Co., Ltd.

For more details, please visit the Gakken publishing website.