Immediate Reprint! "Maneteyo," a "New" Picture Book Chosen by 12,000 Voters, Sparks Major Reaction

The picture book "Maneteyo" (Author: Aomono Yokocho), published by Kodansha's Children's Division on April 16, 2026, sold out quickly at online bookstores, leading to an exceptionally fast decision for a reprint.

"Maneteyo" is the grand prize winner of the 1st "Readers' Choice New Picture Book Awards," which received 1,076 entries and 12,374 reader votes.

The interactive nature of the book, praised by judges as an "invention" that "expands parent-child communication," led directly to real-world sales upon release.

YouTube Collaboration with "Bonbon Academy" Surpasses 170,000 Views

The collaboration music video with the popular educational YouTube channel "Bonbon Academy," which has over 1.22 million subscribers, surpassed 170,000 views within just over a month of its release.

"Maneteyo" Lyrics, Composition, and Vocals: Icchi & Naru (Bonbon Academy)

The "New" Points of "Maneteyo"

Unlike traditional picture books where children passively watch a story, "Maneteyo" is a reader-participatory style book where children freely imitate the funny faces that appear. The composition, polished by author Aomono Yokocho through repeated revisions based on reactions during actual reading sessions, keeps children captivated.

Comment from Author Aomono Yokocho

I am extremely grateful to receive news of a reprint so soon. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who picked up the book and everyone involved in its sales. In this book, besides face pictures, unexpected "faces" also appear. I hope you will enjoy imitating them to the fullest.

The 2nd "Readers' Choice New Picture Book Awards" is Open for Entries!

The picture book contest that "Maneteyo" won, the 2nd "Readers' Choice New Picture Book Awards," is currently accepting entries. This is a new style of picture book contest with no content restrictions. The 2nd contest features four categories: "Picture Books," "Videos," "Illustrations," and "Hand-play songs." For those considering entering, a 3-month trial of "CLIP STUDIO PAINT EX" for one device is being distributed for free to the first 300 applicants.