Picture Book 'How Vegetables and Fruits Changed' Out June 4: Ancient Apples Were 2cm Wide

Kodansha will publish the picture book 'How Much They Changed! Vegetables and Fruits, Past and Present' on June 4, 2026, priced at 2,200 yen. Written by science writer Akina Horikawa, this educational book features 14 types of crops, illustrating how selective breeding over history has transformed their appearance, size, and flavor. For example, ancient apples were only 2cm in diameter, resembling sour cherries, while ancestral sweet potatoes looked like thin roots. Supervised by the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), the book offers accurate photos, trivia, and columns to foster children's interest in science and food education. It marks Horikawa's first picture book publication.