New Author's Acclaimed Novel 'The Stars of Slumber' Nominated for the Kinokuniya Bookstore Novel Grand Prize 2026

The novel 'The Stars of Slumber', published by Poplar Publishing Co., Ltd. in March 2026, has been nominated as a candidate for the 'Kinokuniya Bookstore Novel Grand Prize 2026'.

This work is set in a 'night nursery' and depicts parents and children living in a challenging society, along with the nursery teachers who support them. It is a moving story that portrays the struggles and conflicts of nursery teachers and parents, the joy derived from children, and the emotions related to childcare in a deeply relatable way.

The author, Ena Komono, made her debut in 2022 by winning the 11th Poplar Novel Prize for New Writers with 'Tsugihagu, Sankaku', receiving unanimous approval from the selection committee. Her warm writing style and delicate psychological descriptions are highly acclaimed, making her one of the most notable new writers in the industry today.

<What is the Kinokuniya Bookstore Novel Grand Prize?>

A fair featuring 10 nominated works will be held at 20 Kinokuniya bookstores for one month in June. The work with the highest sales during this period will be awarded the 'Kinokuniya Bookstore Novel Grand Prize'.

Overwhelmingly positive reader reactions!

'Ms. Komono's perspective, full of love and salvation, portrays the childcare scene warmly, and my heart felt warm for a while after finishing the book.'

'In actual childcare settings, there are many times when things don't go as planned due to the intertwining feelings of many adults, but this book made me want to hold onto my ideals without giving up.'

- 52-year-old nursery teacher

'I thought I understood the difficulty of raising children while working, but I was moved and grateful for how hard nursery teachers work. It made me feel warm and was a very good read.'

- 60-year-old nurse

Synopsis

Ayano, a nursery teacher who quit her job due to insomnia and health issues, finds her condition stabilizes by living a reversed day-night schedule. She decides to work at a nursery with night shifts. At the 24-hour nursery 'Tsuzuki no Hoikuen', she encounters parents striving to raise their children in a harsh modern society and children who love them wholeheartedly. Ayano wishes to support these families and faces them sincerely.

A synopsis manga is also available!

The synopsis manga depicts the struggles and realizations of the protagonist, nursery teacher Ayano, as she deals with a family of medical professionals featured in Chapter 2 of the book.

Manga by: Fumie Akuta

X: https://x.com/akuta_fumie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fumie_akuta

Author Profile

© The Asahi Shimbun Company / Koshokojitsu

Ena Komono

Born in 1993. From Mie Prefecture, lives in Tokyo. Debuted by winning the 11th Poplar Novel Prize for New Writers with 'Tsugihagu, Sankaku' (renamed from 'Tsugihagu △'), receiving unanimous approval from the selection committee. Other works include 'Saiwai Sumu to Hito no Iu'. Known for her soft touch, poignant emotional expressions, and masterful composition.

<Message from Ms. Komono>

'Parents carrying undeniable realities, and children who love them unconditionally.

The nursery that supports them is protecting small lives even tonight.

I hope this novel helps you learn about the existence of such nurseries, and at the same time, reminds us that we were once children who were protected.'

Book Information

Title: 'The Stars of Slumber'

Author: Ena Komono

Price: 1,980 yen (tax included)

Release: March 2026

Bibliography page: https://www.poplar.co.jp/book/search/result/archive/8008525.html

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bJXp8W