[Shikake ehon (Trick picture-book) What is Christmas?]　Written by: Dick Bruna　Translated by: Funazaki Yasuko

　A while ago, Christmas trees and sparkling illuminations appeared in the city, and Christmas mood is being promoted. So this time, I would like to introduce Christmas picture-book for the babies.

　In the first place the important thing for Christmas picture-book for baby under 12 months of age are I think ①Japanese words are simple and beautiful (or in interesting tone), ②the content is not too instructive and not over biased by adult education, ③the book itself is toughly made. It is desirable to fulfill all of these but I realize that there are very few picture-books, which qualify the above criteria. Picture-book for Christmas is the same. There are many books, which seem to be for over 3 years old, and with the contents that are highly instructive and thin paged, but it is quite difficult to find the suitable book for the baby.

　In such situation, I have the impression that [Shikake ehon What is Christmas?] by Dick・Bruna is by far the best picture-book for baby under 12 months to 2 years old. Translation is simple with beautiful Japanese and the content is depicting the original Christmas (Birth of Christ) yet it is not too religious and its simplicity I think is good. As it is a masterpiece, it has been published in thin paged picture-book and it was quite popular. And as it is published as trick picture-book, pages are thicker like a board book and it became suitable for under 12 months to one year old baby who bites everything and grabs everything with strong power. Bruna’s picture and trick are simple yet cute and stylish, and even when it is left out, it does not disturb the interior of the room. I think it is suitable for a present and I am sure it will be welcomed.

　Fundamentally, picture-books are for children yet nowadays, there are many picture-books with enjoyable content and design even adults could enjoy. And after having a child myself, I am also enjoying new discovery and encountering with the picture-books. And so, I would like to introduce some more picture-books, which I recommend in coming articles.

Consciously or unconsciously, bringing the book and reading the story of the Birth of Christ in front of the Cross.
Enjoying turning pages and instinctively smiling, 11 months old.