How Was the Beloved Character of Kuma-Kuma Chan Born?

 

“I used to be a designer at a stationery manufacturer. One day I drew a little bear and put it on letterhead. Although the letterhead didn’t sell well, my bear lived happily on in my heart. In 2001, I named him Kuma-Kuma Chan, and wrote about him. As time passed I forgot about him. When I thought about him again, I found he continued to enjoy his life and his simple way of living. So I wrote a new story about the bear who hadn’t changed, even though I had changed a little myself.”

—Kazue Takahashi, author/illustrator of Kuma-Kuma Chan Series

 

Kuma-Kuma Chan profile
Age: unknown
Character: open minded, sometimes serious
Body: a little bear with an adorable, expressionless face
Favorite foods: chocolate, coffee, and salmon dishes
Hobbies: browsing in bookstores, daydreaming, grooming himself

 

Kuma-Kuma Chan Series
Book 1:
“Kuma-Kuma Chan, The Little Bear”
Kuma-Kuma Chan lives in a small house deep in the mountains. When you read about his simple life, you will learn that enjoying every day activities can lead to having the happiest life.

Book 2:
“Kuma-Kuma Chan’s Home”
One day Kuma-Kuma Chan invites a friend to his home. He is not the perfect host, but he makes his friend very comfortable and they enjoy the visit. Kuma-Kuma Chan’s message of living simply and of offering hospitality to friends can be read and enjoyed by the whole family.

Book 3:
“Kuma-Kuma Chan’s Travels”
Sometimes Kuma-Kuma Chan travels. You can read about his travels and go on imaginary journeys along with him.

“Though it’s the third book in the series, it stands alone, but it’s a great reason to check out the other two. A delightful, engaging book for a broad audience, an effective form of stress reduction, and a catalyst for readers’ own imaginary travels—all in an irresistibly wee package.”
—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW