I participated in Book Santa! Here's a look at the books I gave to elementary school students and why I chose them.

Charity? No, it's supporting my favorite idol.

good morning.

I've been curious about it for a long time.“"Book Santa"”I was finally able to participate this year.

As I picked up each book one by one in the bookstore, imagining the children I had never met, I felt a sense of excitement, like I was quietly entrusting my "favorite book" to them.

Last year I wasn't able to participate, so this year I was determined to go for it. The moment I found the participating stores, I decided in my heart, "I'm definitely going to do it!"

I was a little nervous about my first charity activity, but as soon as I realized how fun it was to select books, that anxiety naturally disappeared.

What is Book Santa? A clear explanation of how it works and how to participate.

"Book Santa" is a social contribution project started in 2017 by the NPO Charity Santa in collaboration with bookstores to donate books to children in difficult circumstances across Japan.
When someone who wants to give a book as a gift buys one, the book is delivered to children through hundreds of NPOs across the country, including Charity Santa.

From the Book Santa official website

I learned about Book Santa from Nono Ran's blog.

When I read it for the first time,"Wait, you can choose your own book and give it as a gift?"I remember being very excited.

Last year, the timing didn't work out and I couldn't participate, but this year, when I found out that a nearby bookstore had become a participating store, I suddenly felt very positive and thought, "This year for sure!"

I went there right away.

Pochi

I was a little nervous about my first charity activity, but the excitement outweighed the nervousness.

Reasons why there is a shortage of books for elementary school students

I borrowed the image (graph) from the official source.

Picture books are the main choice for infants and toddlers, but choosing books for elementary school children can be difficult, right?

I think middle and high school students should be able to handle literary works too...

Before seeing this, I was planning to pick my favorite picture book and a slightly longer, interesting book.

This graph was also displayed on a poster in the bookstore, which led me to change the book I had originally planned to give as a gift.

Choosing children's books is one option, but I also wanted to encourage them to look beyond children's books, so this time I focused on selecting literary works that elementary school students can enjoy.

5 Recommended Paperback Books that Elementary School Students Can Enjoy

Kiki's Delivery Service / Eiko Kadono

Kiki's Delivery Service is a well-known Studio Ghibli film.

The paperback edition's cover features a soft, appealing illustration that makes you want to pick it up immediately.

The gentle, picture-book-like style makes me think that even children who aren't yet used to reading books would naturally become interested in it.

This is a heartwarming story depicting the gradual growth of the witch Kiki in a new town.

I'm yellow, white, and a little bit blue / Mikako Brady

This is a truly classic book that is popular with a wide range of generations.

This work uses humor to give us an opportunity to think about diversity and the nature of society.

This selection is filled with themes that I hope will be relevant to the children who will live in the future.

Once upon a time, there was a corpse. / Aoyagi Aoto

This is a collection of mystery short stories based on well-known Japanese folktales such as "Momotaro," "Urashima Taro," "The Old Man Who Made Flowers Bloom," and "The Crane's Return of a Favor."

The world I've grown accustomed to from picture books is depicted from a completely different perspective, and once I start reading, I can't stop feeling excited. The cover is also comical, making it easy for even elementary school children to pick up.

Since it's a collection of short stories, you can enjoy it no matter where you start reading, and it's a book that's engaging yet moves at a good pace.

If Cats Disappeared from the World / Genki Kawamura

The story begins when the protagonist, who has been given a terminal diagnosis, encounters a "demon" who looks exactly like him.

The protagonist is presented with a strange deal: "For every thing you erase from the world, you will gain one day more life." He is then forced to make a choice.

The writing is light and easy to read, and it's a work that quietly makes you reflect on family love and life.

I think this is a profound story that even elementary school students can easily follow.

Colorful / Eto Mori

"Congratulations! You've won the lottery!" Many people may be familiar with this memorable phrase.

The protagonist temporarily inhabits the body of a middle school boy who attempted suicide, in order to recall the "sins" he committed in his previous life. The story unfolds quietly and carefully, exploring what the boy was hiding and what mistakes the protagonist himself had made.

Despite dealing with heavy themes, this book leaves you with a very gentle feeling after reading it, and I would especially recommend it to upper elementary school students.

Choosing books is fun! Why don't you join Book Santa?

The five books I've introduced here are books that I have actually given to children.

I've selected books that are easy for elementary school students to pick up and read.

I would be very happy if this helps you in your book selection.

If you'd like to choose something based on a more specific theme or age group, BookSanta Online Bookstore also has a very extensive selection, so please be sure to check that out as well.

I think Book Santa is a truly wonderful activity.

Charity should be more casual.

Some people might feel a little apprehensive when they hear the word "charity."

Actually, I was the same way at first.

but,“How about thinking of it as an extension of your "fandom activities"?

I want to share my favorite books with someone.

I want today's children to experience the same stories that I was so engrossed in reading when I was younger.

If you participate with that mindset, the hurdles become much lower.

Giving a book recommended by your favorite celebrity as a gift is a wonderful idea, and secretly enjoying the fact that "this main character is a little like my favorite celebrity..." is also a great way to spend time.

You don't need to worry too much about balance.

This article touched upon the issue of a shortage of books for elementary school students, but in reality, we may not need to be so concerned about the balance.

There are people who oversee and adjust the balance of the book selection.

The most important thing we can do is to simply "participate." That one step alone will surely get a book into someone's hands.

By participating, you will receive a sticker like the one pictured and an exclusive URL.

The limited URL allows you to read the children's comments, which warms the heart.

For those who are hesitant to participate: Even spreading the word on social media is a great way to help.

If you're still hesitant to participate, simply spreading the word on social media is also a perfectly valid way to contribute.

The official website also states that "raising awareness" is an important part of the activity.

I would also be happy if we could create an environment where everyone can read books, so I want to support this initiative.

If there's anyone who still can't muster the courage, Even just spreading awareness of your activities on social media can be very helpful.

“The official statement also emphasizes that "raising awareness" is a valuable form of support.

I personally hope that the environment in which everyone can access books will expand, and I intend to continue supporting this initiative.

Pochi

I couldn't stop grinning while selecting the books!

Pochi

He looked quite suspicious.

Choosing books is a truly enjoyable experience.
If you're interested, why don't you join us?

Thank you for reading to the end.

Okay then!

Pochi

Illustrator

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Illustrator.
This blog is my growth diary as an illustrator.
Opened since June 2023.
Starting YouTube in January 2025.