Virtual Children's Books Exhibits

WATER BABIES

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On the Boardwalk

WaterBabies

 

 

 

 

10. Kodomo no kuni.
Volume 12, number 9 (August 1933).
Shiro Kawakame, illustrator.
Tokyo: Tokyosha, 1933.

This charming picture of a little boy under a beach umbrella is reproduced from a cover of one of the best known Japanese-language magazines for children. The August issues of Kodomo no kuni, which means “children’s world” in English, often featured pictures of children in the water, whether swimming by the sea or bathing in a waterfall.

The magazine was famous for the high quality of its artwork and printing during its twenty-seven year run. You can see many more examples of illustrations in a range of styles by Kodomo no kuni’s fine artists at the Kodomo no kumi website.