● Hello, hello.
The world a child leaves and encounters for the first time

The cicada fable seems like a symbol of growth and challenge.
This is because they grow gradually over a period of seven years, molting, and then transform into cicadas to avoid attacks from other insects and animals.
"Mr. Cicada, It's Finally Tonight" is also set on the day when cicada larvae emerge into adulthood, but more than anything, we feel Cicada's anticipation and excitement for the world he is encountering for the first time on the ground.
Perhaps it is because I open my eyes and say, “Finally!” to the underground house, and say, “Hello!” to the house I have grown accustomed to.


Anyone can feel nervous about starting something new, or going somewhere they know but have never been before.
But unlike adults who have experienced many firsts, children encounter new worlds more often and in greater numbers.
Starting from being born and meeting family and relatives, going to daycare or kindergarten and meeting friends of the same age, running errands alone, using public transportation alone, etc.
Behaviors that are familiar to adults are new to children, and this reminds me of the cicadas venturing into a new world on land.

The insect friends join forces to throw a fun festival for Mr. Cicada, who is coming to the ground for the first time.
Bees collect pollen and honey to make food, and caterpillars eat cabbage to make salad.
The bellbugs practice their playing to make sure there are no mistakes, and the fireflies gather together to plan something.
All of this is to cheer and celebrate the cicadas who are coming to the ground for the first time.
Amidst everyone's congratulations, Ms. Cami was able to have a happy and enjoyable 'tonight'.

Unlike the insect friends who work hard and with all their heart for Cicada, society has become too harsh on children.
We often apply the same standards to children who are still growing and learning, or expect them to think and act like adults.
No-kids zones that do not even allow children to enter are also continuously emerging.
Like cicadas that emerge from the ground after constant molting, children slowly grow and encounter a new world.
Please welcome your children like your insect friends so that they can be more joyful and fun, and look forward to the challenge like Cicada, saying, "Finally!"

● Carpe diem, singing loudly now, the joy of being alive

Cicadas are well known for spending about seven years underground as larvae and as adults, living for a short period of about a week to two weeks before dying.
People feel sorry for them because they live underground for a long time and then die after wandering around for only a few days in the summer.
But does the main character of this book, 'Mr. Cicada', think that way too?

When you open 『Mr. Cicada, It's Finally Night』 and turn the page, Ms. Cicada's room catches your eye.
You can also see puzzles and riddle books, LP records for listening to music, and art supplies such as sketchbooks and paints.
You can also see a framed picture of a cicada flying freely in the sky.
The image of cicadas happily living underground naturally comes to mind.
Also, on one side of the room, the old clothes that had been shed were hung in a pile.
The cicada has carefully preserved the traces of the time it spent molting underground.

The ending of "Cicada, It's Finally Tonight" leaves out the story of Cicada's death.
Cicada just sings that she is happy to be alive now.
Readers who know the lifespan of a cicada might find this part lonely or sad.
But because Cicada is a person who has faithfully accumulated time while enjoying life underground, it feels like Cicada, who happily and joyfully flies in the sky and sings about being alive, is also living faithfully in the 'present'.
Read books and find out what makes you happy right now.
Because this moment will be a moment that will never return, like Cicada's summer.

● Cute and lovely insects, illustrated by Noriko Kudo

Noriko Kudo is a writer widely loved by children of all ages, from those who cannot read to those who are about to enter elementary school, and their guardians who read to them.
The vibrant imagination and delicate illustrations with soft colors combine with concise sentences to create a book that is easy to read and fun.

"Mr. Cicada, It's Finally Night" also doesn't disappoint.
Cicada's room in the first chapter catches the eye.
There are hidden points with stories throughout the picture, and it is full of fun to find the stories with children.
The stag beetle calls Mr. Cicada to check his schedule. As expected of a stag beetle, there are items related to strength contests and wrestling all over the place.
Also, the insects that bring news, starting with the longicorn beetle, are very cute.
Bees about to start their own routine, caterpillars about to make breakfast by looking at a cookbook, fireflies resting by the river, etc.
This lovely picture book depicts not only the multi-legged caterpillars but also the cicadas in delicate yet adorable drawings, reducing any aversion to insects and stimulating interest.