Introducing 4 Ghost-Themed Picture Books by Keiko Sena

Here are the four picture books I’ll be introducing:

• The Monster Tamer ［ばけものづかい］
• The Trash Can Ghost　［くずかごおばけ］
• I Want to Be a Ghost Cat　［ばけねこになりたい］
• The Tool Ghosts　［どうぐのおばけ］

These are the four ghost-themed works I’ll be featuring.

Keiko Sena – At a Glance (in English)

• Name: Keiko Sena (real name: Keiko Kuroda)
• Born: 1931, Tokyo, Japan
• Profession: Picture book author & illustrator
• Art Style: Unique collage art using torn paper, often featuring humorous yet spooky ghosts
• Debut: 1969 with Iyada Iyada (“No! No! No!”)
• Famous Titles:
  • Who’s Not Sleeping Yet? (ねないこだれだ)
  • The Monster Tamer (ばけものづかい)
  • Gluttonous Hanako (くいしんぼうのはなこさん)
• Career: Over 50 years of creating beloved children’s books
• Awards: Recipient of numerous children’s publishing awards in Japan
• Popularity: Many books have been translated and are loved internationally

The Monster Tamer ［ばけものづかい］

The Monster Tamer ［ばけものづかい］Summary

“The Monster Tamer” is a whimsical tale about a boy who dreams of becoming a master of ghosts.
He wants to command the ghosts to do all sorts of tasks for him, but things don’t go as planned—
the ghosts are mischievous, uncooperative, and full of surprises.

As the boy gets caught up in their chaos, the story humorously explores the theme of “not everything (or everyone) can be controlled.”
With Keiko Sena’s signature paper-cut collage art and charmingly eerie characters, the book offers laughs, a little spookiness, and a gentle life lesson for young readers.

The Trash Can Ghost　［くずかごおばけ］

The Trash Can Ghost　［くずかごおばけ］Summary

“The Trash Can Ghost” tells the story of everyday items thrown away carelessly by children—
crumpled papers, candy wrappers, and scraps.

But one night, these forgotten bits rise up as spooky, talking trash ghosts!
They confront the children, asking:
“Why were we thrown away so roughly? Don’t we deserve to be treated with care?”

With Keiko Sena’s signature collage artwork and playful eeriness, this story teaches young readers about wastefulness, respect for things, and the idea that even trash has a voice—if you listen closely enough.

I Want to Be a Ghost Cat　［ばけねこになりたい］

I Want to Be a Ghost Cat　［ばけねこになりたい］Summary

One day, a little cat has a dream:
“I want to become a ghost cat!”

To make that dream come true, he tries all sorts of spooky things—making scary faces, sneaking up on people, and practicing his “haunting skills.”
But no matter what he does, he just can’t seem to become a real ghost cat.

Through funny and slightly eerie moments, this story follows a cat’s charming journey of self-discovery and determination.
With Keiko Sena’s signature collage art and gentle storytelling, it teaches kids that becoming what you want takes more than just trying—it takes heart, imagination, and a little bit of magic.

The Tool Ghosts　［どうぐのおばけ］

The Tool Ghosts　［どうぐのおばけ］Summary

One evening, after a child carelessly leaves scissors, glue, crayons, and rulers scattered and messy, something unexpected happens…

The tools turn into ghosts!
They rise up and say, “Why are you treating us so badly?”
“We helped you—don’t you care about us?”

This fun and slightly spooky picture book reminds children to take care of their belongings, told through Keiko Sena’s signature collage art and mischievous storytelling.

Tools Turn into Ghosts is a heartwarming and humorous lesson about respect, responsibility, and appreciation for the things we use every day.

Final Thoughts

Keiko Sena’s ghost picture books aren’t just fun—they’re thoughtful tools for raising kind, curious, and responsible children. They entertain with a touch of fright, then linger with quiet reflection.

If you’re looking to explore Japanese children’s literature, start with these four enchanting tales. You and your little readers might just find yourselves delightfully haunted—in the best possible way.