Ghost’s Tempura is a beloved picture book by Keiko Sena that has been delighting young readers since its original release in 1976. With playful collage-style illustrations and a humorous storyline about a ghost sneaking in to taste tempura, this A4-sized book has become a household favorite in Japan. In this post, we’ll cover the book’s details, its release history, recommended age range, synopsis, sales figures, and reader impressions in a gentle, easy-to-understand style.
Book Overview
- Author & Illustrator: Keiko Sena
- Publisher: Poplar Publishing
- Format: A4 trim size (245 mm × 210 mm), 32 pages
- ISBN: 978-4-591-00489-0
- Genre: Domestic children’s picture book
- List Price: ¥1,430 (tax included)
The collage-like illustrations, made from cut paper and painted textures, bring the friendly ghost and little characters to life. Kids cannot help but giggle as the ghost tiptoes through the room trying to eat tempura without being noticed.
Release Date & Editions
Original Edition: November 1976 (Poplar Publishing)
Since then, smaller-sized editions and bilingual versions with an English CD have also been published. In November 2005, a compact edition was released, making it easy to carry in a bag or backpack.
Recommended Age
This book is best suited for children aged 3 to 5 years. The “3+” label often seen on its spine indicates that preschool-age children (roughly ages 3 and up) will enjoy it the most. Because the story includes a slightly longer narrative, older preschoolers and early elementary school students also find it engaging.
Colorful, collage-style art and the ghost’s comical expressions capture the imaginations of young listeners. When read aloud, the rhythm and sound effects—like the “sizzle” of tempura frying—bring children right into the kitchen alongside the characters.
Synopsis
1. Making Tempura: One day, Usako-chan learns how to make tempura after trying some her mother cooked. She practices frying shrimp, green beans, and sweet potato slices so she can make them just as delicious.
2. A Ghost’s Nose Knows: The aroma of frying tempura travels all the way to a friendly ghost living in the nearby mountain. Hungry and curious, the ghost decides to sneak into Usako-chan’s home.
3. Stealthy Sneaking: Using its ghostly powers, it slips through the keyhole and tiptoes around the kitchen. It tries to eat tempura one piece at a time—carefully nibbling, looking around to make sure no one sees it.
4. A Playful Ending: After eating all the tempura, the ghost floats back to its mountain home, leaving behind an empty plate. Usako-chan and her mother wonder what happened, and the ghost smiles to itself as it drifts away into the night.
Keiko Sena’s cut-paper collage art brings humor and warmth to every page. Children eagerly lean in, eyes wide, as the ghost tiptoes around. Even adults can’t help but smile at the gentle antics.
Sales & Popularity
- Total Copies Sold: Over 1,000,000 (bestseller status)
- According to Poplar Publishing, cumulative sales since 1976 have exceeded 1.07 million copies. It is regularly reprinted and remains in print nearly 50 years after its first release.
- Special merchandise—like “Ghost’s Tempura” tote bags and bookmark sets—were introduced in 2023, reflecting its continued popularity in schools and homes.
The book’s enduring appeal shows that families and educators trust its quality. Many libraries and preschools carry it, and it often appears on recommended reading lists for early learners.
Reader Impressions
Below are some common comments from caregivers, teachers, and young readers:
- Children Are Captivated: “My 4-year-old was glued to every page. The ghost sneaking in made her giggle nonstop, and she even tried saying ‘sizzle’ like the frying sound.”
- Art Is Irresistibly Charming: “The collage-style art is so unique. In my kindergarten class, the kids love pointing out all the tiny details—like the ghost’s goofy eyes and the crispy tempura coating.”
- Family Bonding Moment: “Reading this book became a ritual. After storytime, we’d actually make tempura together. It sparked such funny conversations about whether a ghost would eat our tempura too!”
- Trusted by Educators: “As a preschool teacher, I use this book to introduce cooking vocabulary to my students. They love learning words like ‘dip,’ ‘fry,’ and ‘crunch,’ all while laughing at the ghost’s antics.”
On online review sites, it averages a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 30 reviews. Caregivers frequently note how it encourages children to explore cooking and sparks imaginative play.
Conclusion & Recommendation
Why You Should Read It:
- Laugh-Out-Loud Fun: The ghost’s silly behavior and exaggerated expressions make children giggle.
- Beautiful Visuals: Keiko Sena’s collage technique is both whimsical and warm, perfect for sparking a child’s creativity.
- Family-Friendly: Although designed for preschoolers, even older siblings and parents will find joy in reading it together.
- Bestseller Assurance: Over one million copies sold means it’s a trusted classic in Japan.
Whether you’re a parent looking for a new read-aloud or a teacher seeking engaging material, Ghost’s Tempura is a delightful choice. Search online bookstores or local libraries with “Ghost’s Tempura picture book” to find your copy. We hope this recommendation brings a smile to your family’s reading time!
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