Overview
“Kuma the Principal” is a heartwarming picture book written by Hitomi Konno, a talented singer-songwriter, and illustrated by the beloved picture book artist Yōko Imoto. Inspired by the real-life “Life Lesson” classes of Mr. Satoshi Ōse, a former elementary school principal, this story gently reminds readers—young and old—of the importance of empathy and recognizing the value in every voice.
Release Date
The book was first released on June 1, 2004.
Recommended Age
Designed for ages 4–8 (typically preschoolers through second graders), “Kuma the Principal” is especially impactful for children in the 5–6 age range. Through the relationship between the bear principal and the shy sheep, young readers can grasp the story’s message—that every voice, big or small, deserves to be heard.
What the Book Is About
The main character is a friendly bear who serves as the principal of a small elementary school. Every morning, the principal greets students with a booming “Good morning!” that fills the hallway. A timid sheep, who can only speak in a gentle, quiet voice, admires the principal but feels overshadowed by the loud greetings.
One day, the principal falls ill and can no longer speak loudly. Through this change, he learns that “a small voice still has value” and realizes that loudness alone doesn’t measure a person’s feelings or worth. As the principal’s condition forces him to listen more carefully, the little sheep finds the courage to practice speaking up. Ultimately, when the sheep gathers enough bravery to shout “Good morning!” in a loud voice, the principal is deeply moved and understands the power of empathy and encouragement.
Based on the true story of Mr. Satoshi Ōse—who continued teaching his “Life Lesson” classes even after being diagnosed with terminal cancer—this picture book carries a profound message about valuing every moment and every person, regardless of their circumstances.
Copies Sold (Sales)
While the publisher has not officially disclosed exact sales figures, “Kuma the Principal” has remained a longtime bestseller for over 19 years. It has been continuously reprinted and is widely read in families and schools across Japan. Media coverage by outlets like NHK and AERA has further fueled its popularity, and author signings still attract both children and parents eager to share in its message.
Reader Reviews (Sample Comments)
- “No matter how many times I read it, I still cry. The gentle language makes it easy for small children to understand, yet the message resonates deeply with adults as well.”
—Librarian (29 years old) - “I read it with my five-year-old, and I ended up in tears. My child empathized with the principal and the sheep—learning that speaking up is about more than just being loud.”
—Stay-at-home Mom (30 years old) - “As a principal myself, I always told students to speak loudly in the hallways. This book made me realize how wrong I was—sometimes listening to quiet voices is what truly matters.”
—Elementary School Principal (57 years old) - “Knowing it’s based on a true story made me appreciate life’s fragility. When the sheep finally speaks up, my heart felt so warm.”
—Working Mom (45 years old) - “The kindness of the principal and the sheep’s bravery moved me. The warm illustrations captivated my child—we’ve read it over and over.”
—Stay-at-home Mom (35 years old)
Detailed Synopsis & Highlights
- Opening Scene: The bear principal greets every student each morning with a thunderous “Good morning!” The little sheep, who can only whisper, admires the principal but feels overwhelmed by the loud greetings.
- The Principal’s Change: One day, the principal becomes ill and loses his ability to speak loudly. Suddenly, he questions his own habit of insisting that children speak loudly—and wonders if he has been ignoring quieter voices all along.
- Sheep’s Growth: Feeling empathy for the principal, the little sheep decides to practice speaking in a stronger voice. In a touching climax, the sheep finally shouts “Good morning!” so loudly that it brings tears to the principal’s eyes and teaches him the power of encouragement.
- “Life Lesson” Message: This story embodies the true “Life Lesson” classes of Mr. Ōse, emphasizing that every day and every person is precious. Even as he battled terminal cancer, Mr. Ōse continued to uplift students. The bear principal’s journey reminds readers to cherish every moment and listen with an open heart.
Who It’s Recommended For
- Parents and Educators Seeking Empathy Lessons: If you want to teach children that “big voices” aren’t the only voices that matter, this book is perfect for home or classroom storytime.
- Fans of True, Inspirational Stories: Since it’s based on a real principal’s life, both parents and teachers will find the narrative moving and thought-provoking.
- Families with Preschoolers (Ages 5–6): The gentle language and heartwarming illustrations help young children connect personally with the characters.
Conclusion
“Kuma the Principal” teaches us that “It’s not about how loud you speak, but how much you listen.” Released in June 2004, this book has remained a cherished favorite for nearly two decades. Its simple yet powerful message of empathy and the value of every voice makes it a must-read for both children and adults. Share it with your little ones and discover together why even a small voice can make a big difference.
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