Iwamura Kazuo. Fourteen Forest Mice. Moving.

Samokat is releasing the first three books in a large and stunningly beautiful series by Japanese artist Kazuo Iwamura. This series, very popular in Japan (and beyond), explores the beauty of everyday life and follows the lives of three generations of a mouse family: grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, and a dozen other mice. Just a few words – and thousands of details on every page. The mice live in the forest, and with them, we see the smallest details of the world around us – dewdrops, blades of grass, the beauty of morning rays and autumn leaves. In one of the first books in the series, "14 Forest Mice: Breakfast," all the family members wake up in the morning, some earlier, some later. Everyone has their usual chores and roles: six mice go for fresh strawberries, mom, grandma, and two older daughters bake pies. Dad, grandpa, and two mice cook mushroom soup. And so, the table is filled with delicious treats, ready to have breakfast and begin a new, eventful day! In "Moving," mice search for a new home: they navigate obstacles and dangers through the forest, settle into their new home, build a bridge and a water supply, and, of course, celebrate the move. It's calm and cozy in the new home, and a candle on the table glows with a wonderful light. And "Winter Day" is full of adventures, sledding, fresh air, and the comfort and warmth of home! Iwamura's books are reminiscent of miniature dollhouses, where you want to examine and touch every detail, and each small event is filled with truly Japanese philosophy and an appreciation for life in every moment. For elementary school age.