《Come On! Let’s Take The Elevator》
Author/Illustrator: Hasegawa Yoshifumi

《 Come On! Let’s Take The Elevator》tells the “stories” of a family experience in a department store. The first few floors are pretty much the same as the typical ones we visit, but the goods offered start getting interesting when they further go up to Sumo Bazaar, Ninja Outlet, etc. The family wants to purchase one item on each floor, but their plan falls through at the Ninja Outlet just because all Ninjas hide away from them. They have no choice but to continue going up to the other floors in the elevator…...

Arriving at the Underworld floor and Heaven area, the rich composition and colors of the illustration may look too intense for adults, but it is definitely exciting and stimulating for children. Every merchandise in the outlet depicts a unique story that parents can share at the family reading session. Walking through each page with your children, you will be surprised to see Ninjas here and there. Going back to the previous floors, you will find Ninjas already following the family from the moment they stepped in the Ninja Outlet. Can you spot them?

P.S. Try not to reveal where Ninjas hide when you read with your children.

In the middle of the “hide-and-seek” with Ninjutsu experts, you may discover more surprises and familiar faces. Aren’t they the mysterious couples from the other picture book 《Welcome To the Restaurant of Any Cuisine》? Why would they come to this story? You won’t be able to find out the couples who have been going after the family from the very beginning if you don’t read the book all over again. Who are they? It is an absolute mystery. Could it be that we finished all books written by Yoshifumi for the answer?

Finally, the shopping comes to an end, overloading the elevator with numerous goods purchased, and most importantly, the God of the Poor comes after them too. Fortunately, Ninjas get in and bring him away, bringing “responsible consumption” to our attention.

The bold drawings and high-intensity colors by Yoshifumi build a comprehensive picture that bolsters our imagination every single time we open the book, strengthening our capability in reading words and visuals in a joyful setting. Apart from the fascinating content, the captivating endpaper is another feature of his picture books. Sometimes it serves as an interesting board game, sometimes trivia or something simply fun, attracting children to read on and learn new knowledge.