The picture book “Little Duck's Dream”
Story and pictures by Soichiro Takashima (Essential Publishing, 2022)
See this picture book on Amazon
I was just the same
When I tried to make Fukuoka City better, I failed again and again, and some nights I felt like crying. But people helped me, and when I kept going without giving up, Fukuoka City got better and better.
If you get up every time you fall, your power to make dreams come true grows stronger.
“I wish I could fly someday”
Little Duck had tiny webbed feet and always came in last in races. But she dreamed of being like the birds that fly in the sky.
Say your dream out loud, and it comes true
Her friends made fun of her: “Ducks can't fly.” But Dad cheered her on: “Someone will show up to teach you how.”
Flap, flap, flap!
The Sports Teacher taught her to flap, flap, flap her wings. She practiced every day, but she couldn't fly.
Guts and grit! …Whoosh, thud!
She believed Grandpa Tanukichi's “It's all about guts!” and jumped from a tall tree. She fell and got hurt.
Just change how you think!
While she was crying by the pond, Super Boo said one thing: “If it won't work, it won't work. Just change how you think!”
A jet engine?! …But there's no money
“Put on a jet engine and you can fly!” But at the shop, what a shock. It costs that much? She didn't have the money to buy one.
Crowdfunding
On the computer, she looked for friends who would support her. But the money came in very, very slowly. Sniff, sniff.
Sharing your feelings
“Tell them why you want to fly,” said Super Boo. When she streamed videos of herself trying hard, more and more friends joined in.
Up in the sky!
At last she could buy the jet engine. “Go, Little Duck, go!” …She flew! It was a wonderful feeling.
Seeing the world, starting a company
After seeing the whole world, Little Duck started a company for birds and animals that can't fly.
Building a school
With the money she earned, she built a school where everyone can make their dreams come true. I'm so glad I was born!
Fall seven times, get up eight
She fell 4 times. Each time, she changed her way, got help from her friends, and made her dream come true.
- Flap-flap practice→ couldn't fly
- Jumping with guts→ got hurt
- No money→ crowdfunding
- Not enough support→ sharing her feelings
The End
For grown-ups: the Soichiro Takashima Official Fan Site is 
here(opens in a new tab). The pictures and words in this picture book are the work of the author, Soichiro Takashima.
