Here we asked Mr.Abe and Ms.Yoshioka about the job of a professional picture book writer.

Q.Why did they become picture book writers?

Their university days were the origin of them.
They went on to the department of art at university and began studying to become art teachers. The profession they met at that time was a picture book writer.

It was one of many art professions they knew. They learned about it in a magazine feature about picture book writers.
They were fascinated by Ehon illustrations in it.
It seems that is why they started to become picture book writers.

Q.What do you have a hard time making Ehon?

In response to this question, they gave making a story without hesitation.

Since making picture book as a professional, they have to think about the value of the Ehon.
It's important not only what they want to convey, but also from the children's point of view, the person who reads the picture book.

In particular, the children's point of view is different from grown-up, so it seems that two grown-up are troubled about it. It seems that there are many things that they noticed by reading to their daughter.

In addition, they make about five Ehon a year. Because of that, they are always fighting against time.

In such a situation, they are conscious of both what the reader wants and what they want to make.

Therefore, it seems that they often prevent them from coming up with ideas. To be able to return to the beginning at such times, they had slogans on the walls of the atelier.

Q.What are they conscious of when making Ehon?

About pictures, they are conscious of not to drawing simple pictures just because children read.
Ehon is the first book we encounter in our life. Therefore, they aim to make a beautifully completed Ehon that even grown-up think beautiful.

About the story,they are conscious of rhythm when choosing words. This way, the reader can devise the rhythm when reading aloud.
Also, as a whole, they are conscious of the balance between pictures and sentences. Ehon is a set of pictures and texts. Therefore, they are trying not to write what they draw in the picture when they insert a sentence in it.

Q.Do they have any interaction with other picture book writers?

Because many publishers are located in Tokyo, picture book writers often live in Tokyo.
As a result, Mr.Abe and Ms.Yoshioka do not have much interaction except at the publisher's party and awards ceremony.

However, some people have active exchanges such as holding a soccer tournament. There was person who suddenly visited atelier of The Cabin Company.

Q.What are their the most memorable piece of work?

First, it is "Akanbokkan". The reason why this Ehon was made was that their first daughter was born to them.
Their daughter was born around the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. Ms.Yoshioka felt as if the earthquake and labor were happening at the same time.
That experience made her think of this Ehon idea.

Second, it is "Daioika no ikataro".
This Ehon was not only their debut work, but also won "The 20th Japan Picture Book Award Reader Award". In other words, it is exactly the work that gave them the chance to spread their names.

Q.What are their future goals as "The Cabin Company"?

Finally, we asked about their goals as "The Cabin Company".

They make not only Ehon but also large exhibits. Some of them were large enough to reach the ceiling of the former school which they use as atelier.

However, their goal is to create a larger display than ever before and recreate "Ehon world".
In addition, they said that they want children to read Ehon there.

I can't wait to see the day when I can read Ehon while feeling their wonderful view of the world.