If you’ve been in a bookstore lately, you may have noticed a growing section in children’s books: doodling and drawing. In the last couple years there has been an absolute boom of these books. The reason?
Taro Gomi. When Taro Gomi first published Scribbles, the other drawing books available were largely cheap, didactic, and poorly designed. Taro Gomi’s 300+ page, $19.99 doodling book is a wonder of imaginative play and elegant, accessible art. They’ve been wildly successful.
Now there are many books that are rushing to imitate Taro Gomi, but I haven’t seen one book yet that appeals as easily and widely to so many people: Taro Gomi is beloved by children and adults, people who care about design and people who don’t, people who think of themselves as artists and people who aren’t sure they’re holding their pencil the right way.
You may also know Taro Gomi from his picture books: Spring Is Here, My Friends, Bus Stops. Everybody Poops is his as well (though Chronicle doesn’t publish that one).
There’s really no imitating him. Everything he does has a simplicity that draws readers in, and you don’t realize how subtly layered his work is until you realize you’ve spent more than twice as much time with his books as any of the others your kid likes.
So Chronicle was absolutely thrilled to have him fly over from Japan to visit our offices this month. THRILLED. We sat with him for hours, talking books, children’s book philosophy, and new formats. We did some brainstorming, which was fascinating.
Brainstorming is one of the things we love to do most at Chronicle, so getting the chance to brainstorm with someone as conceptual and creative as Taro Gomi was a rare treat. Practically the whole design floor turned out for him.
We’ll be sending him blank printer’s mock-ups of several new formats over the coming months so that he can see what unique spin he’ll give them. It’s awfully exciting! I can’t wait to see them finished and out in the world.
This is difficult for you, blog readers, because the new formats won’t be ready for a year or two. We’ll be working hard to finish them as soon as possible. But if you need a taste of Taro Gomi now, pick up one of the fab books we have out already. Look for the big, thick books that you can’t put down… and accept no substitutes!
WIN A FRAMED, AUTOGRAPHED TARO GOMI PRINT!
Write a comment by Friday, February 12th and tell us why you love Taro Gomi, or your favorite Taro Gomi book, and we’ll choose one winner to receive this adorable, limited-edition print signed by the master himself! Good luck!
Melissa Manlove
Associate Editor, Children’s
Popularity: 2% [?]
I love how his work inspires creativity. I’ve given Scribbles to many friends with children, and they always make for a popular gift!
I love Taro Gomi’s simple, yet exacting color sense, which marries perfectly with his similarly amazing drafting skills. He draws in a way that looks so light and easy, yet any artist knows is anything but. A true visionary!
I first learned of Gomi through “Everyone poops” but “My Friends” became a favorite – such a sweet depiction of how each of our friends can teach us something different…
Both my daughters absolutely love Spring Is Here, My Friends, and Bus Stops. And so do mom and dad!
Our daughter LOVES “Spring is Here” and “My Friends”! Looking forward to more of his books from Chronicle.
Taro Gomi’s book My Friends is my all time favorite book!
What a great prize. I hope I win.
This is so nice of Taro Gami to spend a day with Chronicle & signed limited edition print.
It is really had to pin point as to which book is my favorite. All his books are part of my collections for my children to read & reread (hopefully pass on to grandchildren
-LONG time from now). The drawings is what attracted me to his books.
I really wish I worked at Chronicle Books to have had the chance to meet him. His books are inspiring for kids and grownups alike!
I only wish there were a “travel version” for car rides and airplane trips. Something that could fit in my purse for restaurant distractions.
my boys love the Scribbles book because it’s absolutely unlike any other book they have. The doodles inspire them in their own art work and I love how they are thinking outside the box (and outside the lines!).
spring is here was our daughter’s very first book, and three years later she still loves it, we love it, and amazingly, we never tire of reading it (something that can’t be said for any other book we have).
This is just charming!
Taro Gomi’s unpretentious drawings inspire kids in my class to let go of their inhibitions and just create allowing their skills come out! (and my daughters love the books, too!)
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! JCOOLEY
So cute and reminiscent of my childhood and my love for anything Sanrio!
I think that break rooms across the country need to have Scribbles and a box of crayons. I think it would build community and creativity.
simplicity to the barest minimum, yet full of unique style and charm.
I am captivated with all of the Wonderful Gomi books. A favorite would be My Friends. My son enjoys the unique drawings which are light, original and attractive. Thanks for this great feature.
There are SO many reasons why I love Taro Gomi’s work. His work appears deceptively simple, but it has such visual and conceptual depth. He has an amazingly light touch, but he also has impeccable control. Whimsy, heart, wonder…he’s got all of those. And I love, love, love seeing picture books filled with characters of Asian descent. Love it.
I love “Spring is Here”. I’m a children’s librarian and it’s a great book to read to little ones. Especially for bilingual storytime!
“My friends” is my and my girl’s favorite. His charm and simplicity to life make you feel Life is Wonderful, why upset with the little annoyances around you.
I love these books, because it really shows kids what they can make if they draw and use colors. I would say doodles is my fav!
We wore out our copy of My Friends. It’s a must-give to all my new parent friends. I’ve given many of Taro Gomi’s books, they are all very inspired.
Our favorite Taro Gomi book is Everyone Poops. It’s great for potty training, something we’ve been doing for several years around here. It’s also funny. I dare anyone to read it and not snicker.
My kiddos love their drawing books! We lug “Doodle All Year” all over- helps keep ‘em busy while mom does what she needs to. Sometimes they even let me color!
I LOVE his work!
Scribbles is my favorite. A great gift, too.
My daughter became interested in art and doodling from Ed Emberley’s thumbprint book. Our favorite children’s bookstore manager directed her to Taro Gomi for more inspiration. What a delight! His beautiful work inspires creativity through a simplicity children can understand and appreciate. My daughter would be thrilled to have a treasure from her artistic idol to hang over her drawing table!!
‘My Friends’ is the book I always give to friends who are having children. It’s such a delicate little story with beautiful, bold imagery. My son is six and has yet to tire of this book. When his little sister was born in September, it was the book he brought to the hospital to read to her. We love Taro Gomi for his art, his lovely books, and now for the memories and traditions.
Love the deceptive simplicity!
We’re totally in love with Doodles these days, but I like all of Mr. Gomi’s books I’ve seen.
What a great sense of humor he has…
It must have been fun to meet him in person.
What is there to love about Taro Gomi? Everything. My favorite book is My Friends – how sweet, lovely, and touching is this adorable book? I’ve ordered multiple copies (from Chronicle Books!) to give as gifts, and it remains a favorite with my two little girls. Their all-time favorites are the doodles and scribble books.
Kelli
I saw Doodle All Year at Starbucks over Christmas and regretted not buying it for our daughter, but I thought she wasn’t old enough. (She’s two and a half). Heck, I should have bought it for myself — just flipping through the pages inspired me to be more creative. Perhaps for her third birthday? In the meantime, this print would look super in her room!
I love Taro Gomi’s work. When I look at his drawings, it reminds me of something I can’t quite remember; something about being grade-school age, and something about my unabashed love of Snoopy, and 1972, and being six, and making cards for my Mom, and something about apple motif-covered jumpers. I never tire of that feeling he gives me. It’s a gift.
I love Taro Gomi! My kids and I find his artwork playful and emotionally touching.
“Everyone Poops” is a enduring favorite!
I first encountered Taro Gomi’s work when I was living in Japan. I didn’t realize his work can also be found on the other side of the Pacific! I will certainly look up his books in English as well. There is a wonderful sense of play and humor in his work.
I have an old, battered board book from Chronicle books of my favorite “Spring is Here” on the bookshelf in my apartment, right above my desk. I loved it as a child (but who knows why children like things?). It’s so sweet and simple with few words and colors.
I revisit it when I’m feeling particularly nostalgic – something that’s happened quite frequently lately, seeing as I’m going to be thrust out into the world of work in a few short months！
So envious that you all got to meet him! 。。。ひと言に描写しすれば、「懐かしい」って完璧だと思う。:) I hope that he continues to produce little magical works.
I love Taro Gomi’s work because it is simple and lovely, yet whimsical!
I gave both my neice and nephew a copy of scribbles, because I knew if I gave it to one the other would have to have it. I was tempted to get one for myself. It is so much fun to draw and this book gives you great starting points.
Its fun for all ages.
We first discovered Taro Gomi when our older daughter was a baby; his are some of the first books we ever got for her because we loved his drawings and profundity. She is now 6 years old and we have almost all the books of his that are published by Chronicle. Our daughter’s most recent favorite is Doodles. We have already introduced his board books to our younger daughter (who is 2), and in fact big sis loves reading them to little sis! Books are an important part of our family life and Taro Gomi is like a member of the family!
Every child I know loves Doodles. So do I.
My son and daughter adore everything Japanese (my daughter even says, “Japan is the headquarters of cuteness!”). Taro Gumi’s whimsical drawings highlight those those qualities of being adorable and eliciting long-forgotten memories.
We put our first copy of Scribbles into the car for last-minute kid distraction…now, 3 books later we still bring a copy in to restaurants and take turns filling out pages and talking about what results. Doodle All Year just had its first meal with us, which started all new conversations for the 5 of us!
My daughter and I love Taro Gomi. She’s 3. Our favorite book is Coco Can’t Wait. janainmontana(at)yahoo(dot)com.
“Spring Is Here” truly resonates with those of us who live in Vermont, where winter lasts six months. Taro Gomi is a master.
Taro Gomi’s Books have added such whimsy to my son’s young life as an aspiring artist, I can’t thank him enough. We live in NYC and have had many long, peaceful dinners in very boisterous restaurants with our son at various ages, 3,4,5 and even now as he approaches 7, thanks to his fascination in completing Mr. Gomi’s wonderful art pieces. The books are phenomenal.
Taro Gomi’s books are a comfort. Nice neat stacks and steady sales for a bookseller. Great bedtime and quiet time books for my kids. Thank you, Mr. Gomi.
i like having “scribbles” in the back seat to keep the kids busy in the car
I love Taro Gomi drawings for their deceptive simplicity. When a child views them they are encouraged to pick up a pencil and put it to paper in a sincere form of flattery for the art.
Taro Gomi is great because of his sheer simplicity of art and his humor resonates with both children and adults.
My Friends is a must have book for new parents.
The board books have the most charming illustrations! And we love to find all the little details on each page. Gomi is a favorite in our house!
The print he signed reminds me of the Miffy Books, and the Duck Rabbit book, and Kevin Henkes mice, and Harold with his Purple Crayon.
I guess that just goes to show that simple is universal. In all these stories, the artist leaves space for kids (and adults) to fill in the blanks with their own imaginative interpretations, which may be why they endure.
My family loves Taro Gomi’s style. It is so simple and it pulls you into that type of world. Kids and adults can relate to his wit and humor in his books. Thank you Taro Gomi for many a happy moment with my children!!!
O’ My Gosh,Mr. Gomi is the greatest.
My Grandson loves his books and hordes all the books he gets his hands on.
He can sit and “read” to himself for hours.
As soon as an adult shows up it’s “Please read me a story”. Many times we let him “read to us” as he has most of his books memorized and he makes up stories to go with the pictures as he goes.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be young again with the opertunity to have the books the children now have?
Bus Stops has been a favorite at our house for quite a while, but my favorite is My Friends; it reminds me of the kindness I experienced when I lived Japan and appreciating that we all can learn something from even the most humble creatures.
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Taro Gomi art
Simple lines expand my mind
Heart is light with joy
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we received two scribble books as gifts. our 6 and 3 year olds LOVE them. they are so simple yet so inviting!
thanks for a great give away…
Taro Gomi is a GENIUS on so many levels, as an artist, as a writer, as a teacher to children. His works are absolute brilliance. We give one of his Scribble, Doodle or Squiggle books for every birthday!
My kids and I love Spring Is Here. It’s such a gentle, meditative book. Thanks for creating an easy, cozy space for us to talk about the change of seasons and inevitable growth.
I can’t wait for my twins to be old enough for Taro Gomi’s books. They love art, and I think his books are incredibly inspiring!
I have given countless number of Taro Gomi books to the little littles in my life. I love how his books make you think AND bring out creativity. His “prompts” are cute and funny. Taro is my hero!
I spied the cover of “My Friends” in a catalog shot for a childern’s line of furniture almost 7 years ago. The writing was small but I could read the title and I loved the art work on the cover. I hunted down the book and it has been a family favorite for years. I recently drew the picture of the “little girl” on paper for my son so he could color it in. It hangs on his bedroom wall. Thank you Taro Gomi for all your wonderful work.
the simple thick black lines make drawing seem accessible even to the draw-er with 5 thumbs (i.e. me). my two daughters, my wife and i each have taro gomi doodle books. we sit and have family doodle time. we doodle in each others’ books, give each other ideas, suggestions and comments. we are also learning japanese from some of gomi-san’s books. is there nothing he can’t do?!
Taro Gomi’s work is simply amazing! His “Scribbles” book fairly jumped out at our family from the bookshelf, and we’ve collected every book since. The difficulty is actually drawing over his amazing artwork! I think hanging on the wall is a perfect place for his art.
Accept no substitutions is right! Simply the best book for ALL ages! My 7 year old daughter has them all and it’s her favorite gift to give to her friends. Every babysitter that’s ever been to our house has doodled in a Gomi book. A Taro Gomi book + colored pencils = our signature gift! I bought the Doodle-A-Day calendar for myself to inspire me to be creative daily. My daughter and I might have to arm wrestle for this one!!
I was born in Japan and spent a lot of time there growing up. I knew of Taro Gomi’s work since I was a wee little one, but I didn’t truly begin to appreciate his style until I had my own wee little ones. I still enjoy reading his books with my daughter, especially “Tabetano Dare? (Who Ate It?)” and his hiragana book. I hope more of his books are published in English for all of his American fans. (Hint, hint, Chronicle!)
I am such a fan; how cool to meet Taro Gomi!!
I’ve been buying up out-of-print Gomi books on eBay since my first son first got “Spring is Here” three and a half years ago. Our favorite is “Hide and Seek” with the two mice Jay and Jeep. “Coco Can’t Wait” is another one that Chronicle should put back into print!!
pure creative and innocent linework!
All the books are charming, but SCRIBBLES helps me think of ways to sew quilting patterns.
Thanks for the inspiration!
I love “Scribbles” and “Doodles”! They’re my go-to bday gift for kids and a life-saver on long car trips and those slow hours at family gatherings when the kids get bored, like waiting for Thanksgiving dinner to be ready!
way too cute. simple and creative
I love Taro Gomi’s clean approach and artwork that is so sweet and adorable
I have given “My Friends” to each of my grandkids and they all love the book.
I love Taro Gomi’s amazing sense of color and artwork. Our favorite book is “Santa Through the Window.”
Taro Gomi is my FAVORITE author/illustrator and I would be over the moon if I won!
I love that his art is accessible to kids, and you can never be too young to appreciate art!
Taro Gomi brought smiles to the faces of my children when they were too little to sit up. They lay on a blankie and looked at up me reading Guess Who and smiled at the faces. The cheerful optimism of all of Taro Gomi’s deceptively simple drawings calmed down temper storms, lulled fretful people to sleeep, and kept us company on bus and subway rides. The smiley cat with a smiley face t-shirt would bring smiles to our house.
Thanks to Taro Gomi for inspiring my young artist! My son is working his way through the Daily Doodle calendar; each day is a new surprise!
Taro is one of the greats! His books are on my coffee table and seeing them always puts a smile on my face!
i love his simplicity that expresses so much thought and emotion.
Taro Gomi will always have a special place in our hearts. My Friends was the first book my son read all by himself. We love him and his work.
Taro Gomi’s books always made my children laugh. From the pooping to spring time coming, my kids found great joy in his brightly painted humor.
love spring is here and my friends…he is so creative, love his artwork, thanks for the contest
I have loved Taro Gomi ever since my brother in law bought me “Everybody Poops”, which is a big hit in my house. Just looking at his artwork makes me want to give each character a hug! I feel happy and child-like when I enjoy his books and his art.
Oh give me a Gomi
When I’m staying at home-y
With my pencils and crayons all day…
I’ll read, smile and draw
At the pictures I saw
And have fun while inspiring play!
The world needs more work like Taro’s–that sparks imagination & nurtures children to be imaginative and reflective thinkers. Japanese design is so simple and at the same time mind-popping!
A hugely daunting concept to choose my (one) favorite book by Taro Gomi, but I suppose I’ll go with “Spring is Here”, for its amazingly fresh imagery and message of continuity. His works always serve as inspiration for my own projects; what a thrill to have him in your offices!
oh my god, taro gomi is my favorite. I love, love, love his illustrations! my current favorite has to be Spring is Here and all of his doodle books
simple and elegant and imperfect!
I love Taro Gomi because he doesn’t bend over backwards to make his illustrations totally “kid-friendy” in the traditional way. There’s a little strangeness there…which is why his books hold kids’ interest for so long, I believe. My kids have loved “Bus Stops” since they were toddlers and still think it’s very interesting and funny that, for example, on the hospital page, a) someone is green and b) someone is on the roof! Those unexpected details mean the books remain fascinating to kids–and adults.
The Taro Gomi doodling and scribbling books are brilliant in concept, design and execution. As a teacher of children’s book illustration at UCSD, I am strongly recommending it as an optional alternative choice to a blank sketch book for image journaling. It’s BETTER than a blank sketch book because Mr. Gomi gives subliminal suggestions to get your inner artist started! It’s tougher to do it with a blank page glaring back at you!
Hmm…. perhaps I should make it a mandatory textbook item for my students. . . . . how could they NOT love it???
I love that his books allow children to be creative and participate in the art of scribbling!
so much fun!
I first saw his “Everybody Poops” book and laughed out loud at the LA Times Festival of Books a couple years ago. His art style is simple and lovable. =)
Well, my favourite bokk…it’s very difficult to choose one but… My friends is amazing! Makes me always happy.
the only book we have read is My Friends and my granddaughter loves it
I just read Bus Stops to my baby for the umpteenth time…I love many of Taro Gomi’s board books, and look forward to sharing the rest with my guy as he grows.
Mr. Gomi is genius!
I’ll never forget babysitting my two nephews one day as they sat huddling on the couch giggling and smiling with their new copy of “Everybody Poops.” Now my kids love all the Taro Gomi books, including Doodle books, and I love how kids come together to share his gentle, insightful works!
I adore that the doodles books provide inspiration, and that little push that we sometimes need to kick start our imagination for our own drawings. I’ve given it to many adult friends as gifts, to celebrate the child and creative spirit in all of us.
My children love Scribbles, and of course I love it because it’s a great creative outlet & keeps them occupied on long car rides!
That cat is far too cute! I’d love to hang it in my dining room/library!
His drawings make me happy!
Mr. Gomi has inspired others to reconnect with the simplest pleasures in life. It a beautiful reminder of how little we truly need to be happy.
Mr. Gomi’s work is simply perfect. Sweet, cute, and adorable!!!
Finally a colouring book that encourages children to colour OUTSIDE the lines! We’ve had our Scribbles and Doodles for a few years now and they are a collaborative labour of love that I will keep forever.
Well thought simplicity.
First a smile, then my hand wants to trace the figure. At 62, I find delight in clarity.
Taro, Taro, that’s his name
Doodles, Scribbles, that’s his game
Bus Stops, Poops, and Spring is Here!
Everybody smile and cheer!
We’d love to win the print for our children’s bedroom/artroom/playroom! Thanks!
Wow! This is fabulous. I love the idea of this book.
FAVORITE AUTHORS: Taro Gomi
My daughter is from China and relates to all things Asian. We love My Friends at our house. Thank you for encouraging the inner artist in each of us!
CGB
We love Scribbles at my house and I’m looking forward to checking out all of the others!
How could anyone NOT like Everyone Poops? This is definitely not the assessment of a serious art critic—-but these drawings make everyone who sees them so happy!
“I’m arT Goo” about Taro Gomi!
That’s what you get when you mix up the letters in his name!
I’d love to win this print – he’s my art hero! Thanks for such an exciting contest!
Better late than never – I’ve been meaning to get my comment in to let you know how much my kids love Taro Gomi books. We’re excited that there will be new ones coming out in the future! Please toss our name in the ring to win the signed print!
“O mi art go” if you re-arrange the letters of his name!
Love his books, love his art, would love to own his signed print!
Please enter me to win.
Some of these comments were truly inspired and touching. Thanks to everyone who entered. I used a random number generator and lucky number #86 is the winner. Congratulations Cathy M! You’re going to receive a signed, framed, limited edition Taro Gomi print (it’s adorable).
Keep on doodling, scribbling, and squiggling!
Good Book
Would love to win this for my granddaughter "Skyler"