Among the chocolate picture books, the story series has the largest number of works. Of the 42 works, 21 – that is, half of them are gathered here.
Nonsense, fantasy, and heartwarming everyday stories. Even if it is the same "story", the content is completely different. Between a book in which a 2-year-old child laughs out loud and a book in which a 5-year-old child becomes quiet after reading it, the criteria for choosing and the response to reading are different.
On this page, we will introduce all 21 chocolate story picture books, divided into three types based on children's reactions after reading them.
Choose a picture book about chocolate story based on "reaction after reading"
Story-based chocolate picture books are divided into three categories depending on what happens to the child after reading to them.
A fun and funny picture book. It's fun without reason with nonsense and humor. Even if you don't understand the meaning, you can laugh. It is the strongest type of entrance to storytelling.
A fantasy adventure picture book. Chocolate becomes a city, the future is visible, and fairies appear. It will enter a mysterious world and expand your imagination.
A heartwarming picture book. Kindness and empathy resonate quietly. After reading it, I gradually feel warm. There are surprisingly few picture books that allow you to have such an experience.
The book you choose will change depending on which of these three you are looking for. When in doubt, decide what kind of time you want to give this child today.
Fun and funny chocolate picture books (7 works)
It's fun without reason with nonsense and humor. It is the type that warms up the air of reading at once.
"Chocolate Bread"|Written and illustrated by Shinta Naga|A masterpiece of nonsense picture books
Publisher: Gospel Museum Shoten / First edition publication date: March 2010 (*First published with children: April 2004)
What if you jump into a chocolate pond...? A simple and mysterious book that opens the world of Shinta Naga!
Po Chip
There was a chocolate pond in the mountains. The bread walked there, and when I dipped in the pond, the chocolate bread was ready. Then the elephants came, and then the rabbits, squirrels, and mice, all of whom entered the pond. The god of nonsense, Shinta Naga, draws a simple but unreadable development that makes children go crazy. With its bright colors and short sentences, it is perfect for reading to children from around 2 years old.
It is also very popular for Valentine's Day storytelling events. It is a happy nonsense picture book that seems to have the sweet scent of chocolate in the air.
"Chocoletta Hime"|Written by: Izumi Motota Illustrated: Kimiko Higami|A princess who loves chocolate
Publisher: Educational Picture Drama / First edition Publication date: October 2008
A funny story about a princess who loves chocolate too much.
This is a humorous story about the chocolate-loving princess "Chocoletta Hime". The fun story of the original Taizumi and the gorgeous and stylish illustrations of Kimiko Higami are gaining popularity mainly among girls.
"Chocolate Wars"|Written by Ellis Dolan Translated by Ritsuko Mibe|Chocolate vs. Vegetable Battle!
Publisher: Mitsumura Educational Books / First edition publication date: December 20, 2019
Chocolate and vegetables are at war! ? A translated picture book full of humor.
Po Chip
This is a translated picture book depicting a humorous "war" between chocolate and vegetables. Ellis Doran's unique illustrations and Ritsuko Mibe's light translation shine.
It is a fun book to read that hides a message for a well-balanced diet in the funny development of the food theme.
"Choco Daruma"|Written and illustrated by Mariko Pearl|A book perfect for Valentine's Day
Publisher: HOLP Publishing / First edition publication date: November 2008
A heartwarming Valentine's Day story unfolds in a "Daruma" made of chocolate.
This is a picture book that features a "chocolate daruma" made of chocolate, perfect for Valentine's Day. Mariko Shinju's cute picture and humorous story are very popular with children. It is also a popular choice for Valentine's Day storytelling events, and the unexpected combination of chocolate and daruma will capture the imagination of young children.
"Curious George: Chocolate Kojogo"|Original: M. Ray H.A. Ray Translation: Tomiko Fukumoto|Familiar George's factory tour
Publisher: Iwanami Shoten / First edition publication date: October 1999
A curious George happens at a chocolate factory!
Po Chip
Curious George came to the chocolate factory. I can't wait to know what the people in the factory are doing. As soon as I walk inside and find my favorite chocolate with banana cream, something happens as usual. This is one of the popular series where you can enjoy the fun of a chocolate factory with the curious George.
The Curious George series is a classic that is loved all over the world. You can also have a simulated factory tour to stimulate intellectual curiosity.
"Grandma Sato Choco Grandpa"|Written by Gigi Vigo Illustrated by Joss Gofan Translated by Chihiro Ishizu|A funny story of two sweet people
Publisher: Shubu no Tomosha / First edition publication date: January 2008
The sweet and funny daily life of Grandma Sato and Grandpa Choco.
Po Chip
It is a humorous picture book that depicts the daily life of two people with sweet names, Grandma Sato and Grandpa Choco. This work is a duo of Belgian picture book writers Gigi Vigo and Jos Goffan, and Chihiro Ishizu's fun translation shines.
"Mugicho Tan Teisha"|Written by: Tomomi Aoyama|Mugi Choco becomes a detective!?
Publisher: HOLP Publishing / First edition publication date: July 25, 2024
Mugi Choco's detective solves the case! A unique detective picture book.
Po Chip
It is a picture book with a unique setting in which the sweet "Mugi Choco" becomes a detective and solves the case. Tomomi Aoyama's playful illustrations and stories will tickle children's curiosity.
This is a new work published in 2024, and you can enjoy the elements of solving mysteries, so it is a participatory book that allows you to read while anticipating the future of the story.
Fantasy and adventure chocolate picture book (7 works)
He does his best to show "I wish there was a world like this". For children at an age who wants to expand their imagination.
"Chocolate Town"|Written and illustrated by Haruo Fukami|Fantasy picture book full of dreams
Publisher: Kosei Publishing House / First edition publication date: October 2008
Adventure through a city made of chocolate!
It is a fantasy picture book full of dreams that unfolds in a mysterious city made of chocolate. Haruo Fukami's imaginative illustrations vividly depict a world made of chocolate, including buildings, roads, and everything.
"Mirai Chocolate"|Written by The Cabin Company|Chocolate Peeking into the Future
Publisher: Hakusensha / First edition publication date: January 19, 2024
If you eat it, you can see the future! ? A chocolate picture book that won't stop exciting!
Po Chip
This is an imaginative picture book with a chocolate theme drawn by the popular picture book unit The Cabin Company. With a dreamy setting that you can see the future when you eat "Mirai Chocolate", it takes children into an exciting world with colorful and dynamic illustrations.
"Chocolate Fairy"|Written by: Reiko Katayama Illustration: 100% ORANGE|Stylish Picture Fairy Story
Publisher: Hakusensha / First edition publication date: February 2007
Po Chip
A gentle story about a little fairy who appeared from the chocolate.
This is a fantasy picture book featuring a chocolate fairy with attractive 100% ORANGE stylish illustrations. Combined with Reiko Katayama's gentle writing, the sweet world view of chocolate expands.
"Chocolate Eating Sakana"|Written and illustrated by Hirokazu Miyazaki|Story picture book with unique ideas
Publisher: BL Publishing / First edition publication date: 1989
What is the mysterious event that happens when you eat chocolate?
Po Chip
What if the fish eats chocolate——? It is a story picture book drawn by Hirokazu Miyazaki that was born from a unique idea. The mysterious changes that occur in the body of Sakana who eat chocolate are happily depicted with warm illustrations.
It is a long-selling work that has been popular for a long time since its publication in 1989, and expands children's imagination of "what if".
"Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate"|Written by: Erika Tachihara Illustration: Daihachi Ota|Dream Chocolate Car
Publisher: Child Head Office / First edition publication date: March 2007
A story full of dreams about a car made of chocolate starting to run.
Po Chip
It is a story that seems to be the embodiment of a child's dream, a car made of chocolate. A warm book that combines Erika Tachihara's fantastic sentences and Daihachi Ota's tasteful illustrations. It is also attractive because it is a picture book like a child's head office.
"The King of Chocolate"|Written by Michael Lebensar Illustrated by Laura Catalan Translated by Hiromi Miyasaka|The Story of the Chocolate Kingdom
Publisher: Akatsuki Educational Books / First edition publication date: April 23, 2024
A story that takes place in a country ruled by the King of Chocolate.
Po Chip
This is an overseas translation picture book set in a country ruled by the King of Chocolate. The story of Michael Lebensar and the colorful illustrations of Laura Catalan convey the charm of the country of chocolate in its entirety. This relatively new work, published in 2024, is also a perfect gift for chocolate-loving children.
"Chocolate Souvenir"|Author: Jun Okada Illustration: Makoto Ueda|The Intersection of Fantasy and Everyday Life
Publisher: BL Publishing / First edition publication date: May 19, 2021
A mysterious story hidden in a chocolate souvenir.
Po Chip
This is a fantasy work by Jun Okada, a leading expert in children's literature, centered on chocolate souvenirs. Along with Makoto Ueda's delicate illustrations, Jun Okada's unique world where everyday life and wonder intersect expands. This work is located between a picture book and a children's book, and is also recommended for children who want to expand their reading experience.
Heartwarming chocolate picture book (7 works)
After reading it, I gradually feel warm. It is a picture book full of kindness and empathy.
"Koneko Chocolate"|Written by B.K. Wilson Illustrated by Reiko Taisha Translated by Izumi Kobayashi|A masterpiece that is close to the feelings of children
Publisher: Koguma / First edition publication date: November 2004
"If it's just one...", "Just the other..."——A heartwarming story filled with children's "something"
Po Chip
Four-year-old Jenny bought her brother Christopher's birthday present with "Kneaded Chocolate". But that night, I can't help but be curious about chocolate. The way they eat "only one" or "only the other" is exactly the child itself. The feeling of "I know but I can't stop" that everyone can relate to is carefully depicted, and at the end, a heart-warming ending awaits.
"Cat in the Chocolate Shop"|Text: Sue Stainton Illustration: Anne Mortimer Translation: Chihiro Nakagawa|Beautiful pictures and heartwarming stories
Publisher: HOLP Publishing / First edition publication date: January 16, 2013
What is the special plan that the cat of the old chocolate shop came up with?
Po Chip
In an old chocolate shop, a difficult old man and a cat lived. One day, when a cat bites into a chocolate mouse made by his grandfather, he is surprised at how delicious it is. What was the plan that the cat thought of "I want someone to eat it"——? This picture book is a perfect blend of Anne Mortimer's delicate and beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming story. There is also a description of chocolate at the end of the book.
"Chocolate Yasan that can make gyoretsu"|Written by: Yumiko Fukuzawa|Popular "Gyoretsu" series
Publisher: Educational Drama
A single piece of chocolate spreads a chain of happy feelings.
Po Chip
Animals received a box of chocolates from an older brother who runs a chocolate shop in the city. If you want to eat a piece of chocolate, ...... it! "I feel like I'm in a flower garden...", "I feel like I'm taking a nap in the sun." This is a popular series of Yumiko Fukuzawa, which poetically expresses the deliciousness of chocolate.
"Chocolate of the Essence"|Written and illustrated by Tatsuya Miyanishi|Chocolate drawn by the author of Tyrannosaurus
Publisher: Green Cat / First published on February 7, 2022
A heartwarming story about the legendary chocolate.
Po Chip
A chocolate picture book by Tsuya Miya, who is known for "You look good". It depicts the adventures surrounding the legendary chocolate and the heartwarming message behind it. Miya Tsuya's powerful illustrations and gentle story make the reading time special.
"Chocolata is a bonbon chocolate of skeletal and happiness"|Written by: Susumu Koyama Illustrated: Yoshihito Matsunami|An authentic chocolate picture book by a pastry chef
Publisher: Froebelkan / First edition publication date: December 25, 2020
What is the secret of Bonbon Chocolat, which delivers happiness?
Po Chip
This is a picture book created by world-renowned pastry chef Susumu Koyama and full of love for chocolate. Through the process of making the "bonbon chocolate of happiness", the chocolata skein depicts the joy of making things and the desire to make someone happy. Yoshihito Matsunami's warm illustrations are also attractive.
"Mouse-kun and Chocolate"|Written by: Yoshino Nakae Illustrated: Noriko Ueno|The latest book in the popular "Mouse-kun's Picture Book" series
Publisher: Poplar / First edition publication date: January 27, 2025
The 42nd installment of the Mouse-kun series! A fun story about chocolate.
Po Chip
The 42nd installment of the "Mouse-kun's Picture Books" series that has been loved for many years. A heartwarming story about mouse-kun and chocolate will unfold. The simple yet deep story by the familiar duo of Yoshio Nakae and Noriko Ueno is loved by a wide range of generations, from small children to adults.
"Choco-chan"|Written by: Yoko Arai|Kodansha's Infant Ehon
Publisher: Kodansha / First edition publication date: January 30, 2025
The first chocolate picture book for small children.
Po Chip
It is a book of Kodansha's infant Ehon series by Yoko Arai. A cute picture book with a chocolate motif featuring "Choco-chan" as the main character that can be enjoyed by babies. With simple words and bright colors, it will attract the interest of the little ones. It is also recommended for a first book or a small gift.
How to choose a story-based chocolate picture book|Points by age
With 21 works, it's hard to know where to start. This is a guideline for choosing based on age.
0-2 years old Then, don't hesitate to go for "Chocolate Bread" or "Choco-chan". Books that are made up of only color, sound, and tempo are the strongest at this age.
3-5 years old The options will expand at once. If you want to laugh, "Chocoletta Hime" or "Choco Daruma". If you want to immerse yourself in fantasy, go to "Chocolate Town". If you are looking for a memorable book, "Kneko Chocolate" or "Chocolate Yasan that can be made of gyoretsu". This age is the most reliable to choose based on "what kind of reaction do you want after reading to the story".
6 years old and up When it comes to reading, you will find a work that is worth reading. The afterglow of "The Cat of the Chocolate Shop", the mysterious world of "Chocolate Souvenir", and the dynamic development of "Mirai Chocolate"——。 It is at this age that you can take your own time to look at the picture, so you can enjoy something.
▶ If you want to see more detailed recommendations for each age, go to [Chocolate Picture Book Recommendation Guide by Age]
Tips for choosing a story-based chocolate picture book by reading a story
There are only three points that do not fail in the reading scene.
Books with few words can be read from the age of two. Books that compete with pictures and tempo, such as "Chocolate Bread", have a low lower age limit. It is also suitable for reading to a large number of people.
Books that depict feelings should wait until the age of 3. Books that require "understanding" such as "Kneko no Chocolate" resonate better after the age of 3, when empathy begins to develop. If you do it too early, you won't get the best part of this book.
Choose a fun book out loud. When reading aloud, it is important to "enjoy the reading side too". "Chocoletta Hime" and "Chocolate Wars" get excited even when adults say it aloud. When the reader is having fun, the child feels it.
If you want to use it for Valentine's Day reading
Among the storytelling series, there are three works that are easy to use for Valentine's Day reading: "Chocolate Bread", "Choco Daruma", and "Chocoletta Hime".
"Chocolate bread" can be enjoyed by people of all ages, so it is strong in places where people of different ages gather. "Choco Daruma" is the perfect setting for Valentine's season. "Chocoletta Hime" is centered around the theme of love for chocolate, so it fits perfectly into the context of the season.
For those who are looking for a picture book dedicated to Valentine's Day, there are also guides dedicated to Valentine's Day apart from the story series.
▶ How to choose for Valentine's Day [Valentine× Chocolate Picture Book Guide]
Not only stories|Chocolate picture books of other genres
Chocolate picture books have other attractive genres besides storytelling.
Chasing the journey of cacao Learning and Knowledge expands the world to children who have increased "Why?" I want to move my hands after reading Recipe system is an opportunity to create time for parents and children. Search, flip, find Sagashi-e, Shikake is highly satisfied even if there are few words.
After enjoying the story series, when you encounter such a different perspective, the world of chocolate picture books expands even more.
▶ Back to the full guide to chocolate picture books → [Chocolate picture book ▶ catalog] Chocolate picture book for learning and intellectual education → [Chocolate picture book for learning] ▶ Chocolate picture book for making experience → [Chocolate picture book to make and enjoy]
Beyond the story, "your own story"
The story of the chocolate picture book gives the child imagination.
Imagine jumping into a chocolate pond. Imagination walking through the city of chocolate. Imagination that there may be chocolate that can see the future.
When that imagination grows, what will happen if you get a story in which you become the main character? The only picture book in the world that features names, families, and pets. After the experience of "reading" the story, there is the experience of "entering" the story.
Children who have encountered many stories will surely be able to cherish their own stories as well.
