Hello. Valentine's season is approaching. The scent of the season is just good outside the window, and when I suddenly pick up a cup of tea, it reminds me of the excitement of my childhood.
Today, I wanted to deliver such "excitement" again with a picture book, so I put together a book on the theme of chocolate.
Chocolate picture books are really diverse when you look for them. With this much, I think that such hesitation is a sign of the warm feelings of parents and teachers.
On this page, I actually read and compared more than 40 chocolate picture books and organized them by age group.
From cute picture books to works with memorable stories, each book about chocolate has a heart-pounding charm.
We have introduced in detail the books that we would like to recommend in each age group, and have also included links to articles by genre, so if you have any works you are interested in, please feel free to do so as well.
I hope that a book that makes you think, "This is it," will give a small sweet light to someone's heart somewhere today.
We sincerely hope that you will slowly find the perfect "favorite" for your child or family.
0-2 years old|First chocolate picture book (3 works)
At this age, "color", "sound", and "tempo" are more important than content. You don't need to understand the story. Choose a book with vivid pictures and rhythmic words that will allow you to enjoy the picture book time itself.
"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 appearance with children: April 2004) / ISBN: 9784834025491
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. 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. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Choco-chan"|Written by: Yoko Arai|Kodansha's Infant Ehon
Publisher: Kodansha / First edition publication date: January 30, 2025 / ISBN: 9784065380413
The first chocolate picture book for small children.
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. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Penelope Making Chocolate Cake" Text: Anne Gutmann Illustration: Georg Hallensleben Translated by Kazuko Higashi Publisher: Iwasaki Shoten / First published in October 2011 / ISBN: 9784265058914
Making a cake with Penelope. Even if it's still a long way from actually making it, it's a way to sow seeds that "I want to cook!" ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to make and enjoy]
3 years old|The age at which choices expand at once (9 works)
The 3-year-old can speak more and follow a simple story. The choice of chocolate picture books expands at once. Laugh at humorous picture books and widen your eyes at the fantasy world. Empathy begins to develop, so you can come across stories that make you feel "I understand!"
"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 / ISBN: 9784772101745
"If it's just one...", "Only the other..."—a heartwarming story filled with children's "something".
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.
It is a book that realistically depicts the conflict and honesty of children, and makes adults smile involuntarily by reading to them. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Chocolate Town"|Written and illustrated by Haruo Fukami|Fantasy picture book full of dreams
Publisher: Kosei Publishing / First edition publication date: October 2008 / ISBN: 9784333023462
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. It is a book that fully satisfies the child's dream of "I wish there was a city like this". ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Chocolate Yasan that can make gyoretsu"|Written by: Yumiko Fukuzawa|Popular "Gyoretsu" series
Publisher: Educational Picture Drama / First edition Publication Date: (No information) / ISBN: 9784774621371
A single piece of chocolate spreads a chain of happy feelings
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. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
See more chocolate picture books for this age:
"Choco Daruma" Written and illustrated: Mariko Shinju Publisher: HOLP Publishing / ISBN: 9784593560653
An unexpected combination of chocolate × Daruma. It is also popular for Valentine's Day storytelling events. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Curious George Chocolate Kojogo" Original: M. Ray H.A. Ray Translation: Tomiko Fukumoto Publisher: Iwanami Shoten / ISBN: 9784001108934
A tour of the familiar George's factory. You can smile with the reassurance of "I did it!" ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Chocolate on top" Written and illustrated: Hirokazu Miyazaki Publisher: BL Publishing / ISBN: 9784892389290
What if the fish eats chocolate? Long-selling since 1989. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Mouse-kun and chocolate" Written by: Yoshino Nakae Illustrated: Noriko Ueno Publisher: Poplar / ISBN: 9784591184295
The 42nd installment in the series. It's simple but deep. A sense of security that transcends generations. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Grandma Sato Choco Grandpa" Written by: Gigi Vigo Illustrated by Joss Goffin Translated by Chihiro Ishizu Publisher: Housewife no Tomosha / ISBN: 9784072544105
A humorous picture book from Belgium. The funny daily life of two people who are sweet from the name. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Chocolate Jewel" Written by: Erika Tachihara Illustrated: Daihachi Ota Publisher: Child Head Office / ISBN: 9784805427743
A dream-filled story about a car made of chocolate starting to run. Affordable prices are also attractive. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
4-5 years old|Deepening the story and developing an interest in knowledge (16 works)
The age when you can enjoy the development of the story and the number of "why?" increases. In the story system, your preferences will become clear: things that are funny, surprising, and things that remain in your heart. Learning and recipe systems are also starting to be reached.
"Chocoletta Hime"|Written by: Izumi Motota Illustrated: Kimiko Higami|A princess who loves chocolate
Publisher: Educational Picture Drama / First edition publication date: October 2008 / ISBN: 9784774611020
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. The sight of the princess overflowing with love for chocolate will make readers smile. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Mirai Chocolate"|Written by The Cabin Company|Chocolate Peeking into the Future
Publisher: Hakusensha / First edition publication date: January 19, 2024 / ISBN: 9784592763383
If you eat it, you can see the future! ? A chocolate picture book that won't stop exciting!
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. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Why chocolate is delicious"|Written and illustrated: Solder Nodoka|Knowledge picture book to learn from cacao
Publisher: Alice Hall / First edition publication date: February 10, 2010 / ISBN: 9784752004653
"Kaka" and "Pod" will teach you the process of turning cacao into chocolate!
From cocoa farms in Africa to factories and then to stores. The cacao fruit characters "Kaka" and "Podo" act as guides, and this is a knowledge picture book that teaches you the journey to making chocolate in a fun and easy-to-understand way. The story is tailored to make it exciting even for small children, and can be enjoyed by everyone from 4 years old to adults. This is a book where you are sure to find new discoveries in the chocolate that is close to you.
It has a solid element of learning, and is perfect not only for reading aloud but also for intellectual education! It is also recommended as an entrance to SDGs and fair trade. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book of learning and knowledge]
"Guruguru Gateau Chocolat"|Written by: Kenji Ujiie Illustrated: Yumiko Miura|A picture book that shows how to make gateau chocolate
Publisher: Ken Ele Books / First edition publication date: February 3, 2023 / ISBN: 9784910315232
A picture book of authentic gateau chocolate recipes made by mixing them around!
This recipe picture book depicts the process of making gateau chocolate by mixing it "round and round" with pleasant rhythmic sentences and warm illustrations. Kenji Ujiie's knowledge of confectionery making and Yumiko Miura's friendly drawings are combined to create a book that even children will want to make! It can also be used as a reference for homemade chocolates for Valentine's Day. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to make and enjoy]
See more chocolate picture books for this age:
Story / Fantasy
"Chocolate Wars" Written by: Ellis Doran Translated by Ritsuko Mibe Publisher: Mitsumura Educational Books / ISBN: 9784895722483
Chocolate vs Vegetable War. There is also a message of food education in the funny development. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Chocolate Fairy" Written by: Reiko Katayama Illustration: 100% ORANGE Publisher: Hakusensha / ISBN: 9784592761167
Stylish illustrations and gentle writing. It is also popular as a Valentine's Day gift. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Denset's Chocolate" Written and illustrated: Tatsuya Miyanishi Publisher: Green Cat / ISBN: 9784904559161
A warm chocolate story by the author of "You look good". ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Chocolata is a bonbon chocolate of skein and happiness" Written by: Susumu Koyama Illustrated: Yoshihito Matsunami Publisher: Froebel Museum / ISBN: 9784577600153
A picture book depicting the "joy of manufacturing" created by a world-class pastry chef. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"The King of Chocolate" Written by: Michael Lebensaal Illustrated by Laura Catalan Translated by Hiromi Miyasaka Publisher: Akatsuki Educational Books / ISBN: 9784867020845
The story of a country ruled by the King of Chocolate. A colorful picture book translated from overseas. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Mugicho Kotan Teisha" Written by: Tomomi Aoyama Publisher: HOLP Publishing / ISBN: 9784593104642
Mugi Choco becomes a detective. There is a mystery-solving element, and it is a participatory type that allows you to read while thinking together. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
Learning & Knowledge
"How can you do it? Photo: Kosuke Tamura Supervision: Dandelion Chocolate Japan Co., Ltd. Publisher: Hisakata Child / ISBN: 9784865492903
A photo picture book with a shikake. You can follow it in order from cacao to chocolate bar. Also used as a food education teaching material. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book of learning and knowledge]
"Chocolate Daisuki" Photography: Mariko Furushima Supervision: Hisashi Onishi Publisher: Hisakata Child / ISBN: 9784893250711
A book that contains both learning and recipes. Also for preparing homemade chocolate for Valentine's Day. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book of learning and knowledge]
Valentine's Day
"Valentine's Day in the Bear" Written by: Yves Banting Illustrated by Jean Brett Translated by Yoko Tokumaru Publisher: Shinseken / ISBN: 9784880120546
A heartwarming Valentine's Day classic given by a bear couple. ▶ For more information, go to [Valentine×Day Chocolate Picture Book]
"Yokaimura no Daisuki Valentine's Day" Written and illustrated: Yoshikazu Takai Publisher: Kokudosha / ISBN: 9784337026216
Valentine's Day. Bright and fun illustrations with a sense of the season. ▶ For more information, go to [Valentine×Day Chocolate Picture Book]
"Ralph's Valentine's Day" Written by: Jacques Gantos Illustrated by Nicole Rubel Translated by Yu Komiya Publisher: Publishing Works / ISBN: 9784910815053
A naughty cat's Valentine's Day runaway. It's fun to read aloud. ▶ For more information, go to [Valentine×Day Chocolate Picture Book]
Recipes
"Hot chocolate for you hot chocolate made with mocha" Author: Rii Togen Publisher: NHK Publishing / ISBN: 9784140361306 (New edition: 9784140361474)
Beautiful illustrations and poetic writing. You can make hot chocolate together. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to make and enjoy]
Lower grades of elementary school (6-7 years old)|When reading alone begins (9 works)
The age when he was able to look at the pictures on his own and began to reach children's books. The ability to taste the afterglow of picture books grows, and you can also try works with a large number of pages.
"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 / ISBN: 9784593505456
What is the special plan that the cat of the old chocolate shop came up with?
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.
Beautiful illustrations that cat lovers will love. It is popular with adult readers and is also recommended as a gift. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Kaiketsu Zorori's Chocolate Jo"|Written and illustrated by Yutaka Hara|Kaiketsu Zorori series (6)
Publisher: Poplar / First edition publication date: February 1990 / ISBN: 9784591030288
Zorori takes on the chocolate castle! A very popular series.
The 6th installment of the very popular "Kaiketsu Zorori" series. This adventure story is full of laughter and surprises as Zorori takes on the challenge of a chocolate castle. With the development of Yutaka Hara's familiar detailed illustrations and foreshadowing, this book will make children fascinated. This is one of the most popular episodes in the series. ▶ For more information, go to [Valentine×Day Chocolate Picture Book]
"Lulu and Lara's Chocolate"|Written and illustrated by Yasuko Anbiru|Lulu and Lara's Strange Yasan Series (5)
Publisher: Iwasaki Shoten / First edition publication date: February 28, 2007 / ISBN: 9784265062676
Chocolate with a heartfelt heart that we want to deliver on Chocolate Day.
The fifth volume of the popular series "Lulu and Lara's Funny Girl". Tomorrow is "Chocolate Day" to entrust your feelings to chocolate and send it to someone. Millie the rabbit also asks Lulu and Lara to teach her some nice chocolate for Tipppi. Along with cute illustrations, chocolate recipes that can actually be made are also introduced.
A series that is very popular with girls where you can learn recipes while reading stories. It is also recommended for reading in the lower grades. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to make and enjoy]
See more chocolate picture books for this age:
"Chocolate souvenir" Written by: Jun Okada Illustrated: Makoto Ueda Publisher: BL Publishing / ISBN: 9784776410102
Jun Okada's world where everyday life and fantasy intersect. A reading experience between picture books and children's books. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to enjoy with stories]
"Snoopy's Picture Book" Written by: Charles M. Schultz Translated by Shuntaro Tanigawa Cuisine: June Dutton Publisher: Reprint.com / ISBN: 9784835449937
Enjoy Snoopy's cartoons and try American recipes. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to make and enjoy]
"Lisa and Gaspard's Dessert Book" Written by: Anne Gutmann Illustrated by Georg Hallensleben Translated by Chihiro Ishizu Publisher: Bronze Shinsha / ISBN: 9784893093523
An authentic dessert recipe made in France. Parents and children can take on the challenge. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book to make and enjoy]
"Chocolate is good!" Written by: Brian Moses Illustrated by Mike Gordon Translated by Misako Ishiwata Publisher: Educational Picture Drama / ISBN: 9784774604930
Introducing the history and culture of chocolate in an easy-to-understand manner. A book that answers children's simple questions. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book of learning and knowledge]
"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Search Picture Book" Written and Original: Roald Dahl Publisher: Bunkeido / ISBN: 9784799905203
Explore the inside of a chocolate factory with pictures. Concentration also grows secretly. ▶ For more information, go to [Valentine×Day Chocolate Picture Book]
"The Secret of the Chocolate Factory" Written by: Roald Dahl Illustrated by Quentin Blake Translated by Emi Sugimoto Publisher: Dai Nippon Paintings / ISBN: 9784499283793
Dahl's masterpiece pops out into a picture book. As an entrance to the original work. ▶ For more information, go to [Valentine×Day Chocolate Picture Book]
Elementary school junior high to upper grades (8 years old and older)|Works worth reading (5 works)
The age when reading skills are acquired and interest in social topics expands. We recommend works that expand the world by "knowing" the history of chocolate, the manufacturing process, and fair trade. I would like you to try your hand at masterpiece children's literature.
"New Masterpiece Treasured Edition Chocolate War"|Written by Makoto Oishi Illustrated by Takashi Kitada|Immortal Masterpiece Children's Literature
Publisher: Theory / First edition publication date: February 1999 / ISBN: 9784652005026
A timeless masterpiece in which children face off against a confectionery shop.
A treasured edition of Makoto Oishi's timeless masterpiece of children's literature. The story begins when the shop window of a confectionery shop called Kinsendo is broken and innocent children are suspected. Set in a chocolate castle, it is a masterpiece depicting children's struggle for the truth, and has been read across generations. ▶ For more information, go to [Valentine×Day Chocolate Picture Book]
"In a Grain of Chocolate"|Written by Kiyotaka Sato Illustrated by Junaida|The Science of Chocolate and Beautiful Pictures
Publisher: Gospel Museum Shoten / First edition publication date: October 6, 2023 / ISBN: 9784834087406
A story of science and passion in a single piece of chocolate.
It is a knowledge picture book that carefully depicts the process of how chocolate is made from a scientific perspective. The solid knowledge of Kiyotaka Sato, a leading expert in chocolate research, and Junaida's beautiful and fantastic illustrations are perfectly combined. It is a book that can be enjoyed not only by children but also by adults, and the binding is wonderful. It is also certified as a picture book Navi Platinum Book.
A beautiful picture book that is also recommended as a gift for adults. The fusion of scientific content and artistic illustrations is attractive. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book of learning and knowledge]
See more chocolate picture books for this age:
"Secret Chocolate Latte" Written by: Akihiko Hirayama Publisher: Gospel Museum Bookstore / ISBN: 9784834027341
A historical adventure fantasy in search of chocolate secrets. Knowledge and story are wonderfully combined. ▶ For more information, go to [Valentine×Day Chocolate Picture Book]
"Until the chocolate is made" Composition and text: Shoko Miyazaki Photo: Kiyoyuki Shiramatsu Publisher: Iwasaki Shoten / ISBN: 9784265083909
Picture book Navi Platinum Book certified. It is also used as a base for studying food education, social studies, and free research. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book of learning and knowledge]
"Chocolate made from scratch" Illustration: Bunch Haru Editing: NPO APLA Alter Trade Japan Co., Ltd. Publisher: Agriculture, Mountain, Fishing and Fishing Village Cultural Association (Nongbunkyo) / ISBN: 9784540171628
From the perspective of fair trade. It is also used as a material for SDGs education and comprehensive learning. ▶ For more information, go to [Chocolate picture book of learning and knowledge]
How to choose when in doubt
Even if you narrow it down by age, you still get lost. In such a case, please choose based on "what kind of time do you want to give this child today?"
I want to make you laugh Nara → "Chocolate Bread", "Chocoletta Hime", "Chocolate Wars" I want to take you to a mysterious world Nara → "Chocolate Town", "Mirai Chocolate", "Chocolate Fairy" I want to warm up slowly Nara → "Kneko Chocolate", "Chocolate Shop Cat", "Chocolate Ya-san" I want to respond to the desire to know If → "Why chocolate is delicious" "In a piece of chocolate" I want to make something together Nara → "Guruguru Gateau Chocolate" "Lulu and Lara's Chocolate"
▶ Back to the full guide to chocolate picture books → [Chocolate picture book catalog]
Another picture book that allows you to adventure in the "land of sweets"
If you are looking for a chocolate picture book, there is one picture book like this that you should know.
MY STELLA's "Find it! Mysterious Sekai Ryoko" is a personalized search picture book in which children become the main characters and adventure in mysterious countries. Among all 11 countries There is a "strange country", and a page appears where you meet people who live in a house made of sweets. You can venture into a sweet world with chocolates and cakes in your own name.
If you open it, the whole family can become the protagonist of the story in an adventure world that expands and searches
The characteristics of this picture book are not only the main character, but also The whole family appears in the story Thing. Customize dad, mom, siblings, and even pets, and ask the family members hidden on each page "Where's Daddy?" and "Mom found!" I will continue reading while searching. This is a book that combines the fun of searching pictures like searching for Wally with an original story just for the family.
"Find it! Mysterious Sekai Ryoko" MY STELLA / Price including tax: ¥6,930 / Target age: 3-8 years old Hardcover, thread machine binding/180-degree opening design/rounded corners/FSC-certified paper Children's 💬 names, hairstyles, and skin colors are set, and family members and pets are also available. Includes an album page where you can put photos. ▶ You can try it for free→ MY STELLA official website
When you are 2 years old, you look at pictures and point to your family, when you are 4 years old, you become interested in the residents of each country, and after 6 years old, you read and immerse yourself in the story - just like chocolate picture books.
"My own story" that remains beyond age
Children grow up. A picture book that made you laugh at a 2-year-old may not be enough at the age of 5. The children's books you read in elementary school may also sleep in the back of your bookshelf when you grow up.
However, "picture books with your name on them" remain beyond your age. A story that features names, families, and pets, the only book in the world. When I suddenly opened a book I received when I was a child, one day when I grew up, the picture book became a record of myself and my family at that time.
I hope that the day will come when children who have encountered many chocolate picture books will one day have their own stories.
