MHLS - Kamishibai

Japanese Kamishibai Stories

These wonderful story kits can be used for story hours and will introduce children to one of the ways stories are told in other cultures. The cards are easy to use, with the text for the current picture read from the back of a card visible to the reader. The pictures are lovely and large enough so that children in a group setting can all see them. Click on the titles below to see a description of the story and age level for which it is appropriate. We have a Kamishibai stage and the hyoshigi (clapper) traditionally used to announce the story's beginning. These items are available for member libraries to borrow as well as the story cards. We hope using the stage and Hyoshigi will further enhance the children's experience with another culture's wonderful storytelling form.

Borrowing Information: Materials may be borrowed only by MHLS member libraries for library programs. To order, click here to send an e-mail to the Youth Services Department listing what you would like to borrow, what date you need to have it for and the MHLS member library to which it should be sent. Shipping Procedure - All YS materials that cannot fit in the delivery bins must have this completed form attached to the outside. Items will not be picked up without the form.

Kamishibai titles and equipment in Mid-Hudson Collection:

The Bamboo Princess Ages 6 & Up
The Dragon's Tears Ages 3 & Up
Grow, Grow Grow-As Big As You Can Ages 2-4
Hats for the Jizos Ages 4 and up
How the Years Were Named Ages 3 and up
The Little Crab Ages 2 1/2 to 6
The Monkey and the Crab Ages 5 & Up
The Mother Cat Ages 3 and up
The Mouse’s Wedding Ages 3 and up
The Old Man Who Made the Trees Bloom Ages 5 and up
The Old Man and the Mice Ages 3 to 8
The One-Inch Boy Ages 3-8
The Three Magic Charms Ages 4 to 8
Urashima Taro Ages 8 and up
How the Witch was Eaten Up Ages 4-8

Kamishibai stage
Hyoshigi (clapper used to announce theater is beginning)
Kamishibai Man by Allen Say

Visit the kamishibai site for some background on the kamishibai play form.