Koupen-Chan & You - by Rurutea (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Let Japan's positive penguin brighten your day!

Everyone needs a little help to get through the day--and who better to provide it than Koupen-chan, the adorable baby penguin who has stolen Japan's heart! Did you cook a meal, show up for work, or just get out of bed in the morning? Koupen-chan is here to say, "You are amazing!"

This charming book from Japanese illustrator Rurutea features 300 charming illustrations of Koupen-chan and friends enjoying the simple joys in life and showing up for one another with a hug and an encouraging word.

Each page has an uplifting message such as:

• Great job taking it easy!
• You ate breakfast! I'm proud of you!
• Getting stuff done on a Saturday? You're amazing.
• Doing things the usual way is good enough.
• Fantastic job studying! I'm cheering for you!

Koupen-chan's supportive friends include Adelie, a tough-talking penguin who likes to cook; Evil Enaga, a cute bird plotting to take over the world; and Polar Bear, who is always ready to share a wise lesson. They bring gentle humor to the book, reminding us that life can be complicated and challenging but also deeply fulfilling when you accept yourself as you are.

Koupen-chan & You combines kawaii Japanese cute culture with sage advice. It will appeal to Koupen-chan's many fans as well as anyone who needs a little love and encouragement.

Review Quotes

"Every turn of a page in this book is a simple yet heartwarming message, and all in all, a wonderful read that I think everyone could learn a thing or two from...I recommend this book with all of my heart. Life has its many ups and downs, and we all need our fair share of loving support and praise for keeping ourselves afloat and being out there in the world." --Anime Atelier

"If you're looking for a cute, peaceful oasis of positivity in the whirlwind of life, you'll want to pick up Koupen-chan & You, as there's a smile to be had on every page for anyone of any age." --PopZara

"Until I read this book, I didn't know that I needed an adorable fuzzy baby penguin to tell me that they were proud of me because I brushed my teeth or did the dishes. It's silly, and more than a little corny, but Koupen-chan & You fills a very specific need for validation, not because you did something remarkable, but because you're just out there doing your best." --Anime News Network - Spring 2025 Manga Guide

"Koupen-chan & You is Positivity Done Right" writes Kara Dennison for Otaku Magazine USA, "There's no gateway to understanding Koupen-chan, no homework you need to do before you can pick this book up. It's just a sweet, pleasant collection of cheerful notes. Equal parts funny and caring, it's a gentle way to push ourselves forward and forgive ourselves when we can't. No matter what kind of day you're having, Koupen-chan will be cheering you on. And that's great." --Otaku Magazine USA

About the Author

Rurutea is a Japanese illustrator and the creator of Koupen-chan. They introduced the adorable baby penguin to the world in a tweet that praised readers simply for showing up at work. This encouraging message went viral, and Koupen-chan quickly became a national sensation. Today Koupen-chan features in social media, books, art exhibits, brand tie-ins and merchandise throughout Japan and beyond. Rurutea is also the illustrator of picture books in the popular Kirby series.