Utako Yamada facts for kids

Utako Yamada (山田詩子, Yamada utako) is a Japanese writer, illustrator, and translator. She was born in 1963 in Nagoya, Japan. Utako Yamada is famous for her children's books, like The Story of Cherry the Pig and Buzzy the Honeybee.

She also owns a special tea shop called Karel Capek. It is located in Kokubunji, Tokyo. Utako Yamada lives in Tokyo with her husband and two sons.

Utako Yamada's Journey

Utako Yamada was born in 1963 in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. She studied sociology at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto. After finishing university, she moved to Kokubunji, Tokyo, in 1987.

Starting a Tea Shop

In Kokubunji, Utako Yamada opened her own tea shop called Karel Capek. She named it after a famous Czech writer. At her shop, she chooses and mixes different types of tea. She also creates new recipes and designs cute packages for sweets.

Becoming a Writer and Illustrator

While working with tea, Utako Yamada also started drawing and writing stories. She created many characters, and some of them are based on her own life! In 2002, she opened another shop called Karel Capek Sweets in Kichijoji. This shop focuses on tea and delicious treats. She also designs products like tea sets and accessories.

Books and Collaborations

Utako Yamada has written three official children's books published in Japan. One of her books has even been translated into English! She has also translated some of the popular Winnie the Pooh storybooks into Japanese. Besides children's books, she has written many recipe books about tea and sweets.

She has also worked with Sanrio, the company that created Hello Kitty. Together, they made special merchandise and tea items based on the Wish me mell series.

Her Books for Kids

Utako Yamada has written several popular books. Here are some of her most well-known children's stories:

• The Story of Cherry the Pig (ぶたのチェリーのおはなし, Buta no cherī no ohanashi) (September 2002, Kaiseisha). This book was also translated into English.
• Little Rabbit Pipin's Birthday (こうさぎピピンのたんじょうび, Kōsagi pipin no tanjōbi) (October 2003, Kaiseisha).
• Buzzy the Honeybee (みつばちバジーちゃん, Mitsuba chi bajī-chan) (October 2006, Kaiseisha).

Other Books by Utako Yamada

Utako Yamada has also written many books about tea and sweets. These books often include recipes and tips for enjoying tea time.

• British Sweets for Teatime (ティータイムのイギリス菓子, Tītaimu no Igirisu kashi) (November 2003, Bunka Shuppan Kyoku)
• My First Tea Book: Life with Delicious Tea (おいしい紅茶のある暮らし, Oishī kōcha no aru kurashi) (November 1998, Media Factory)
• Tea Lover's Menu Book (紅茶好きのメニューブック, Kōcha-suki no menyūbukku) (February 1999, Bunka Shuppan Kyoku)
• Good Teatime Book (たのしいティータイムブック, Tanoshī tītaimubukku) (October 2001, Shufutoseikatsusha)