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From Memen to Mori
Meet Memen, the calm and collected older sister, and Mori, the curious younger brother. When Mori asks big questions like, “What is the meaning of life?,” how does big sis Memen respond? Through humorous and tender moments, the two siblings teach that sometimes, the answer to life is less complex than we think.
136 pages, Hardcover
Published September 23, 2025
About the author
Shinsuke Yoshitake
75 books190 followersAssociated Names:
* ヨシタケ シンスケ (Japanese)
* Shinsuke Yoshitake (English)
* 吉竹伸介 (Chinese)
* 요시타케 신스케 (Korean)
* ชินสุเกะ โยชิทาเกะ (Thai)
Shinsuke Yoshitake is the author-illustrator of many award-winning picture books, including New York Times Notable Children's Book of the Year There Must Be More Than That!, New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year The Boring Book, I Can Be Anything, I Won't Give Up My Rubber Band, and I Can Explain. His books have been translated into more than 10 languages. He lives in Japan.
* ヨシタケ シンスケ (Japanese)
* Shinsuke Yoshitake (English)
* 吉竹伸介 (Chinese)
* 요시타케 신스케 (Korean)
* ชินสุเกะ โยชิทาเกะ (Thai)
Shinsuke Yoshitake is the author-illustrator of many award-winning picture books, including New York Times Notable Children's Book of the Year There Must Be More Than That!, New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year The Boring Book, I Can Be Anything, I Won't Give Up My Rubber Band, and I Can Explain. His books have been translated into more than 10 languages. He lives in Japan.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 7, 2026
I read this book several times before reviewing it harshly and giving any book a one star review is something I have almost never done. The overarching messages of the two sections are positive: Section 1-Make the most of the time you have and the second section-We all have value, even with our imperfections. However, in one place, the author has her main character Memen say, “Because in the end, no matter what, every single thing breaks or goes away” and a few pages later states, “Maybe we’ll live much, much longer than anyone else in the world. Or maybe tomorrow, a shooting star will fall from the sky and squash us like pancakes.” Then in the second section with a dirty snowman reflecting on his own flaws says, “I mean, I get it. Deep down inside, they (the ones who made him) must be like, This isn’t what we wanted.” Later the little snowman recognizes that he’ll probably just melt away soon so there is no point to his existence. There is deep philosophical musings about how things don’t ever go the way we expect or want and the world is painful and tough. Then the author adds that it is also fun and beautiful and we should stop being so surprised “how stuff is different from what they have pictured.”
I’m sure you get the idea. This is a book that 1) will not be understood by most children, and 2) many of those children will become confused or upset by the fatalistic look at our world. I did some additional research about the book and in the course of that research discovered what may be the basis for author Shinsuke Yoshitake’s text. The Latin phrase Memento Mori means “remember that you must die.” In case you aren’t seeing the connection, add a space after the letter n in the first Latin word and you get the title of this book.
The publisher rates this book for All Ages, but I hope no one puts this book in front of children. Maybe it could be used in a high school or college class looking at philosophy.
I’m sure you get the idea. This is a book that 1) will not be understood by most children, and 2) many of those children will become confused or upset by the fatalistic look at our world. I did some additional research about the book and in the course of that research discovered what may be the basis for author Shinsuke Yoshitake’s text. The Latin phrase Memento Mori means “remember that you must die.” In case you aren’t seeing the connection, add a space after the letter n in the first Latin word and you get the title of this book.
The publisher rates this book for All Ages, but I hope no one puts this book in front of children. Maybe it could be used in a high school or college class looking at philosophy.
April 6, 2026
yea it's fine!
November 21, 2025
I love Shinsuke Yoshitake, but this was not my favorite. The book itself is sweet and it carries some helpful life lessons, but it felt more philosophical than I was expecting from him. I think this would appeal certainly more to readers who enjoy titles like The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse than it would to readers looking for more like I Won’t Give Up My Rubber Band. That being said, I was a little disappointed, since I wanted more of the madcap humor I've come to expect from this author.
Also, I was sad that the English version of the title drops the Japanese pun... "To" (と) is the Japanese word for "and" and is read as "toh". So, if you say the Japanese title (Menmen and Mori) in Japanese you have Menmen to Mori.... memento mori or reminders of death. This of course refers to the fact that life of fleeting, and that we shouldn't worry about small things like a broken plate (a moment from the book). Just enjoy the journey for what it is. Honestly, that pun was my favorite part of the book.
Also, I was sad that the English version of the title drops the Japanese pun... "To" (と) is the Japanese word for "and" and is read as "toh". So, if you say the Japanese title (Menmen and Mori) in Japanese you have Menmen to Mori.... memento mori or reminders of death. This of course refers to the fact that life of fleeting, and that we shouldn't worry about small things like a broken plate (a moment from the book). Just enjoy the journey for what it is. Honestly, that pun was my favorite part of the book.
May 2, 2026
A kind of crossover picture book/children's graphic novel with a lot of words, in places, said sis , Memen, to her younger sib, Mori: Memen to Mori, or a reminder that we will all die. A pleasant book for kids? Well, it was a little strange for me at first, but the thick lines and bright colors just make everything pop off the page. Bold images, very inviting, with lots of space to further help us focus on them.
Memen is quite the Big Sister, though preaching to her sib, on the occasion of a broken plate: "Remember, every one of us will die some day--that's why we've gotta make the most of the time given to us."
(This, you may recall, is similar to the advice Gandalf gives Frodo: "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Not to complain; it's good advice, so I'll merely say she is in good company, even if she is pretty bossy to her very young sib, which some might say is just what one might expect of some older sisters!
The book features three parables or homilies; Memen, Mori, and the Small Plate; Memen, Mori and the Dirty Snowman, and Memen, Mori and the Boring Movie. Cute and/or a little annoying. I'd say ya little of both, for me, but I also like the engaging art. 3.5.
Memen is quite the Big Sister, though preaching to her sib, on the occasion of a broken plate: "Remember, every one of us will die some day--that's why we've gotta make the most of the time given to us."
(This, you may recall, is similar to the advice Gandalf gives Frodo: "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Not to complain; it's good advice, so I'll merely say she is in good company, even if she is pretty bossy to her very young sib, which some might say is just what one might expect of some older sisters!
The book features three parables or homilies; Memen, Mori, and the Small Plate; Memen, Mori and the Dirty Snowman, and Memen, Mori and the Boring Movie. Cute and/or a little annoying. I'd say ya little of both, for me, but I also like the engaging art. 3.5.
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September 22, 2025
A story about the meaning of life, this children's book asks the question, "Why are we here?" Utilizing three separate stories within one bound novel, author and illustrator Shinsuke Yoshitake, introduces us to older sister Memen and her curious little brother Mori. In the first story Mori breaks his sisters handmade plate, and instead of getting upset Memen uses the plate to symbolize life and death. It isn't about living forever, but the memories made along the way. In the second story a snowman made out of dirty snow ponders the happiness and sadness with dreams of capturing life on camera. The last story utilizes a boring movie to symbolize the fear around living a boring life.
From Memen to Mori was originally published in South Korea and South Korean culture shines through. I do think most American children would benefit from reading this book with an adult so they can talk through the concepts showcases throughout the book. I enjoyed it, and the child version of myself would have too.
Thank you to Yen Press for the gifted copy.
From Memen to Mori was originally published in South Korea and South Korean culture shines through. I do think most American children would benefit from reading this book with an adult so they can talk through the concepts showcases throughout the book. I enjoyed it, and the child version of myself would have too.
Thank you to Yen Press for the gifted copy.
August 20, 2026
The title alone hooked me. A picture book called From Memen to Mori, with its play on memento mori, seemed destined to be something special... and it absolutely was.
The book contains three stories featuring siblings Memen and Mori, each using an ordinary experience—a broken plate, a wonky snowman, a boring movie—to explore impermanence and the ways we respond when things don't go as planned. Mori's questions give his older sister opportunities to share her wisdom, but the philosophical ideas never become heavy-handed. Instead, Yoshitake finds meaning in the wonderfully quotidian.
My favorite may have been "Memen, Mori, and the Dirty Snowman," told from the perspective of the snowman itself and finds something surprisingly profound in its temporary existence. That's what I loved most about the collection: it introduces children to big philosophical questions without making them seem particularly big. Sometimes contemplating mortality, meaning, and acceptance can begin with something as simple as a dirty snowman.
The book contains three stories featuring siblings Memen and Mori, each using an ordinary experience—a broken plate, a wonky snowman, a boring movie—to explore impermanence and the ways we respond when things don't go as planned. Mori's questions give his older sister opportunities to share her wisdom, but the philosophical ideas never become heavy-handed. Instead, Yoshitake finds meaning in the wonderfully quotidian.
My favorite may have been "Memen, Mori, and the Dirty Snowman," told from the perspective of the snowman itself and finds something surprisingly profound in its temporary existence. That's what I loved most about the collection: it introduces children to big philosophical questions without making them seem particularly big. Sometimes contemplating mortality, meaning, and acceptance can begin with something as simple as a dirty snowman.
November 30, 2025
Extremely beautiful.
“You can live every day doing whatever you can like it's your last day on Earth... // ...or take it easy and trust that everything will work out in the end.”
“One day in the future, someone else in the world will be doing... / ...both good and bad things in my place. // So right now, I'll do both good and bad things... / ...in place of someone else from somewhere else. // When you think of it like that, isn't it kind of fun?”
“...it's okay if the answer to "What do people live for?” changes from day-to-day. // For example, we could picture life as just a game where we try to keep our balance, right? // And in the game, we pick stuff up and lose it. // Still, as long as we keep our balance and move forward, it feels kinda nices doesn't it? // Or maybe life is more like building with blocks—you take everything you have, both the good and the bad, and try to make something balanced and beautiful just for you.”
“You can live every day doing whatever you can like it's your last day on Earth... // ...or take it easy and trust that everything will work out in the end.”
“One day in the future, someone else in the world will be doing... / ...both good and bad things in my place. // So right now, I'll do both good and bad things... / ...in place of someone else from somewhere else. // When you think of it like that, isn't it kind of fun?”
“...it's okay if the answer to "What do people live for?” changes from day-to-day. // For example, we could picture life as just a game where we try to keep our balance, right? // And in the game, we pick stuff up and lose it. // Still, as long as we keep our balance and move forward, it feels kinda nices doesn't it? // Or maybe life is more like building with blocks—you take everything you have, both the good and the bad, and try to make something balanced and beautiful just for you.”
October 26, 2025
A book about impermanence, about being there for others, and adjusting expectations. There's some good stuff about taking things as they come and as they are, about cultivating a sense of wonder and excitement even when things are boring.
This is one of those books that makes me want go give it for any occasion when you might consider Oh, the Places You’ll Go!. Which is a perfectly fine book. Except people act like there has never been another book written to give to people embarking on a new stage of life.
"So for now, I'll think of all the things I wish someone would do for me. For someone else. For myself."
"'How we imagine things are' and 'how things really are' are often different."
This is one of those books that makes me want go give it for any occasion when you might consider Oh, the Places You’ll Go!. Which is a perfectly fine book. Except people act like there has never been another book written to give to people embarking on a new stage of life.
"So for now, I'll think of all the things I wish someone would do for me. For someone else. For myself."
"'How we imagine things are' and 'how things really are' are often different."
April 8, 2026
Mori's older sister Memen talks to him about some really important things. When he accidentally breaks a plate, she talks about doing good things in your life and making choices because you can. When they build a snowman, Mori hears a story about a dirty snowman who wishes to be a photographer. And finally, Mori learns about perspective when they watch a boring movie.
Memen to Mori is a sweet story. I loved the life lessons - Memen is wise. The page count reflects a longer book than it is - it's a large-format book with fun pictures and not a lot of text. I can see a new reader quickly able to read this on their own. I also loved the simple illustrations. I hope the readers try to draw the characters themselves. Originally published in Japan, the assumption is that the characters are Japanese, but there is nothing cultural or stated that says so.
Memen to Mori is a sweet story. I loved the life lessons - Memen is wise. The page count reflects a longer book than it is - it's a large-format book with fun pictures and not a lot of text. I can see a new reader quickly able to read this on their own. I also loved the simple illustrations. I hope the readers try to draw the characters themselves. Originally published in Japan, the assumption is that the characters are Japanese, but there is nothing cultural or stated that says so.
March 29, 2026
Definitely a departure from Yoshitake's usual style. And the poster child for "not for everyone." American children are more protected from deep philosophical thinking than the Japanese. But there are some who will eat this right up. Know your kids. Are they ready to handle the ideas of impermanence and nihilism? Some will find this nihilistic, but others will see it (as I think it is meant) as a more Buddhist, or at least Asian view of the world: everything dies, everything breaks, so let's have fun while we can and try to help others! It can actually be cathartic and freeing. A great read for an adult, and a careful one for children with an adult.
June 10, 2025
Thanks so much to Yen Press for the DRC. This volume drops on July 22nd!
This short story follows Memen, the self proclaimed calm and collected older sister, and Mori, the curious younger brother. Together, they take us through an adventure of questioning what life is and reminding us that it's okay to not know an answer and that in some cases, you can make and choose your own path to follow.
This short story had some interesting life lessons and views conveyed through cute drawings that answered and gave room for ones own interpretation for many existential questions.
This short story follows Memen, the self proclaimed calm and collected older sister, and Mori, the curious younger brother. Together, they take us through an adventure of questioning what life is and reminding us that it's okay to not know an answer and that in some cases, you can make and choose your own path to follow.
This short story had some interesting life lessons and views conveyed through cute drawings that answered and gave room for ones own interpretation for many existential questions.
May 2, 2026
I liked this! It was a lot shorter than I was expecting, especially because it looked so big on the shelf, but it was a nice rumination and reminder on the impermanence of all things. Nice simplistic art style too. I enjoyed the stories in this one :) It read more like a slightly bigger picture book than a graphic novel.
September 13, 2025
This book would have terrified and depressed me as a small child, unlocking myriad new fears, including being squashed by a shooting star. Existing somewhere on the border of nihilism and existentialism, it's a perfectly fine book, but it absolutely needs to be read with an adult.
November 17, 2025
Philosophy for 8-year-olds.
January 26, 2026
Such a sweet little book that made me smile in many different ways.
March 8, 2026
2026 YMA Mildred L Batchelder honor book
March 19, 2026
Batchelder Honor Book 2026
Philosophy for all readers about the impermanence of things, helping others and asking for help, lots of gentle ideas about life.
Philosophy for all readers about the impermanence of things, helping others and asking for help, lots of gentle ideas about life.
March 29, 2026
First story was my favorite!
April 19, 2026
美好的東西，與其擺在那裡欣賞，不如我們一起享用吧！
June 17, 2026
I'm not sure how children will like this book on life and death, but I did. Quite a lot.
July 30, 2026
read it with my little sister
and we were larping as
memen and mori
and it was fun.
the messages and stuff
were kinda pushy but
we both liked it lots
and we were larping as
memen and mori
and it was fun.
the messages and stuff
were kinda pushy but
we both liked it lots
August 20, 2026
2.5
All ages but very deep/philosophical
Not sure on the target audience for who would really enjoy this.
All ages but very deep/philosophical
Not sure on the target audience for who would really enjoy this.
July 30, 2026
Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.
Within these seemingly simplistic short stories, big sister Memen provides life advice to her young brother Mori, and discusses complex philosophical topics such as mortality, conscience, and materialism. Drawn like a picture book, this book may be enjoyed by younger readers, but the philosophical basis means that even older readers may find something to think about within its pages.
This review was made possible with a digital reader copy from the publisher through Edelweiss.
Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 5-12
Within these seemingly simplistic short stories, big sister Memen provides life advice to her young brother Mori, and discusses complex philosophical topics such as mortality, conscience, and materialism. Drawn like a picture book, this book may be enjoyed by younger readers, but the philosophical basis means that even older readers may find something to think about within its pages.
This review was made possible with a digital reader copy from the publisher through Edelweiss.
Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 5-12
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews