Two Little Red Mittens

Two mittens. A pair of friends.

The little red left mitten and the little red right mitten enjoy their life as a pair, keeping Little One’s hands warm and toasty. But one day Little One loses the right mitten—and it’s off on an adventure through the forest! Passed among various woodland creatures, the little right mitten soon becomes tattered—yet it remains cherished, always, by those who find it. Meanwhile, the left mitten can’t help but worry about its old pal, even after a new right mitten is knitted. Will these dear friends ever see each other again?

“An unusual though soothing tale that’s as comforting as a soft pair of mittens.” —Kirkus Reviews

“After a child’s mittens become separated during a snowy outing, one provides comfort to a series of animals in this meditative story, which imbues its woolen subjects with tender emotion.” —Publishers Weekly

“The story unfolds with a minimum of drama, driven by a childlike imagination that envisions how animals might repurpose a mitten. Reflecting the narrative’s gentle tone, the illustrations are softly shaded pencil drawings, warmed with colored pencils that enhance the woodland and interior scenes… First published in Japan, this picture book will speak to children whether or not their winters bring snow.” —Booklist

“Imbued with multiple levels of meaning and depth. And while you probably think you know where this poetic tale is headed, its ending may still come as a surprise.” —Global Literature in Libraries Initiative

“Hayashi’s gentle story authentically taps into a young child’s vivid imagination. The narrative’s nicely balanced tension holds readers’ interest without stoking up worries—there’s a sense that all will be well. Okada’s soft illustrations, rendered in pencil and colored pencils, perfectly match the tale’s old-fashioned sensibility and quiet winter setting.” —The Horn Book Magazine

“A beautifully illustrated world filled with snow awaits the young reader in the adventure of the red mitten.” —Midwest Book Review

About the AuthorKirin Hayashi is the author of multiple picture books published in Japan. She writes poetry, picture books, translation works, and lyrics, including the children’s book Nibanme No Warumono, which won the 2022 Grand Prix of the Librarians’ Awards hosted by Nippan. Her works are also popular in China, Korea, and Taiwan. She and Chiaki Okada also collaborated on the picture book Akari (Light).About the IllustratorChiaki Okada has illustrated books by authors from around the world, including her husband, Ko Okada. She recently illustrated For All the Stars Across the Sky, written by Karl Newson, which was her first picture book published in English and was named an Amazon Editor’s Pick for Ages 3 to 5. She lives in Japan. Follow her on Instagram @chiakiokadapicturebook.About the TranslatorAvery Fischer Udagawa is an award-winning translator of children’s books from Japanese, including the 2022 Mildred L. Batchelder Award winner Temple Alley Summer, written by Sachiko Kashiwaba and illustrated by Miho Satake. She writes, translates, and works in international education near Bangkok, Thailand, where she lives with her bicultural family. Learn more at

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