Works

About the books

All of my books are for young children. As the text and pictures are kept very clear and simple, these books are ideal for children learning English.

I have both written and illustrated six picture books. I use collage art style by making my own washi paper and models made from clay and paper for the characters.
I have written the story for another 8 books that have been published, with various illustrators creating the pictures.

Four of the picture books I have co-authored with Mari Nakamura, a teacher trainer who runs her own school, English Square in Kanazawa, Japan.
The three books that Mari and I have written for mpi Matsuka Phonics also have DVDs of the stories. We are currently writing a series of 9 workbooks connected to the picture books to be published in the summer of 2017.

Most of my picture books are available through Amazon and other booksellers but some of them are works commissioned by publishers such as Benesse and are only distributed to the members of their educational programmes.

Milkshake Shake, Can We Be Friends? A Trip to Grandma’s House

written by Patricia Daly Oe and Mari Nakamura
Published by mpi Matsuka Phonics

Milkshake Shake (2015)

A lively story about a family of cows making milkshake. The cows dance as they make and shake the chocolate, melon, strawberry and blueberry milkshakes. With its catchy rhythm and plenty of repetition, this story is perfect as a first book for early learners. Includes a CD with narration, rhythm reading and a song.

Can We Be Friends? (2016)

A cat and a turtle meet one day. At first, they are not sure if they can be friends. As they try various activities together to find something they have in common, they warm up to each other and finally become great friends! A picture book that is great for movement, TPR (Total Physical Response) activities and talking about what we can do. Includes a CD with narration, rhythm reading and a song.

A Trip to Grandma’s House (2016)

A family of bears want to visit their grandma's house but on the way there they encounter many obstacles. However, the shapes are always there to come and save them! The book is designed so the phrases are fun to repeat with great rhythm and rhyme. A picture book that is good for learning the names of shapes and vocabulary related to nature, and as a basis for creative activities using shapes. Includes a CD with narration, rhythm reading and a song.

DVDs

All 3 of these books also have an animated DVD-ROM of the story.

Lily and the Moon

Lily and the Moon (2013)

Lily Ladybug's grandfather had told her that there was a ladybug on the moon, but she could not see it. So she decided to go on a journey. Along the way she meets new friends. Together they cross rivers, mountains and even bridges in their search for a ladybug on the moon. Join Lily and her friends in this story of adventure, friendship... and the mystery of the moon.

The pictures are made from colorful hand-crafted washi paper and clay to capture a child’s attention and encourage creativity.

The CD includes three different readings of the story, especially composed music and a song.


There is a Lily and the Moon Education Pack for teachers also available.

Peter the Lonely Pineapple

Peter the Lonely Pineapple　(2002)

The main character is Peter, a pineapple in a fruit shop who doesn't have anyone to play with as the other pineapples have been already sold and the strawberries, bananas, apples, oranges and grapes refuse to play with him.
But one day Peter gets lucky......and soon he has many friends.
Children learn the words for different kinds of fruit, feelings and how to ask for a favour, accept and decline invitations. The story teaches children not to exclude others and to get on well with each other

Click here to listen to part of the song

Princess Lizzie

Princess Lizzie　(2005)

Lizzie is a lizard who thinks she is a princess. Even though the other creatures in the garden tell Lizzie that she is not a princess, Lizzie carries on believing that she is. Then something happens which convinces Lizzie that she was right all along.
Children learn the names of many common garden creatures and simple affirmative and negative sentences. The story conveys to children the importance of having confidence and not giving up your dream. It also shows the strength of motherly love.

Blue Mouse, Yellow Mouse

Blue Mouse, Yellow Mouse　(2006)

Blue Mouse comes from a land where everything is blue and Yellow Mouse comes from a land where everything is yellow. So what happens when Yellow Mouse comes to live in Blue Mouse Land?
This is an enchanting tale about an adventurous mouse. It encourages children to be open to new or different environments.

Where are my Stripes?

Where are my Stripes?　(2006)

When Christa gradually loses her beautiful blue, red and yellow stripes she goes on a quest to find them. But the seahorse, octopus and starfish can't help her. Only the Wise Old Crab knows the truth.
This story conveys the connection between the coral and the surrounding eco-system in an original and amusing way.

Worldwide Kids

Four Seasons on the Farm (2016)

This book is about the sights, sounds and activities enjoyed by children in each of the four seasons and is in Stage 5 of the World Wide Kids Series distributed by Benesse Corp.
You can see some sample pages here, on the homepage of the illustrator.

Broom Zoom Choo Woo　(2007)

This book is full of sounds and rhythm and great fun for early learners. Many different animals are riding many different kinds of vehicle.

It is in Stage 1 of the World Wide Kids Series distributed by Benesse Corp.
You can see some sample pages and listen to part of the story here.

Stacy Strawberry

Stacy Strawberry　(2009)

Stacy is a strawberry who is in awe of her friend, Peter Pineapple.
So Stacy decides she wants to be a pineapple, too.
Can she become a pineapple….?

This story shows Stacy’s amusing attempts to become a pineapple and is in the form of a detachable book inside a handbook for reading picture stories in English for Japanese speakers. Details about the handbook (in Japanese only) can be viewed here.

Translation

Hayabusa’s Story – there and back again

Translation of the Japanese picture book and narration on CD of the story of the space probe, Hayabusa.
The translated story is included in the publication "Eigo no Ehon Club"
I also translate business and marketing materials and have translated a number of books on design, including four books by Shigeki Nakamura on traditional design patterns used in Japan and elsewhere.