BATHTIME FOR SNOW MONKEYS, by Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Yas Imamura, Candlewick, Oct. 13, 2026, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Discover a surprising human-made habitat for Japanese macaques in Bathtime for Snow Monkeys, by Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Yas Imamura.
At the Jigokudani monkey park in Nagano, nihonzaru—Japanese macaques—have a unique way of de-stressing from life in a cold climate: gathering in their very own onsen, or hot spring “spa,” to lounge and snack. Peek into this magical world in the mountains, hushed by snow, where the macaques reign over their onsen, huddling together.
As a playful baby monkey splashes, the others don’t want to join in, and as the baby’s amusing antics wind down, parents and little ones reading the story will happily snuggle together like the macaques, warm and safe. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
In the late 1950s, construction destroyed much of the snow monkey’s habitat. A local inn owner started feeding them and they discovered the hot springs. The place became the Jigokudani monkey park in 1964 where visitors and scientists can observe the primates.
In Bathtime for Snow Monkeys, Maggie Tokuda-Hall tells readers about this peaceful place. Her gentle haiku narration sets the tone and Yas Imamura’s gouache and pastel crayon illustrations give life to Halls words. Imamura’s use of colors and textures evoke calm.
Bathtime for Snow Monkeys is a quiet, comforting read that is both informative and interesting. It’s a beautiful look at macaques family and community.
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