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Kiki's Delivery Service: Picture Book
Kiki, a young witch-in-training, has reached the age of 13. According to tradition, all witches of that age must leave home for one year, so that they can learn how to live on their own. Kiki, along with her talking cat Jiji, fly away to live in the seaside town of Korico. After starting her own delivery service (using her broom as the delivery vehicle), Kiki must learn how to deal with her new life, especially after she loses the power to fly.
111 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
3 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
334 books3,495 followersHayao Miyazaki (Japanese: 宮崎 駿) is a celebrated Japanese animator, filmmaker, screenwriter, and manga artist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of animation. He is the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, the animation studio responsible for producing many of Japan’s most beloved and internationally acclaimed animated films. Over the course of a career spanning decades, Miyazaki has developed a reputation for creating visually rich, emotionally resonant stories that often explore themes such as nature, pacifism, flight, childhood, and the human condition.
Miyazaki was born in Tokyo and developed an early interest in drawing and animation. His father’s work in the aviation industry had a significant influence on him, particularly in fostering his fascination with aircraft and flight, motifs that would become prominent throughout his later works. After studying political science and economics at university, Miyazaki began his professional career in animation when he joined Toei Animation. There, he worked under the mentorship of directors like Isao Takahata, with whom he would later form a lifelong creative partnership.
In his early years at Toei and other studios, Miyazaki contributed to several television series and animated films. He worked as a key animator and storyboard artist, gradually gaining recognition for his storytelling abilities and attention to detail. Among his early projects were contributions to series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Future Boy Conan. His directorial debut in feature films came with The Castle of Cagliostro, a film adaptation of the Lupin III manga series, which already showed signs of his distinctive style and sensibilities.
Miyazaki's breakthrough came with the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga. The success of that film prompted the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which he co-founded with Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. From that point forward, Miyazaki directed and wrote many of Ghibli’s most iconic works, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. His films are known for their hand-drawn animation, strong character development, and philosophical underpinnings.
In 2001, Miyazaki directed Spirited Away, which became one of the most critically and commercially successful animated films of all time. The film received numerous awards and international recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. The film’s success further solidified Miyazaki’s reputation as a master storyteller and a visionary in global cinema.
Despite announcing his retirement several times, Miyazaki repeatedly returned to filmmaking. His later works, such as Ponyo and The Wind Rises, continued to showcase his evolving themes and storytelling maturity. His most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, marked a highly anticipated return to the director’s chair and once again captivated audiences with its dreamlike visuals and emotional depth.
Miyazaki’s films are often distinguished by their complex female protagonists, environmental messages, and moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut villains and heroes, his stories explore the nuances of human behavior and often focus on characters finding their place in the world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including lifetime achievement awards recognizing his impact on both Japanese and international cinema.
His legacy continues to influence generations of animators and filmmakers worldwide, and Studio Ghibli remains one of the most respected names in animation.
Miyazaki was born in Tokyo and developed an early interest in drawing and animation. His father’s work in the aviation industry had a significant influence on him, particularly in fostering his fascination with aircraft and flight, motifs that would become prominent throughout his later works. After studying political science and economics at university, Miyazaki began his professional career in animation when he joined Toei Animation. There, he worked under the mentorship of directors like Isao Takahata, with whom he would later form a lifelong creative partnership.
In his early years at Toei and other studios, Miyazaki contributed to several television series and animated films. He worked as a key animator and storyboard artist, gradually gaining recognition for his storytelling abilities and attention to detail. Among his early projects were contributions to series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Future Boy Conan. His directorial debut in feature films came with The Castle of Cagliostro, a film adaptation of the Lupin III manga series, which already showed signs of his distinctive style and sensibilities.
Miyazaki's breakthrough came with the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga. The success of that film prompted the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which he co-founded with Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. From that point forward, Miyazaki directed and wrote many of Ghibli’s most iconic works, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. His films are known for their hand-drawn animation, strong character development, and philosophical underpinnings.
In 2001, Miyazaki directed Spirited Away, which became one of the most critically and commercially successful animated films of all time. The film received numerous awards and international recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. The film’s success further solidified Miyazaki’s reputation as a master storyteller and a visionary in global cinema.
Despite announcing his retirement several times, Miyazaki repeatedly returned to filmmaking. His later works, such as Ponyo and The Wind Rises, continued to showcase his evolving themes and storytelling maturity. His most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, marked a highly anticipated return to the director’s chair and once again captivated audiences with its dreamlike visuals and emotional depth.
Miyazaki’s films are often distinguished by their complex female protagonists, environmental messages, and moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut villains and heroes, his stories explore the nuances of human behavior and often focus on characters finding their place in the world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including lifetime achievement awards recognizing his impact on both Japanese and international cinema.
His legacy continues to influence generations of animators and filmmakers worldwide, and Studio Ghibli remains one of the most respected names in animation.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 9, 2022
A very good picture book. I like the layout and the quality of the book.
Want to read
May 26, 2020I got this for my birthday 😄 *happy dance*
January 30, 2019
Just like the movie, had that same flare 💕
January 19, 2020
How beautiful was this?
I absolutely loved this.
I loved that we discovered the whole story in a book with pictures of the movie.
Now I really want to see the movie again.
I absolutely loved this.
I loved that we discovered the whole story in a book with pictures of the movie.
Now I really want to see the movie again.
December 4, 2021
4.5 stars super cute, not my fave one but i love this story!
September 13, 2025
Se replonger dans Kiki la petite sorcière, c’est un peu comme sentir l’odeur salée de l’océan et le vent léger sur son visage. Dès les premières pages, on suit Kiki, une jeune sorcière de treize ans, qui s’apprête à quitter sa maison pour vivre sa première année d’autonomie dans une ville inconnue. C’est une étape initiatique à la fois excitante et intimidante, et le récit nous emmène avec elle dans ce grand saut vers l’inconnu. Accompagnée de son fidèle compagnon Jiji, un petit chat plein de malice, Kiki s’élance avec enthousiasme vers sa nouvelle vie, persuadée que son accueil sera chaleureux… mais la réalité s’avère bien plus complexe.
L’histoire, tout en douceur, explore des thèmes universels : la découverte de soi, l’indépendance, la responsabilité, et le passage à l’âge adulte. Kiki, pleine de bonne volonté, de gaieté et de curiosité, se heurte rapidement aux défis de sa nouvelle vie. La ville qui devait l’accueillir devient un lieu où elle doit apprendre à se faire une place, à comprendre les autres, à affronter les déceptions et à gérer sa propre solitude. À travers ces expériences, elle découvre la force de la persévérance et l’importance de croire en ses capacités, même quand tout semble difficile.
Ce qui rend ce récit si tendre et attachant, c’est l’évolution de Kiki. On voit une jeune fille joyeuse et confiante se confronter aux premières vraies responsabilités, perdre parfois ses repères, et petit à petit apprendre à trouver un équilibre entre son indépendance et ses besoins affectifs. Le lien avec Jiji, à la fois complice et parfois critique, apporte un mélange de légèreté et d’humour, tout en soulignant la solitude et les questionnements de Kiki. Les rencontres qu’elle fait, les petits boulots qu’elle accepte, et les amitiés qui se créent doucement, tracent le portrait d’une héroïne qui grandit sans éclats spectaculaires, mais avec beaucoup de sincérité et de tendresse.
En résumé, Kiki la petite sorcière est une lecture qui fait du bien au cœur. Même si le livre s’adresse à un jeune public, il touche à des émotions et à des expériences universelles : le courage face à l’inconnu, la joie des petites réussites, et la douceur des liens humains. C’est un récit qui nous rappelle, avec légèreté et poésie, que grandir, ce n’est pas se transformer d’un coup, mais avancer pas à pas, avec curiosité et un peu de magie. Et rien que pour ça, replonger dans cette aventure est un vrai baume pour l’âme.
L’histoire, tout en douceur, explore des thèmes universels : la découverte de soi, l’indépendance, la responsabilité, et le passage à l’âge adulte. Kiki, pleine de bonne volonté, de gaieté et de curiosité, se heurte rapidement aux défis de sa nouvelle vie. La ville qui devait l’accueillir devient un lieu où elle doit apprendre à se faire une place, à comprendre les autres, à affronter les déceptions et à gérer sa propre solitude. À travers ces expériences, elle découvre la force de la persévérance et l’importance de croire en ses capacités, même quand tout semble difficile.
Ce qui rend ce récit si tendre et attachant, c’est l’évolution de Kiki. On voit une jeune fille joyeuse et confiante se confronter aux premières vraies responsabilités, perdre parfois ses repères, et petit à petit apprendre à trouver un équilibre entre son indépendance et ses besoins affectifs. Le lien avec Jiji, à la fois complice et parfois critique, apporte un mélange de légèreté et d’humour, tout en soulignant la solitude et les questionnements de Kiki. Les rencontres qu’elle fait, les petits boulots qu’elle accepte, et les amitiés qui se créent doucement, tracent le portrait d’une héroïne qui grandit sans éclats spectaculaires, mais avec beaucoup de sincérité et de tendresse.
En résumé, Kiki la petite sorcière est une lecture qui fait du bien au cœur. Même si le livre s’adresse à un jeune public, il touche à des émotions et à des expériences universelles : le courage face à l’inconnu, la joie des petites réussites, et la douceur des liens humains. C’est un récit qui nous rappelle, avec légèreté et poésie, que grandir, ce n’est pas se transformer d’un coup, mais avancer pas à pas, avec curiosité et un peu de magie. Et rien que pour ça, replonger dans cette aventure est un vrai baume pour l’âme.
October 1, 2020
Happy October 1st!
This is such a beautiful edition I believe there are others like it by VIZ media for Studio Ghiblis movies. If you have not had a chance to see the movie or read the original story book do yourself a favor and please do. The story itself is very relaxing and beautiful, it provides a nice "pick me up" after a long day.
This is such a beautiful edition I believe there are others like it by VIZ media for Studio Ghiblis movies. If you have not had a chance to see the movie or read the original story book do yourself a favor and please do. The story itself is very relaxing and beautiful, it provides a nice "pick me up" after a long day.
March 29, 2024
Love the animation and this picture book reminds me how I love and adore Kiki.
It might be jumpy and rushed if you haven't watched the animation or read the novel, but to those who watched and read, this one is a reminder how cute and wonderful and heartwarming the story is.
It might be jumpy and rushed if you haven't watched the animation or read the novel, but to those who watched and read, this one is a reminder how cute and wonderful and heartwarming the story is.
February 7, 2019
So, so cute! Perfect for children. ❤
September 16, 2019
It's literally just the movie in book format, which usually is not my favorite, but I love Kiki's far too much to care. XD
It's become a pretty regular re-read for me!
It's become a pretty regular re-read for me!
November 21, 2019
5/5 ⭐️
More nostalgic reasons. The ending wasn’t how I wanted it to be
More nostalgic reasons. The ending wasn’t how I wanted it to be
January 1, 2020
Obviously, this is the movie in book form, so I cannot complain about anything. Loved this book like I love the movie!
I would recommend this to anyone with kids or have seen the movie.
I would recommend this to anyone with kids or have seen the movie.
June 3, 2020
This was so adorable and brought back memories of the movie when I was a little kid!
July 4, 2021
is it odd to say that i enjoyed reading this more than watching the movie? ^^; <3 definitely one of my new faves!
September 4, 2021
3.5 stars
Read
November 9, 2021read to my friends as a bedtime story for fun lol
December 29, 2021
This book is incredibly well done! My 4 year old loves it and I do too!
September 28, 2025
A refreshing book that I enjoyed thoroughly. But among Miyazaki's best? I am not so sure about that.
December 18, 2025
I don’t remember much from this movie so this is a cute way to have a little recap of what happens. Ghibli easily has a way to my heart and I’ll take in most media related to it.
February 20, 2017
It is tradition that every witch, after turning 13, must go into the world and spend a year on her own, honing the skills she has already learned and finding her place within the world as a witch. Kiki's only mastered skill is that of flight, but she sets out for her nonetheless with her familiar, a black cat named Gigi. Finding a grand city by the sea, she sets up shop to become the city's first flying delivery service. It does not take long to make new friends and meet challenges. But she is determined to do her best.
I love the animation of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki. The strength of story and production blend beautifully into wonderful films that inspire and delight. Kiki's is no different. Sweet and young, it still captures the wonder of a small person in a big world, trying to find their place. It is one of my favorites...though I might say that about almost all of them. When I found out it was a book, I was tickled pink. Unfortunately, it's a Japanese book that was only published in English maybe once and cannot be found new or cheaply. So I've watched the used prices online here and there, hoping that I might find a copy for less than thirty or forty dollars. Not long ago, I thought I had struck paydirt, finding the book for a few bucks [plus shipping] - the cover looked weird, different from the artwork I had previously seen, but hey! I was ready to hope and take the risk, even for a movie tie-in cover.
But then it wasn't just a tie-in cover. It was the junior novelization of the movie itself. Blessedly enough, the one I got was at least the compilation, since they had originally broken the release into four volumes. The production quality is solid enough, good printing, decent binding, etc, etc, etc. The writing, however, is extremely young. This is "my first chapter book" independent reader young, in a big, friendly font that wouldn't surprise you if it read "don't panic." Some of the quality story from the film, however, is lost in translation as it is pancaked into ultimate accessibility. The struggles Kiki has with her magic and with finding her place and new friends falls flat. They've been truncated to avoid running out of attention span, I suppose.
But the story is still sweet. The artwork is nice enough [this is a well-made movie, folks], if you can handle the old school movie-to-book picture blocks. Not a bad purchase. Not regretted.
Just be sure you pay attention when you try to buy things, or you'll end up with something "inspired by" rather than actually written by the author you wanted.
I love the animation of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki. The strength of story and production blend beautifully into wonderful films that inspire and delight. Kiki's is no different. Sweet and young, it still captures the wonder of a small person in a big world, trying to find their place. It is one of my favorites...though I might say that about almost all of them. When I found out it was a book, I was tickled pink. Unfortunately, it's a Japanese book that was only published in English maybe once and cannot be found new or cheaply. So I've watched the used prices online here and there, hoping that I might find a copy for less than thirty or forty dollars. Not long ago, I thought I had struck paydirt, finding the book for a few bucks [plus shipping] - the cover looked weird, different from the artwork I had previously seen, but hey! I was ready to hope and take the risk, even for a movie tie-in cover.
But then it wasn't just a tie-in cover. It was the junior novelization of the movie itself. Blessedly enough, the one I got was at least the compilation, since they had originally broken the release into four volumes. The production quality is solid enough, good printing, decent binding, etc, etc, etc. The writing, however, is extremely young. This is "my first chapter book" independent reader young, in a big, friendly font that wouldn't surprise you if it read "don't panic." Some of the quality story from the film, however, is lost in translation as it is pancaked into ultimate accessibility. The struggles Kiki has with her magic and with finding her place and new friends falls flat. They've been truncated to avoid running out of attention span, I suppose.
But the story is still sweet. The artwork is nice enough [this is a well-made movie, folks], if you can handle the old school movie-to-book picture blocks. Not a bad purchase. Not regretted.
Just be sure you pay attention when you try to buy things, or you'll end up with something "inspired by" rather than actually written by the author you wanted.
March 30, 2019
joooo una monada de película... me he sentido como una niña pequeña otra vez... tipo kaki superbruja...
esta niña me genera una ternura... y tombo.. q mono eres!!! os quiero casadosss de mayores!!
me encanta JIJI desde el primer momento.... quiero un gato negro para miiii
la historia es una monadaaa, mas de niños, por lo q mas q romance es una amistad muy bonita.. pero no solo con el chico, si no con todos los q se va encontrando...
una preciosidaddd
si q es verdad q quería conocer mas en profundidad el mundo de las brujas, y como es q todo el mundo lo sabe, ademas de mas profundidad en algunas partes de la peli, como mas cierre.. pero vamos q suuuper poco ehh.. es por ponerle un fallo. en algunas otras pelis si q ponía fallos porq los tiene, pero en esta es por poner alguno.
esta genial la peliii!!
no se s 4,5 o 5!!
esta niña me genera una ternura... y tombo.. q mono eres!!! os quiero casadosss de mayores!!
me encanta JIJI desde el primer momento.... quiero un gato negro para miiii
la historia es una monadaaa, mas de niños, por lo q mas q romance es una amistad muy bonita.. pero no solo con el chico, si no con todos los q se va encontrando...
una preciosidaddd
si q es verdad q quería conocer mas en profundidad el mundo de las brujas, y como es q todo el mundo lo sabe, ademas de mas profundidad en algunas partes de la peli, como mas cierre.. pero vamos q suuuper poco ehh.. es por ponerle un fallo. en algunas otras pelis si q ponía fallos porq los tiene, pero en esta es por poner alguno.
esta genial la peliii!!
no se s 4,5 o 5!!
February 21, 2014
Unlike the previous publications that I read from the Takuma's Magical Adventure Series, I was very impressed with this book. It may have left out lots from the film - and really, when is it ever possible to capture a whole movie in a picture book - but the way that the stills are laid out successfully attempts to capture the movement of the film, and therefore much of the underlying feeling.
August 26, 2022
Les aventures de Kiki la petite sorcière et Jiji (son chat) dans la civilisation moderne, où les sorcières n'ont plus forcément pignon sur rue... On y rencontre une sympathique boulangère qui l'embauche comme livreuse, le jeune Tombo, son amoureux, qui est un peu savant fou ou alors l'amie artiste Ursula, et évidemment le chat Jiji, qui interpelle les inoubliables petites crâneuses.
January 19, 2016
A quite young witch that is set out on her own, quickly establishing herself as a delivery service using her flying broom. It made a good movie and this book has stills from and information about that movie.
January 14, 2020
A delightful read to start off the new year!
April 25, 2017
One of my personal favourite story of all time. By one of the best animation producer Hayao Miyazaki.
I love the story line, even the book is kind of longer for regular picture book but it will totally worth the time. The colourful overwhelming pictures with the super detailed illustration that you will just fall in love with it, the next thing you notice is you already finish the book and you would want to read it again and again.
It is a great story that tells how a 13 years old little girl went on her own adventure as a training for her to become a real independent witch. And the only thing that she knew how to do is to fly with her broom, so she stated her own delivery service to make a income. All the little accident and stories happen in the book is fun and great for children to understand how life it's easy out there but it is important to have friend and stay strong.
I can keep going on and on with the story but I really recommend for you to just read or watch on your own.
It is one of the best for sure.
I love the story line, even the book is kind of longer for regular picture book but it will totally worth the time. The colourful overwhelming pictures with the super detailed illustration that you will just fall in love with it, the next thing you notice is you already finish the book and you would want to read it again and again.
It is a great story that tells how a 13 years old little girl went on her own adventure as a training for her to become a real independent witch. And the only thing that she knew how to do is to fly with her broom, so she stated her own delivery service to make a income. All the little accident and stories happen in the book is fun and great for children to understand how life it's easy out there but it is important to have friend and stay strong.
I can keep going on and on with the story but I really recommend for you to just read or watch on your own.
It is one of the best for sure.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews