Jean-Jacques Sempé's Copy of the Japanese Edition of Teenage Romance: Or, How to Die of Embarrassment by Delia Ephron and Edward Koren

AbeBooks seller Librairie de pas sage in Paris informs us that Jean-Jacques Sempé and Edward Koren were cycling companions in their New York days and that Koren provided Sempé with the use of his office when the latter was in town. There must have been any number of opportunities, then, for Koren to present Sempé with a copy of Teenage Romance: Or, How to Die of Embarrassment (1983) by Delia Ephron with drawings by Koren. That it was the Japanese edition must have been quite the novelty, no doubt. Koren added a drawing of a bicyclist and a Japanese-style inscription that is, probably, nonsense.

Edward Koren
AbeBooks listing accessed December 27, 2025

https://www.abebooks.com/signed-first-edition/Dokidoki-Ephron-Delia-Shobunsha-Tokyo/32358248820/bd

Edward Koren
AbeBooks item description

The English translation:

Note:  Cartoon books with original drawings from one New Yorker cartoonist, such as Edward Koren, to another, say, Jean-Jacques Sempé, are of enduring interest to this blogger. Readers in possession of such books are asked to send scans or photographs, and to provide the story behind them, if possible.

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Delia Ephron and Edward Koren: Do I Have to Say Hello?

Hello. Author Delia Ephron and illustrator Edward Koren showed up recently at the Barnes & Noble in Tribeca to promote their new book Do I Have To Say Hello? Young people in the audience were treated to a discussion of manners and a drawing demonstration on the subject of Thanksgiving dinner.

Delia Ephron and Edward Koren

Edward Koren and Delia Ephron

What shall we have for Thanksgiving dinner? Let's start with a turkey.

Let's add broccoli.

Carrots and potatoes have been added.

Cranberries! A gravy boat with a diving board was added for the cranberries.

Now let's bake a pie. We start with butter and eggs. We have to break the eggs.

Of course! We need a pumpkin. 

The kids decided the pie should have a mouse... 

Delia Ephron asks what else should be in the drawing.

It's a dog, wouldn't you know? 

Next Ed Koren draws a high chair.

Edward Koren Draws a High Chair

The finished product: 

 The parents have to look up at the high chair

Finally, some of the kids provided some scribbles for Mr. Koren to complete.

Image added November 28, 2015

Delia Ephron on Book Talk Radio

Note:  Yes, you have to say hello.

Read "Aunt Delia's Thanksgiving Manners Quiz" on Epicurious (via Ink Spill)

If you want  you can count all the blog posts here about Edward Koren's art.

See other signed books with original drawings.

The blog archives are replete with Thanksgiving posts too.  Happy Thanksgiving!

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