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J is for Japan – a to z reading the world blog challenge

April 11, 2015 By Claire Annette Noland 3 Comments

wabi coverWabi Sabi
by Mark Reibstein  (Author), Ed Young (Illustrator)
picture book for ages 3 – adult

If you notice, in both today and yesterday’s A to Z Read Your World in Kid’s Books choices, I have suggested that the intended audience include adults. I believe that children’s books are not just for children. They are filled with fantastic characters, interesting settings, beautiful art, and timeless messages.

Today’s choice is especially fitting because April is Poetry Month and haiku poetry features prominently in Wabi Sabi.

Wabi Sabi is a Japanese cat who overhears a guest asking where her name comes from. Her Master answers, “That’s hard to explain.”

WabiSabi long

Wabi Sabi had never given much thought to her name but, now curious she sets off on an adventure to discover the meaning of Wabi Sabi. She asks many animals including another cat, a dog, and a bird as she travels through the Japanese landscape. Each animal gives a partial explanation and then quietly adds, “That’s hard to explain.” Finally, Wabi Sabi reaches the woods and meets a wise monkey who shares tea in warm pottery bowls rather than in fine china. “Listen, watch, feel,” instructs the monkey. “Simple things are beautiful.”

wabi w tea

Wabi Sabi reads from top to bottom like a scroll. Each two page spread includes a haiku along with the textured collage art created by Caldecott artist Ed Young. Like Wabi Sabi, this book is hard to explain. It is simple yet complex. Soothing but also intriguing. It is a masterful blend of words and art. Please read it then perhaps you will understand.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: a to z blog challenge, cat picture books, Japan in children's books, Wabi Sabi

« I is for India – Reading the World from A to Z April Blog Challenge
K is for Korea another stop on the A to Z Read Your World Blog Challenge »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pammy Pam (@Pamlovesbooks) says

    April 12, 2015 at 4:17 pm

    I think that sounds like the best book ever! Besides, Wabi Sabi is so fun to say.
    Pammy Pam (@Pamlovesbooks) recently posted…Blogging from #AtoZChallenge – J Just the Two of UsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Claire Annette Noland says

      April 13, 2015 at 4:02 am

      I think I’ll name our next pet Wabi Sabi just because that would be so fun to say “Here Wabi Sabi…”

      Reply
  2. evelyneholingue says

    April 13, 2015 at 5:10 pm

    I love Japanese literature and several great authors in children’s literature come from Japan or are of Japanese ancestry. Lovely picture book, Claire, and I love the addition of the poem as we are celebrating poetry this month. See you soon.
    evelyneholingue recently posted…Kif-Kif or a Month of French Idioms From A to ZMy Profile

    Reply

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Hello. I’m Claire Annette - reader, writer, teacher, and field trip planner extraordinaire. Here at A Field Trip Life you will find ideas for adventures large and small and the kids’ books that inspire them. Sign your permission slip. Let's go!

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