 Misuzu was born in a Japanese fishing village in 1903. She loved school and books and, unlike most girls, got to stay in school until she was seventeen. Her mother managed a bookstore, where Misuzu spent many hours. Young Misuzu wrote poetry and quickly became a successful children’s writer. She wrote about stars, snow, fish, silkworms on mulberry leaves, dandelions, and all the world. An author’s note and a translator’s note provide more information and tell that her work was nearly forgotten. This meticulously researched picture book, with lovely paintings of early 20th century Japanese life, features Misuzu’s heart-breaking story and a collection of her poetry in English and the original Japanese. mjw |
| Title: Are You An Echo? The Lost Poetry Of Misuzu Kaneko Author: Misuzu Kaneko (1903-1930), David Jacobson Illustrator: Toshikado Hajiri Publisher: Chin Music Press, Seattle, Washington Copyright: 20116 Original Language: Japanese Translator: Sally Ito and Michiko Tsuboi Original Copyright: 1923-1928 ISBN: 978-1-634059626 Hardcover pages: 64 Age range: 9-14 Genre: Poetry, Picture Book Biography Book setting: Japan Author’s ethnicity: Japanese Author’s residence: Kaneko lived in Japan Illustrator’s ethnicity: Japanese Illustrator’s residence: Japan Subjects: Authors, Fishes, Haiku, Japanese Poets |
Are You An Echo? The Lost Poetry Of Misuzu Kaneko
Leave a reply
Eleven-year-old Joshua is growing up in South Africa in 1976. Because he is living as a young black boy during apartheid, he is not equal to the white people living around him. One day, by chance, Joshua meets a freedom fighter who is escaping the police and invites him home. While listening to the stories of the freedom fighter, Joshua learns the harsh reality of rebelling against power. As he becomes more involved in the fight for freedom, he struggles to understand his role in society. In this richly historic novel young readers will get a glimpse into the world of apartheid South Africa through a young perspective. amo
What is the world you envision? This is the question that the author invites her readers to ask in this creative picture book. The author uses several artistic mediums, such as photographs, illustrations, and sculptures to share her world with her readers. The language in this brilliant book describes and encourages readers to take the world they see and draw the world that they would like to be in. Educators will enjoy using the book in their classroom because it teaches drawing techniques that help students grow their artistic side. ema
This beautiful picture book contains nature based poetry by Innu schoolchildren. Readers understand that the young children feel strong connections to the natural world as they describe the feelings of being one with animals, plants, and the earth. The calming poems depict the peaceful landscapes of Mingan. Each poem has been translated from Innu into English. All of the children are portrayed in soft watercolor portraits beside their poems. The original text is published in the back matter of the book as well as biographies of the women who led the children in a poetry workshop before the book was published. amo
This inspiring picture book describes the period that artist Heri Êmile Benoît Matisse was bedridden in a hospital for three months. Mr. Mattisse was appalled by the blank canvas walls in his hospital room. Matisse tried painting the hospital sheets, walls, and ceiling, but he quickly realized that he could not paint in his condition. When he spotted a pair of scissors, Matisse was inspired. He turned his room into a vibrant garden by cutting paper and fabrics. All readers will enjoy learning about this creative artist who is thought to be a leading innovator in modern art. ema
This picture book is a simplistically beautiful tale about a boy who journeys to find a new home on a boat with a teacup that is filled with dirt. The gorgeous illustrations effectively reflect the various colors, light, and perspectives of the environments. Every page includes lovely views of the sky, water, ocean, and the various creatures that inhabit them. The book is a wonderful story about a voyage full of personal growth, perseverance, hope, and the promise of a friendship. Readers of all ages and backgrounds will find this story resonating. ema
