I'm hunting down children's books set in Japan and looking for some historical fiction for myself. I also want to make a fantastic daybag that is part How to Wrap Five Eggs and part waterproof nylon that looks like antique silk. I'm reading Write It Down, Make It Happen and I realize that many of my projects come to life because I write them down here first!
Check out "Yumi's Ride Home." A friend of mine wrote it, but apart from my bias I think it's a great book about Japanese culture. Plus the illustrations are beautiful. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, Allen Say! Isn't he wonderful? I love all his books about his family, but Tea With Milk is my favorite. Grandfather's Journey is maybe second-favorite - the end makes me cry every time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip on Write it Down - I just requested that from my library. Fun! I love lists :)
Have you read Gail Tsukiyama's books? The Samurai's Garden and The Women of the Silk are both wonderful. Kimberley
ReplyDeleteYoko's Paper Cranes by Rosemary Wells. You will love the illustrations as they incorporate origami paper patterns. It's more the age level of Master Lear than Miss Lear, but so tender.
ReplyDeleteDon't know any kids books, but can you get hold of 'The Ginger Tree'? Sorry, can't remember who wrote it, but remember being captivated by it when I read it. Will try and look it up for you - Neil's Mum has a copy.
ReplyDeleteMiss Happiness and Miss Flower, not set in Japan, but about a little girl who gets two tiny antique Japanese dolls and sets out to make them more comfortable with a real Japanese home. She learns all about Japan and Japanese living, getting her family and neighbors involved. Story by lovely Rumer Godden, it even includes plans for the house should you like to make one of your own.
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