Author: Caryn

Review: Love In The Library By Tokuda-Hall & Imamura

Apparently on theme with both of last week’s books which also relate to something Japanese, today’s book is a love story. It is also a mostly true story about a man and a woman who met, married, and held hope while imprisoned in a Japanese American incarceration camp during World War II. An absolutely beautiful story of finding gifts and miracles in an unjust situation, take a look at Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, illustrated by Yas Imamura, 2022.

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Vintage Friday: How My Parents Learned To Eat By Friedman & Say

When I was writing about Monday’s book and thinking of Japan and cultural differences, this book came to mind. I love this book. Monday we talked about a Japan bath house. For this vintage Friday, I bring a love story about ways of eating. Whether you eat with chopsticks or use utensils the American way or the British way, you’ll love this story. Take a look at How My Parents Learned to Eat by Ina R. Friedman, illustrated by Allen Say, 1984.

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Review: The Big Bath House By Maclear & Zhang

Add this to the list of unique picture books that I’ve never seen anything like before. A story about a young girl traveling to see family in Japan and taking the annual summer visit to the big bath house with her grandma, aunties, and cousins. It is a story of family and ritual, crossing language barriers, embracing culture, and loving all the stages of life and the ways it forms every body. Take a trip to The Big Bath House by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Gracey Zhang, 2021.

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Review: The Treasure Box By Keane & Bell

Today I share a book that I love and dread all at once. Dread in a good way, like no matter how hard I try not to, I cry when reading it. A tender book about grandparents, their beloved grandchildren and the special connection they have with each other. A book about love and loss. Come and see The Treasure Box by Dave Keane, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell, 2022.

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Vintage Friday: Nice Little Girls By Levy & Gerstein

While I was reading and reviewing What Are Little Girls Made Of? this book kept coming to mind. It’s a vintage gem of a book about gender stereotypes, friendships, and silly ideas. It is a surprising book, very different from the usual picture book fare, with a funny and thoughtful jab at the strange boxes society places around gender. Take a look for this vintage Friday at Nice Little Girls by Elizabeth Levy, illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein, 1974.

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