Colors of Japan (Colors of the World) (Paperback)

by Holly Littlefield (Author), Helen Byers (Illustrator)
Key Phrases: tatami mats

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-4?This picture book uses colors to describe some aspects of Japanese culture. Each double-page spread gives a color, the Japanese word for it, calligraphy symbol(s), and phonetic pronunciation, along with a brief description of one thing that the color symbolizes. For example, there is a red circle in the center of the Japanese flag. Sometimes it isn't clear why the particular object has been selected, but there are interesting choices, such as the white gloves that the subway workers wear to push the crowds of people into the cars. Watercolor illustrations face each page of text, with a bit of detail spilling over to the opposite page. The soft, fluid, in some cases almost monochromatic pictures suit the narrative. While there is mention of some items of interest to children, such as the statue of Sadako Sasaki and the brief inclusion of the Ninja and Samurai, there is not enough information here for reports. The book will be more useful for children wanting to know a little about Japanese customs and traditions.?DeAnn Tabuchi, New York Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Explores the different colors found in Japan's history, culture, and landscape. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 24 pages
• Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575052156
• ISBN-13: 978-1575052151
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.1 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #277,295 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #41 in	Books > Children's Books > Educational > Explore the World > Asia
  #43 in	Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Geography

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on color, for kids and adults!, March 13, 2007

By	What I Like "what I like" (NYC) - See all my reviews

It is very pared down, and very basic (obviously because it is for children) but for anyone learning about the varied use of color in different cultures, these books are the best! I wish it was linked to the other books (Colors of Mexico, etc.) better, I didn't even know it was a series at first. But I came back for more! There are a lot of complicated books about color usage, so it is refreshing to have a simple format like this. If I had children I'd buy them the whole set, and write to the publisher asking for all the countries they didn't include.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learning is Fun, May 7, 2009

By	M. Campbell - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an excellent book for teaching a young child about the Japanese culture. It teaches them to count to ten in Japanese while giving very good explanations of the culture and country of Japan. I like this book a lot and my very young daughter enjoys the short "stories" and the illustrations. This book is educational while being enjoyable and easy to understand.