Festival in My Heart: Poems by Japanese Children [Hardcover]

Bruno Peter Navasky (Editor, Translator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

A compelling portrait of an often mysterious and elusive culture, this collection of poetry written by Japanese elementary school children offers the freshness and immediacy that characterizes children's observations of the world around them.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The title page of this lavish assemblage of Japanese art and children's poems is aptly adorned with a reproduction of Tosa Mitsuoki's Edo-period screen painting of an exquisite tree from which hang scrolls of poems like delicate gold-powdered ribbons. A treasury of Japanese ink paintings, woodblock prints, textiles and sculptures represent various periods and techniques, both ancient and modern--rather grand accompaniments to the poems, which were written by Japanese schoolchildren and originally selected and published by poet Kawasaki Hiroshi in a leading Japanese newspaper. Many of the poems seem chosen more for cuteness than for craft: "Hey mom-- /Do you know why I was born? I wanted to meet you, mom, / so I got born." Occasionally, however, the poems surprise and delight with effective imagery and reflective perceptions about activities, nature and families: "One plus one / is two. / Mother plus father / is me. / Moon / plus stars / is sky." If not as strong overall as its predecessor, Charles Sullivan's Imaginary Gardens , the volume offers a welcome introduction to a foreign culture that will, like Mitsuoki's cherry blossoms, "scatter / through people's hearts." All ages.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7-Published originally as a Japanese newspaper feature, the poems in this anthology reveal sharp, honest observations about the world in which Japanese youth live. Kindergarteners through seventh graders share their thoughts about Hiroshima and Buddha, as well as the simpler essences of frogs, trees, and ants. One delightful benefit of children's vocabulary is their concise use of language, strung together with metaphor and imagery. The poems are from the hip and from the heart, and the senses of honesty, irony, and awe are evident in their spareness and choice of words. Subtle wisdom rings through many of the selections, offering a new look at familiar objects or events. The quality of the over 100 entries is high, and the subjects and lengths are carefully varied for interest and readability. While some topics are unique to Japanese culture, the universality of feeling and viewpoint makes the collection accessible to a wide audience. Best of all are the book's excellent layout and dynamic synchronicity with the illustrations. Black-and-white and full-color reproductions present a wide scope of Japanese art, from woodcuts to ink paintings; all are well chosen and complement the poems. Lots of white space and an asymetric layout, similar to that of Charles Sullivan's Imaginary Gardens (Abrams, 1989), make the book a delight to share. An excellent multicultural addition to any poetry collection.
Sharon Korbeck, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 120 pages
• Publisher: Harry N Abrams; First English Compilation of Japanese Poetry & Art edition (September 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810933144
• ISBN-13: 978-0810933149
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,425,673 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful, sweet, and nice to read with the kids, March 29, 2007

By 

Michael J. Rosenfeld "scholar" (Stanford, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Festival in My Heart: Poems by Japanese Children (Hardcover)

A beautiful book of children's poems, translated from Japanese to English. The poems present a delightful children's perspective on the world. My 8 year old really enjoys reading these poems becuase he can tell that they come from the mind of other children. The book is filled with handsome color and black and white Japanese water colors. The layout leaves plenty of open space, so the book conveys a quiet peacefulness, like a Japanese tea garden. The publisher is Abrams, a first-rate art house, and it shows. The paper stock is thick and rich, the binding is solid. This is one that the kids will enjoy and the parents will appreciate. Highly recommended.