Customer Reviews

The Sea Maidens of Japan

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"We are called ama, the sea maidens of Japan" announces Kiyomi, at the beginning of her story in The Sea Maidens of Japan. Kiyomi, a young Japanese girl, who is to follow in her mother's and grandmother's tradition of an ama, Japanese sea divers who hunt for shellfish without the aid of underwaterbreathing apparatus, must first conquer her own fear of diving into the deep sea waters. This lovely tale of a mother and daughter relationship, steeped in tradition, takes the reader on a very delicate and heartwarming adventure. Unlike her sisters, who "chose the modern way of life and work in the city", Kiyomi, decides to be an ama and work in the sea. While her mother dives, Kiyomi, waits on shore and finds a "treasure chest" as "every grain of sand is shaped like a star". Afterwards, her mother shows her more wonders of the sea as one night she takes her to watch the sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. Kiyomi is fascinated by this and befriends a small baby turtle, with a star on his shell, who appears frighten and lost by the deep sea. She gently guides him in the right direction, and "a huge wave swallows him and carries him out to the deep sea". When it comes time for Kiyomi to dive on her own, her kindness is repaid when she spots the sea turtle again, who gives her the strength to conquer her fear of diving. The soft and delicate oriental-styled illustrations done by Erin McGonigle Brammer, enhance the story's message and sends the reader on this magical journey. This book is recommended for children ages 6-10, but I would recommended for adult readers as well.

If you don't know what Ama is you should read this book. Great picture book that captures the essence of being Ama.