Suki's favorite possession is her blue cotton kimono. A gift from her obachan, it holds special memories of her grandmother's visit last summer. And Suki is going to wear it on her first day back to school -- no matter what anyone says. When it's Suki's turn to share with her classmates what she did during the summer, she tells them about the street festival she attended with her obachan and the circle dance that they took part in. In fact, she gets so carried away reminiscing that she's soon humming the music and dancing away, much to the delight of her entire class! Filled with gentle enthusiasm and a touch of whimsy, Suki's Kimono is the joyful story of a little girl whose spirit leads her to march -- and dance -- to her own drumbeat.
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3-"To spunky little kids everywhere," the dedication states, and it is an apt sentiment. Young Suki indeed fits that description. On her first day of first grade, she chooses to wear her beloved Japanese kimono to school, despite the objections of her older sisters and the initial laughter of other children on the playground. Fortunately for Suki, for whom the kimono brings back fond memories of her grandmother's visit over the summer, her day ends in triumph, with her teacher and classmates won over by her impromptu dance performance. Overall, this is an appealing story of courage and independence. Delicate, playful watercolor-and-ink illustrations perfectly capture the child's neighborhood and the characters' facial expressions; scenes of a Japanese summer festival are a particular delight. The handful of Japanese words scattered throughout the text are briefly defined at the beginning of the story, resulting in a smooth telling that seamlessly integrates the unfamiliar terms.
Sue Morgan, Tom Kitayama Elementary School, Union City, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Sue Morgan, Tom Kitayama Elementary School, Union City, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From Booklist
K-Gr. 3. Instead of wearing something new or "cool" on her first day of school, Suki wears the kimono that reminds her of days with her grandmother. Her two older sisters pretend they know don't her, but Suki makes a new friend who accepts her "funny" clothes. In the classroom, the effervescent Suki demonstrates Japanese dance to the class and receives a warm ovation, and the wry final page celebrates the value of being different. Sister-in-spirit to Kevin Henkes' Lily, Suki is a lively, irrepressible girl, who gives new charm to a familiar story line. The succinct narrative includes Japanese words that are easily understood in context. Watercolor illustrations reveal that Suki's new teacher, Mrs. Paggio, also has a flair for distinctive fashion. A fine choice for multicultural units as well as youngsters dealing with differences. Suki's story will appeal to other independent-thinking girls as well. Linda Perkins
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By (alice)
Format:Hardcover
This charming story is one that every child should read (or have read to them!). Not only does it have an encouraging message and introduce aspects of Japanese culture; it's also VERY beautifully illustrated, and Chieri Uegaki's writing is a pleasure to read. I love the way she phrases things, like when Suki sits close to the taiko drummers and feels "like she'd swallowed a ball of thunder and her whole insides quaked and quivered." Buy this book -- you won't be disappointed.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Suki's Kimono is the heartwarming picture book story by Chieri Uegaki of Suki, a young girl determined to wear her favorite blue cotton kimono to school because it is a cherished gift from her beloved grandmother. Suki's friend warns her that it seems weird, but young Suki is determined to follow her own heart. A delightful tale Suki's Kimono is an exuberant story which is wonderfully enhanced for young readers with the brightly colored illustrations of Stephane Jorisch.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By K. Nash
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Suki's Kimono is a very nice book about a Japanese girl who is teased for wanting to wear her kimono on her first day of school. Instead of feeling embarassed about her clothes, Suki embraces her differenced and explains to her teacher and friends why she wears her Japanese clothes! A fun read for preschoolers and probably elementary school kids too.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By K. Davis
Format:Paperback
Suki's Kimono is a delightful book. We were learning about Japan and tried on Kimono's at Epcot. So my six year old daughter wanted a book on kimonos. Our librarian recommended this book. After reading it every night for a month I decided to buy it. It is our favorite. It's about a little girl who is starting school and she wants to wear her kimono her obachen (grandmother) brought her from Japan while visiting for the summer. Her older sisters tell her she should wear something cool. They both have new shoes and a new shirt to wear. At the end of the school day something wonderful happens. Suki comes home happy while her sisters grumble about how no one noticed their new shoes and shirt. I love the story because it shows that you don't have to be cool or trendy for people at school to like you. You just need to be yourself. It also teaches a lesson about ignoring bullies. Plus, you learn a lot of Japanese words and a glimpse about their culture. I highly recommend this book!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This effervescent story, with its vivid, carefree illustrations and its protaganist's refreshing win-win attitude, is a rousing celebration of individuality and joie de vivre. We love Suki!!
By Louise D
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Great story for early grades (5-7 yrs old). My classes love this story and the way it captures the Japanese cultural aspects as well as the spunky nature of Suki.
By Sukisan
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Good lesson for little girls--to be yourself no matter what anyone else says. I liked it so much I purchased 2 to give away as gifts.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought the book either for school or as a reference. Its good. I can't believe they require a minimum amount of words. Crazy. They want an opinion and then ask for so many words. What are they nuts!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
one of our favorites
It helps that my daughter is half Japanese, but this book really emphasizes the importance of thinking independently, being yourself, and taking pride in being different. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Chika Sekiguchi
4.0 out of 5 stars
Lots of fun
Lovely thoughtful story for younger children. Great as an introduction to Japanese culture and celebrations. easy to read to a primary school class.
Published 6 months ago by rose
5.0 out of 5 stars
Suki's Kimono
Adorable book. Bought it as a present for a college professor who collects books. Easy to read and teaches a moral about being yourself and being happy no matter what.
Published 18 months ago by Dominique
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun and Engaging
I read this book with my third grade class and they loved it. This is the type of book that can really open up thought-provoking and important discussions about differences. Read more
Published on May 23, 2011 by Camille
5.0 out of 5 stars
cute book
Charming little story about a little girl with a personality of her own. She lives in San Francisco and is very proud of her Japanese heritage. Read more
Published on January 15, 2011 by T
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cute!
This is a cute story about a little girl who wants to wear her kimono (full of good memories from her grandmother's visit) to the first day of school. Read more
Published on July 12, 2010 by Ulyyf
5.0 out of 5 stars
Spirit and respect go hand in hand
This is a great book for showing the importance of treasured possessions and how they can be shared effectively with others. Read more
Published on April 3, 2005 by Renae Osborne
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