Reviews (1)

Beautiful book- Great ideas for kids w/Japanese crafts & art
This book is an amazing resource book for a teaching unit onJapan. It is written with consultants from the Japanese Festival Society. They have arts and crafts ideas that are easily made by children. ... Read more

Book Description

This was the law in Japan in the early 1800s. When fourteen-year-old Manjiro, working on a fishing boat to help support his family, was shipwrecked three hundred miles away from his homeland, he was heartbroken to think that he would never again be able to go home. So when an American whaling boat rescued him, Manjiro decided to do what no other Japanese person had ever done: He went to America, where he received an education and took part in events that eventually made him a hero in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Reviews (4)

Shipwrecked-More of a Text book than a Page Turner
This is more of a history lesson than a novel for kids. I thought that the book would be about a Japanese boy and his adventures, but there were too many names of boats,captains, and dates to make it interesting to read. You felt like it was a book they assign you in school for a test.

A great look at an amazing life
Presenting both historical context and insight into Japanesse society as well as the actual story of Manjiro this is a gripping and short page turner. Acompanied by some beautiful illistrations and pictures, some of which are Manjiro's, the story of Manjiro's abandonment and eventual emmigration to the US is succent and entertaining. While too superficial to be recomended for adults this is an excellent book and deals with pressing themes, such as multiculturalism, isolationism, and the past role of America in foreign affairs.

A biography that reads like fiction!
Rhoda Blumberg does a fantastic job of telling the story of fourteen-year-old Manjiro's life. He was rescued with a bunch of shipwrecked fishermen. In those days Japan did not allow foreigners into Japan. Japanese who had left Japan were not allowed back in.

Manjiro was rescued by an American whaling ship, taken to Hawaii, and then to New England by the ship owner. What happened to him then sounds so fantastic, it is hard to believe it is all true.

The author uses Manjiro's drawings and authentic photographs of the time. It is amazing to think how much difference Commodore Perry's visit to Japan made in the lives of the people.

This book is sure to catch the fancy of the young biography readers.

Thrilling Adventure
This is a GREAT story--it would be edge-of-the-seat exciting if it were just that--but being based in fact makes it doubly compelling. Also, a great book for boys who otherwise might not be avid readers. Tell them it's quite an adventure story. That they will learn some history and of differing cultures can remain your own little secret. ... Read more

Book Description

Candid photos feature India's unique mixture of peoples, their homes,schools, languages, cottage industries, and social problems. ... Read more

Book Description

In ancient times, the Chinese saw the dragon as both a protector and a threat, able to bring on rain or cause droughts. To honor this powerful creature, people created long narrow boats that they raced in an annual rainmaking festival.From the wearing of fragrant pouches, to the consumption of rice dumplings, to thrilling boat races, the dragon boat festival of today is a celebration of Chinese traditions all over the world.Arlene Chan, a respected librarian and an experienced dragon boat racer, explores the origins of the festival, it’s customs, and the races themselves. Beautifully detailed illustrations by Song Nan Zhang let you experience the beauty and energy of this ancient festival. ... Read more

Book Description

Splendid photographs capture the timeless majesty of the Chineselandscape.Current information also shows China's steady modernization. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Pictoral Tour of China
A beautiful introduction to the landscapes of China. Brimming with photographs, the reader gets a tour through the different topographies of this enormous country. Information is given in short paragraphs with bold headings. The text is very easy and accessable. The author addresses topics of politics, food and the multiculural nature of China. An informative and enjoyable read for adults and a great survey for young readers. ... Read more

Book Description

This distinctive blend of traditional and modern traits in the daily livesof the Japanese are revealed as they are seen at home, work, school, and play. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This is a terrific book
I love this book. The lyrics to each song are written in both the Japanese and English alphabet, so non Japanese speakers can sing along. My son's Japanese grandparents borrowed this book and sang all of it's songs into a tape recorder. The recording is one of my most prized posessions. The illustrations are really sweet, warm watercolors. On the last page is an index explaining the cultural background and significance of each song. This is a great book!

Best-Loved Children's Songs from Japan
This book was wonderful. It included the Japanese as well as English lyrics. Many children's books neglect to include notation of the music, but this one does not. I had my K - 4 children singing Japanese in no time at all! ... Read more

Book Description

From Alexander to the 12th century, from Sanchi, Barhut and Sarnath with stories of Hindu gods and goddesses.Ride with Durga and dance with Siva.See Maya's dream and princesses playing. ... Read more

Book Description

A Traveller's History of Japan not only offers the reader a chronological outline of the nation's development but also provides an invaluable introduction to its language, literature and arts, from kabuki to karaoke.This clearly written history explains how a country embedded in the traditions of Shinto, Shoguns and Samurai has achieved stupendous economic growth and dominance in the twentieth century. ... Read more

Book Description

After World War II the Japanese government designated as Living National Treasures men and women who had devoted their lives to traditional Japanese crafts and performing arts.For this superlative book the authors visited six of these extraordinary artists, then blended a brief, illuminating text with color photographs, calligraphy, and illustrated sections to convey the essence of each art form.Readers will visit backstage at a Bunraku puppet theater, learn how the famous Japanese swords are made, and much more!

2000 Notable Children's Books (ALA), Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2000, and National Council for SS & Child. Book Council, Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2000, National Council for SS & Child. Book Council

Book Description

Explore India's rich and colorful culture including its art, architecture,music, festivals, food, dancing, and religions. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Gallgher's Prose Hits Like an Elegant Brick
Aileen Gallagher's latest release delivers. Simply put, the magic is there. After becoming hooked with her Walter Peyton portrait, I vowed to follow this energetic writer towards all subjects she deems worthy of reflection by her most elegant mind.

With a confident stride, Gallagher walks through the halls of history, detailing a woeful, yet regrettably human episode in our collective history. Steely, reserved, yet unabashed, she sorts through the evidence, presenting all who wish to know with an ample luxury of informational biscuits, warm and tenderly cooked to precisely the right intellectual degree.

Kudos to you, Ms. Gallagher.
I eagerly await your Muck Raking recollection, and intend to leisurely, studiously savor your forthcoming work on my Chinese Pop Star tour.

ever yours, Von Von Von ... Read more

Book Description

Inviting, candid photographs portray the Chinese people in their homes,going to work, attending school, and enjoying their leisure time. ... Read more