Allen Say

Young Jiro is drawn to a small cottage when he and his father visit a rich man. There, inspired by a statue, Jiro relives the story told by his mother of the "Grateful Crane." The line between fantasy and reality blur for Jiro in this beautiful, mysterious telling.

Caldecott Medalist, Allen Say, tells his own story in words and a variety of images both rendered and photographic. This is more authentic than Say's fictionalized but equally sophisticated, highly engaging account entitled The Ink-Keeper's Apprentice.

A series of memories from this Caldecott Medalist's life begins in Japan and moves between the two cultures of which he is part. The revealing narration is interwoven with photographs, cartoons, sketches and more. Slightly older, more sophisticated readers may enjoy Say's slightly fictionalized autobiography, Ink-Keeper's Apprentice.

This remarkable story is based on the life of Billy Wong, a Chinese-American who travels to Europe, becomes fascinated with bullfighting, and decides to become a matador. Eventually, Billy's determination and recognition of what makes him unique helps him realize his dream. Luminous watercolors illustrate this sensitive picture book biography.

Young Emma feels that her art is inspired by the white rug that she's had since birth. When her mother washes the rug, Emma is — at least for a time — convinced that the source of her talent is gone, too. Emma's child-like illustrations contrast to photo-realistic watercolors.

Erika, an American child, was always fascinated by a painting at her grandmother's; that of a rustic home in Japan. As Erika grows, she studies Japan and its language then as an adult, gets a teaching position there and finally lives in her dreamed-of cottage. Erika's wish is fulfilled.

A young man travels from his native Japan to the vast country called America before returning to visit his home with his bride. The exquisite watercolors give the appearance of a family photo album as it relates this autobiographical but universal story of immigration.

 

A contemporary man traveling in a kayak finds himself in an earlier time in an internment camp filled with Japanese American children. Photorealistic illustrations distinguish this sophisticated allegorical story and are sure to generate discussion.

An elderly kamishibai man travels the route on which he once told stories using his paper theater. Though the city is now crowded and noisy, the children — now grown — remember and stop once more. A note about kamishibai and stunning illustrations create broad reader appeal.

At home, Masako speaks Japanese and sips green tea with her parents. But at her friends' houses near San Francisco, May speaks English and enjoys pancakes and tea with milk and sugar. When May's parents decide to return to Japan, she feels lost. May finally begins to find her way in the big city of Osaka, where she makes a special friend who also speaks English — and drinks his tea with milk and sugar. Allen Say brings tenderness and humor to his mother's unforgettable story in this beautiful tribute to his parents.

Though Taro is known for his laziness, he is also clever and so finds a way to become wealthy. Realistic illustrations place Taro and his mother in a long ago Japan in this spritely retelling of a traditional trickster tale.

When an American sailor meets a Japanese woman, they both try in secret to learn the other's way of eating. Their courtship and growing love culminates in marriage. This realistic family story explores cultural similarities and differences and is told with humor and honesty by the couple's daughter.