Yoko and Yoko's Paper Cranes, Rosemary Wells

Yoko and Yoko's Paper Cranes, Rosemary Wells

(Preschool - Grade 1)

My family fell in love with Rosemary Wells with our first rocking-chair reading of Read To Your Bunny. We laughed at her McDuff stories and nodded knowingly at silly Max and Ruby. Our discovery of Wells' Yoko, however, has surpassed even our highest expectations. Yoko is a Japanese-American kitty who dearly loves her mother's sushi and proudly presents it during lunchtime at her school. Her friends react unexpectedly with exclamations of "Ick!" and "Yuck-o-rama!" Mrs. Jenkins, Yoko's teacher, handles this with grace and a creative solution. The conclusion is sweet but not perfect - a sign of an author who understands the reality of childhood. My son was enamored with the sushi illustrations and the connection to our family members living in Japan. A connection made even more poignant by Wells' sequel, Yoko's Paper Cranes. This exquisite book features elements of origami and washi papers in its rich illustrations. The story visits Yoko's memory of her Obaasaan and Ojiisan (Grandmother and Grandfather) who still live in Japan. Yoko loves the cranes that visit her grandparents' home every spring. Ojiisan taught her to fold paper into cranes to ease her sadness at their eventual migration, an origami skill which is illustrated as a border in the book itself! Yoko moves to America but uses her new talent to stay connected to her Japanese family. This picture book is unique in that it presents many discussion points for kids, ranging from seasons, crane migration, separation from family, cultural ties, even creative gift-giving. Be sure to take a peek at these two titles at your next library visit. Enjoy!

To find this book in the library go to our website at http://www.newberglibrary.org/

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff