Japanese History, Customs, Traditions, Anthropology, Children - Social Studies, Asian & Asian American Studies, Civilization - History

Focus on Japan

Name: Focus on Japan
Author: Mavis Pilbeam
ISBN: 9780237516611

by Mavis Pilbeam

Write a review

Overview

This forms an introduction to one of the world's leading industrialized countries, Japan. It is written with young children's interests and abilities in mind, and explores the features which make up the country's individuality and character.
Part of a series, it focuses on the traditional Japanese arts of ikebana and calligraphy, then describes the country's climate and landscapes, the fast-paced urban life of Tokyo and the national sports, baseball and traditional Sumo wrestling. The book also discusses Japanese food and festivals, its futuristic transport system, and its technological and industrial developments.
Included in the book also are an index and fact summary, and boxes throughout the text give interesting facts and features about the country.

An introduction, in brief text and illustrations, to the history and culture of Japan from 5000 B.C. to the present day.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet. Log in to write one.

Editorials

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8 An introduction clearly identifies the four major sections into which the book is divided. Each covers a succeeding period of Japanese history. But within each of these sections, information is confusingly presented because (a) pages are divided into numerous boxes and/or sections; and (b) these boxes or sections often mix information from various periods on a single subject, not always in chronological order. Each main section does include a list of dates of important events and developments; however, the significance of some of these events is never discussed. This oversimplification may lead to further confusion on the part of young readers. With the exception of a few color photographs, the artwork consists primarily of drawings which, while related to the text, are sometimes a disappointing substitute for reproductions of Japanese art. Although for slightly older audiences, Stefoff's Japan (Chelsea House, 1988) and Greene's Japan (Childrens, 1983) are better bets. Rosie Peasley, Sylvan Union School District, Modesto, Calif.