Japan

Children's Literature - Miriam Chernick

Part of a series on the festivals of different countries, this one is specific to Japan. The book begins with a clearly written geographic orientation of Japan before launching into a calendar of the main Japanese festivals and highlights of a few. Though the logic of their order is not entirely clear, the five festival types featured cover a variety of celebrations and locations. Kids will be fascinated to discover the details of the three festivals centered focused upon children. They will also enjoy learning about Kyoto's Gion festival, celebrations of fire, ice carvings, and a commemoration of The March of the Samurai in 1616. Supporting the text are well-chosen color photographs, many, appropriately, of children, but others portraying towering ice sculptures at Sapporo's snow festival and awe-inspiring feats of bravery at fire festivals. At the end of the book are easy and engaging instructions on how to make paper cherry blossoms, a daruma doll, and onigiri, followed by a brief glossary and index. Reviewer: Miriam Chernick