Circus Day in Japan

March 1, 2011

K-Gr 3-This lesser-known title by the author of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes (Puffin, 1977) is introduced to a new audience in a beautiful, bilingual edition featuring a Japanese translation alongside the original English text. First published by Tuttle in 1953, the book recounts a delightful day in which two young siblings enjoy a circus. Their anticipation builds as they eat breakfast and travel by train from their home on a farm to a bustling city, where they immerse themselves in the glorious sights and sounds of the circus. This title provides a charming peek at life in postwar Japan with colorful, lively illustrations that depict a fascinating blend of traditional Japanese and Western cultures, from the hodgepodge of clothing styles to the variety of entertainments at the circus. The author's appreciation for Japanese culture is evident in her attention to authentic details such as bento boxes wrapped in cloth and the removal of shoes before sitting on a tatami mat. Additionally, Japanese vocabulary is introduced through the sprinkling of phrases into the dialogue, as well as the inclusion of captioned illustrations of household items such as teacups and wooden sandals. Full of happy nostalgia, this book is sure to spark an interest in Japanese culture and makes a lovely addition to any picture-book collection.-Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Library, CA

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