Review: Sakura's Cherry Blossoms by Robert Paul Weston and Misa Sakuri

Synopsis: Sakura's dad gets a new job in America, so she and her parents make the move from their home in Japan. When she arrives in the States, most of all she misses her grandmother and the cherry blossom trees, under which she and her grandmother used to play and picnic. She wonders how she'll ever feel at home in this new place, with its unfamiliar language and landscape. One day, she meets her neighbor, a boy named Luke, and begins to feel a little more settled. When her grandmother becomes ill, though, her family takes a trip back to Japan. Sakura is sad when she returns to the States and once again reflects on all she misses. Luke does his best to cheer her up -- and tells her about a surprise he knows she'll love, but she'll have to wait till spring. In the meantime, Sakura and Luke's friendship blooms and finally, when spring comes, Luke takes her to see the cherry blossom trees flowering right there in her new neighborhood (from the online description)

Review: Told through a series of poems in the Tanka style, a traditional Japanese poem similar to a Haiku but with two additional lines, this sweet story tells of young Sakura as she moves from Japan to America. She leaves behind her Grandma and the time spent under the cherry trees. At first, America is confusing and lonely, but time eases both of these things - except the she misses her Grandma. The end is bittersweet, but real, and gives the book a depth and maturity. The use of traditional Japanese poetry combined with the soft, cheerful, drawings make this a sweet and gentle book with surprising depth. I would highly recommend for children, particularly those missing a loved one or who find themselves facing changes in their life. It is also an excellent introduction to the art and poetry of Japan, in an easy to grasp way. I highly recommend this for parents and educators. 

Note: I received this book free through the Early Review Program hosted by LibraryThing, in exchange for my fair and honest opinion

Bookmarks: 4.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1-101-91874-6
Year Published: 2018
Date Finished: 2-16-2018
Pages: 33