Cherry Blossoms! Popular Books for Kids



Cherry Blossom Time is a 'big deal' here in the Washington, DC area. Our whole family usually heads downtime to enjoy the beautiful blossoms of the trees as well as the other Spring blooming plants.

Since I'm also a bookie I became curious about what Cherry Blossom themed books I could track down. Surprisingly there wasn't a huge selection. Here are the one's I located. If you know of any others I'd be thrilled to hear about them.



Eliza's Cherry Trees: Japan's Gift to America
by Andrea Zimmerman and Ju-Hong Chen

GoodReads avg rating 4.0 — 2 votes Amazon avg rating — good — 2 votes

Description: Pioneering world traveler, writer, photographer, and peace advocate Eliza Scidmore dreamed of beautifying the nation's capital, where she lived. Her dream became a reality in 1912 when, because of her years of persistence, cherry trees were planted across Washington, DC. This picture book for young readers tells the inspiring story.

  • Hardcover: 32 pages
  • Publisher: Pelican Publishing (March 3, 2011)
  • ISBN-10: 1589809548
    amazon

Technical Stuff
Reading Level: generic 3
Interest Level: elementary



Under the Cherry Blossom Tree: An Old Japanese Tale
by Allen Say

GoodReads avg rating 3.29— 14 votes Amazon avg rating — Excellent — 3 votes

Description: Spring had finally come and everyone in the village was happy, despite being poor - everyone except the miserly landlord. Mumbling and grumbling, he sat all alone eating a bowl of cherries and glaring as the villagers sang and danced in the meadow. Then, quite by accident, he swallowed a cherry pit. The pit began to sprout. Soon the landlord was the wonder of the village - a cherry tree was growing on top of his head! What happened to the cherry tree and to the wicked landlord is a favorite joke in Japan. Allen Say tells the story with wit and vitality, and his beautiful drawings complement this classic Japanese tale.

  • Paperback: 32 pages
  • Publisher: Sandpiper (May 31, 2005)
  • ISBN-10: 061855615X
  • Look Inside available
    amazon

Technical Stuff - unknown



Japanese Celebrations: Cherry Blossoms, Lanterns and Stars!
by Betty Reynolds

GoodReads avg rating 3.90 — 10 votes Amazon avg rating — very good — 7 votes

Description: The people of Japan love to celebrate! In fact, they love it so much they have a day of celebration, whether it's a change in season, a religious observance, or just a special moment in life, every month of the year. Brimming with ancient traditions, exotic decorations, and delicious, seasonal foods, Japanese Celebrations will take you on a month-by-month tour of some of Japan's best-loved festivals.

Beautifully illustrated and full of fascinating facts about Japanese holidays and celebrations, this 48-page picture book offers a vivid picture of some of Japan's most festive events including New Year's, Children's Day, Cherry Blossom Season, Harvest Moon Viewing, Christmas in Japan and many more.

With simple but informative text and illustrations that explain the significance of the dress, decoration, food, gifts and activities associated with these events, Japanese Celebrations promises to delight and educate young readers and parents alike.

  • Hardcover: 48 pages
  • Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
  • ISBN-10: 0804836582
  • Look Inside available
    amazon

Technical Stuff - unknown




Japanese Traditions: Rice Cakes, Cherry Blossoms and Matsuri: A Year of Seasonal Japanese Festivities
by Setsu Broderick and Willamarie Moore

GoodReads avg rating 4.67 — 3 votes Amazon avg rating — Excellent — 4 votes

Description: A delightful look at Japanese culture and family life, Japanese Traditions is an intricately illustrated romp through the childhood reminiscences of author/illustrator Setsu Broderick. Told via a series of short text blocks and lighthearted illustrations based on cats, Japanese Traditions displays seasonal festivals and activities such as O-Bon, O-hanami (cherry blossom viewing) and preparing for the New Year.

While enjoying the charming illustrations of a family of Japanese cats, the author shares her warm childhood memories of many Japanese customs, such as gathering around the kotatsu to stay warm, throwing soybeans to keep away ogres and hanging handmade teru-teru-bozu dolls out the window to stop the rain. There are also many traditional Japanese games, toys, foods and celebrations taught through the illustrations. All in all, Japanese Traditions provides a magical feast for children of all ages.

  • Hardcover: 48 pages
  • Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (April 2010)
  • ISBN-10: 4805310898
  • Look Inside available
    amazon

Technical Stuff - unknown



Cherry Blossom Friendsby Corkey Hay DeSimone (Jan 1, 2009)

GoodReads avg rating 3.00 — 1 vote

Description: No family trip to Washington D.C. would be complete without Cherry Blossom Friends. It not only tells the history of the cherry trees gifted from Japan, but also focuses on the history of the monuments and buildings in the nations capitol. Small children are engaged with the rhymes and riddles about the animals that lives around Washington DC. Older children find the facts about the monuments and cherry trees fascinating. Children from 4-12 years of age will become experts about the capital city's history. Empower your child with a taste of the history of Washington D.C., they will become your tour guide.

  • Hardcover: 32 pages
  • Publisher: Gentle Giraffe Press
  • ISBN-10: 0980174627
  • amazon

Technical Stuff - unknown




The Valley Of The Broken Cherry Trees Part of a Series!!!
by Lensey Namioka

GoodReads avg rating 3.75 — 8 votes

Description: Wandering samurai Zenta and Matsuzo stop at a rural inn to find its famous cherry trees grossly mutilated. They must find out why, and not get caught in the traps set by two rival warlords. This thrilling adventure story will appeal to young readers interested in samurai.

  • Paperback: 252 pages
  • Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
  • ISBN-10: 0804836108
  • Look Inside available
    amazon

Technical Stuff - unknown

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