Colors of Japan (Colors of the World)

Grade 3-4?This picture book uses colors to describe some aspects of Japanese culture. Each double-page spread gives a color, the Japanese word for it, calligraphy symbol(s), and phonetic pronunciation, along with a brief description of one thing that the color symbolizes. For example, there is a red circle in the center of the Japanese flag. Sometimes it isn't clear why the particular object has been selected, but there are interesting choices, such as the white gloves that the subway workers wear to push the crowds of people into the cars. Watercolor illustrations face each page of text, with a bit of detail spilling over to the opposite page. The soft, fluid, in some cases almost monochromatic pictures suit the narrative. While there is mention of some items of interest to children, such as the statue of Sadako Sasaki and the brief inclusion of the Ninja and Samurai, there is not enough information here for reports. The book will be more useful for children wanting to know a little about Japanese customs and traditions.?DeAnn Tabuchi, New York Public Library
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