Rosanne Knorr

This picture book aims to teach young children a bit about the Japanese language and its culture. It uses simple rhyming text to cover the activities in the life of what we assume is a typical Japanese boy. From an example of time in school, to watching television, eating meals with his family or eating out, and even practicing his martial arts. When the authors use a Japanese word in the text, they make sure to rhyme it with an English word, aiding in the pronunciation. In addition, a bar runs along the bottom of each page, where all foreign words are listed, along with an approximation of their pronunciation and an English translation. Some of the vocabulary includes: basic greetings, months and days of the week, numbers through ten, several food names, and mother and father. The illustrations are bright and engaging.

While I'm not certain how much practical use my daughters will have with this book, I like it. I know why I bought it - I am fascinated with Japan, and find the language of that country to be especially beautiful. I long have wanted to learn Japanese, but have never took a class or did independent study. When I saw this book while working at the book store, I couldn't resist. It uses charming pictures and a text that is easy to read and organically incorporates the foreign vocabulary; these traits make it a wonderful book for introducing children to another language. While children will need much more structured lessons to actually learn Japanese, they can get a taste of it here. Also, the writers use the language as a vehicle to show readers important cultural features of Japan. The way people sleep on futons, and eat sushi, and bow in respect, for example. A great deal of information is contained in a simple book. The authors did a fantastic job of presenting educational material in a very attractive package. I will read this book with my girls when they are older because it will enlighten them to the way people live in a different part of the world. Who knows? Maybe someday we'll even take Japanese language classes together.… (más)