Betty Reynolds,
Japanese Celebrations: Cherry Blossoms, Lanterns and Stars!
Tuttle Publishing, 2006

Ages 4-8

Japanese Celebrations is a delightful and informative book that brings the unique traditions and celebrations of Japan into the lives of children everywhere.  Beginning with the New Year celebration on January 1st, the book takes readers through a whole year of Japanese festivals and holidays (there is at least one each month).  A variety of specific customs, clothing, and foods mark each of Japan's special occasions, and Betty Reynolds, author of Tokyo Friends and Squeamish About Sushi, brings each event to life with beautiful water-color illustrations and accessible writing.

A very inviting reference book for kindergarteners on up, Japanese Celebrations includes the hiragana script, an English transliteration and a translation for every word and custom it explores.  Readers can walk through the ritual of Hatsumode, the year's first temple visit, step by step and then turn the page to learn of several other ways to observe O Shogatsu, or Japanese New Year.  Children will learn the words, descriptions and symbolism behind the special foods prepared and eaten to celebrate the New Year, and the section ends by introducing Shichi-fuku-jin, the Seven Lucky Gods, and the Juni-shi, or zodiac calendar.

As the year progresses, readers learn not only about the official holidays, which include such favorites as Sakura or cherry-blossom season, Children's Day, and The Star Festival, but also about regional festivals and the ways Japanese people celebrate events such as weddings and a baby' s first meal.  In addition to the language of celebration, readers will also pick up incidental vocabulary, such as the words for "dog," "snow," and "summer."  In fact, it is nearly impossible not to learn something fascinating on every page!

Japanese Celebrations is indispensable for families with a Japanese heritage who are raising children in other countries.  It will make children from all backgrounds eager to add new traditions—especially all the celebrations honoring children—to their established list of festivities throughout the year.  Reynolds also makes it easy for parents to guide their children through these celebrations by including instructions for special crafts, a glossary, and a pronunciation guide.  Japanese Celebrations truly celebrates some of the most delightful aspects of Japanese culture and provides the entire family with a useful resource for learning  about Japan.

Abigail Sawyer
November 2006