When the Sakura Bloom

Review\n"This beautiful picture book helps us to understand how significant the Cherry Blossom Festival is...Turn the pages of this book slowly and understand how lovely the trees are and what they mean to the Japanese culture." 5 Stars, Good Reading Magazine\n"This is a beautiful timeless tale that while distinctly Japanese, is universal in its relatability and message. At heart, it is about accepting that while busy lives don't allow us to be mindful in every moment, nature's constant and predictable patterns give us the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect and rejuvenate." ReadPlus\n"The text of this beautiful books shows the slowing down needed to appreciate the cherry blossom, its fragility a metaphor for life itself, importuning the audience to make the most of the moment" Magpies Magazine\n"Well suited to reading aloud, the concise text works well with the precise, delicate artwork, subtly encouraging viewers to slow down occasionally and enjoy fleeting moments of natural beauty....a pleasing addition to classroom units on trees, spring, Japan, or cherry blossom festivals." Booklist\n"Onomatopoeic in its telling and burbling with touches of nature, this is a perfect picture book articulation of spring’s triumphant return."
Forward Reviews\n“An understated ode to an iconic Japanese cultural celebration, mindfulness, and the restorative power of the seasons.”Kirkus Reviews\n"Well suited to reading aloud, the concise text works well with the precise, delicate artwork, subtly encouraging viewers to slow down occasionally and enjoy fleeting moments of natural beauty." Booklist\nWhen the Sakura Bloom by Nariso Togo sheds light on the cultural significance of cherry blossom season in Japan, and an insight into the unique mindset of its people. Through subtle text and gentle imagery readers will see the importance of slowing down to appreciate the moment. That comfort, not despair, can be found in the inevitable cycles of the seasons. How change can usher in opportunities and rejuvenation.\nMoreover, When the Sakura Bloom is an understated illustration of the importance of celebrating the fleeting, delicate beauty of nature and the metaphor this represents for life itself.\nFrom School Library Journal\nPreS-Gr 2-This wondrously illustrated picture book is weighed down by stilted text, lacking focus and engaging story. The story begins with people rushing to the train station. Some days later, as the weather warms, "The sakura [Japanese cherry] trees know what to do." They bloom, birds come, a festival takes place, a storm knocks down the blossoms, the tree makes leaves and fruit, and the story comes full circle with people rushing to the train station. Togo's painterly, luminous illustrations depict the bare trees, the phases of the flowers growing, and the festival itself beautifully. Certain characters reappear each time a morning trip to the station occurs. The delicate blooms of the tree, the contrast of the pink against the dark sky, and the lovely, colorful birds perching in a close-up on the tree are eye-catching and captivating. Unfortunately, the disjointed text is not engaging and does the illustrations a disservice. The information about the phases of the tree and the festival itself are interesting and effective. However, the narrative of the people rushing to the train and celebrating the festival is stilted, and doesn't integrate well with the nonfiction element. VERDICT Despite the lovely artwork, this doesn't hold together. Pass on this one, but be on the lookout for more from Togo.-Amy Lilien-Harper, Wilton Lib., CTα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.