Best-Loved Children's Songs from Japan

Yoko Imoto
Stone Bridge Press (2007)
ISBN 0893468371
Reviewed by Stephanie, J.T. (age 9), and Parish (age 3) Rollins for Reader Views (3/07)

Yoko Imoto wrote “Best-Loved Children’s Songs from Japan” to both translate the songs into English and to explain the cultural differences noted in the songs.  “Best-Loved Children’s Songs from Japan” won a graphic design award at the 1987 Bologna International Children’s Book Fair

Imoto chose songs that have universal meaning.  Children across the world know and like bubbles, so “Soap Bubbles” is a fun song for all.  “Red Shoes” talks about a girl being gone so long that she probably has blue eyes; the significance behind this that Americans have blue eyes and Japanese children do not.

The most enjoyable part was the explanation of the cultural differences that is located on the last page.  Parish loved the illustrations, especially the one of snow.  The song about Spring brought up a conversation about different seasons. 

“Best-loved Children’s Songs from Japan” did not excite J.T.  It is a little below his reading level.  Parish did enjoy it.  I was not able to read the book straight through to her; however, she did enjoy reading a song at a time. 

“Do you like this book?”
“Yes.”

“Do you want to read it again?
“Later.”

“What was your favorite part?”
She pointed to the song about snow.  She says, “It is snowing.” 

”I liked the red shoes.  Did you like the red shoes?”
“I want red shoes, too.” 

“Maybe for your birthday.  Do you want to keep this book in the toy room or give it away?”
“I’ll put it on the shelf.” 

“Good we can read it again one day.”

I recommend “Best-loved Children’s Songs from Japan” for preschoolers.  It is written in both English and Japanese, so children are able to see that there is a difference in letters.  This is a keeper!

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