Topic: Multicultural bookTheme: folktale, imagination, JapanMy thoughts: This is the story of a young boy who has a big imagination. The story shows the customs of the Japanese culture. The illustrations are beautiful and help keep the reader engaged in the story. Activity: I would use this story and its pictures to discuss the similarities and differences between living in Japan vs the United States. The Boy in the Garden incorporates a story of a boy’s day visiting his father’s old friend, and a Japanese legend about the symbolism of a crane. In the story a boy thinks he sees a steady crane in the famous garden. However, as he approaches it he realizes it is stone. In disbelief he runs to a cottage where he falls asleep. In his dream a woman comes to the door to be his caretaker. The only exception is he cannot look at her while she is working. While he hears her weaving he awakes to the sound of his father’s voice, he proceeds to take Jiro home safe and sound. This story connects to the legend of The Grateful Crane. It is said that if a man finds a crane struggling and sets it free, it will transform into a woman that will weave wondrous things to provide for the family. Just as in the story if the man visually sees the women working, she transforms back into a crane when the man’s promise is broken.
What do You think about The Boy In The Garden (2010)?
Cute story that blends Japanese myth and modern story, lovely illustrations.
—asuradias
Beautiful story and art, especially perfect for a pre-K age child.
—cherrvale
