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Wabi Sabi

(2008, Fiction - Activity, Written by Mark Reibstein, Illustrated by Ed Young)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Cat's extraordinary quest finds beauty in the ordinary.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Cat is inquisitive, and other characters help her find what she's looking for.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Wabi Sabi

Parents need to know that this is one book they will want to keep on their bookshelf permanently. While younger readers may not understand the haiku, they will definitely be drawn in by the story of the inquisitive cat and all the other animals she meets. Older readers also will be fascinated with the artwork and the poetry. Modern haiku is imbedded in the story, and ancient classical haiku written in Japanese calligraphy embellishes nearly every page.

 

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the term "Wabi Sabi," and the subtleties of its meanings. Why was it so hard for the cat to find out the true definition of her name? Why do you think she cared? How would you explain it to her? Do you know what your name means? Families will also enjoy talking about the haiku on each page. What is a haiku, and how does each one help explain the part of the story on that page? How does the poetry add to your understanding of the cat's name? Also, examining the artwork together, picking out the various materials used in each collage, and noting how the pieces work together will be fun for both parents and kids.

     

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