My First Book of Haiku Poems
a Picture, a Poem and a Dream; Classic Poems by Japanese Haiku Masters (Bilingual English and Japanese text)
My First Book of Haiku introduces children to inspirational works of poetry and art that speak of our connection to the natural world, and of their own ability to see an entire universe in the tiniest parts of it. It pairs fresh interpretations of 20 classic poems by Issa, Shiki, Basho, and other great Japanese haiku masters with stunning original paintings that both portray and inspire a child's inner life, and open a door into the world of their own imagination.
A fully bilingual children's book, My First Book of Haiku includes the original Japanese poems (in both Japanese script and Romaji form) on each page alongside the English translation to form a complete cultural experience.
Each haiku poem is accompanied by a full page "dreamscape" painting that will be admired by children and adults alike. Commentaries and brief bios offer parents and teachers ready-made "food for thought" to share with young readers and stimulate a conversation about each work.
Esperanza Ramirez-Christensen is a professor at the University of Michigan and an award-winning teacher and scholar of classical Japanese literature. She has written extensively on the subjects of Japanese poets and poetry and Buddhist philosophy.
Tracy Gallup is an author, illustrator and lifelong artist. She has a BFA from Eastern Michigan University and an MFA in painting from Syracuse University. Tracy worked as an elementary school art teacher for many years, and celebrates imagination and childhood in her own artwork. She is the author and illustrator of 9 children's books, including Paint the Night, A Roomful of Questions, four books in
A Crazy Little series, King Cat
, and also illustrated the book Beastly Banquet. She lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan with her husband. As a child, Tracy had and loved her very own collection of Tuttle books.
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