Yuko-chan and the Daruma Doll
The Adventures of a Blind Japanese Girl Who Saves Her Village - Bilingual English and Japanese Text
Retells the story about Yuko-chan, a little blind orphan-girl who demonstrates optimism and a spirit of survival throughout her adventures. Yuko-chan created the famous Daruma doll (a toy that arights itself no matter how many times it is tipped), upon seeing a real Daruma doll, readers will feel connected to the spirit it represents; a true symbol of resilience to never give up, no matter the obstacles.
"Seki tells us not only a beautiful story, but on every page he has richly painted images of Yuko-Chan, her Daruma Dolls, and her village that bring the words—both in English and in Japanese—to life." —Story Circle Book Reviews
"It's a lovely book that is wonderful to read again and again. It teaches wonderful lessons about being resourceful and brave. It is well told and entertaining. I love the positive story, the beautiful illustrations, and the introduction to some aspects of Japanese culture. At the end of the book there is a list of cultural notes that defines Daruma, Daruma Doll, the Daruma Doll Festival, Daruma Games, and Gourds." —The Picture Book Review
Sunny Seki is the award-winning author and illustrator of The Last Kappa of Old Japan and The Tale of the Lucky Cat. A native of Japan, Sunny studied illustration at Pasadena Art Center of Design. Sunny presents his books and other Japanese folktales at festivals and schools, invigorating his storytelling through shadow puppetry. Sunny is the leader of a Japanese senryu poetry group. He published Gardeners' Pioneer Story, an account of the 100-year history of Japanese gardeners through the sensitive senryu poems created by this group of immigrants. Sunny is now documenting the milestones of Japanese Americans in North America, again through their senryu poetry. Sunny, his wife Judy and their nine children live in San Gabriel, CA.
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