Cool Melons- Turn to Frogs!: The Life and Poems of Issa

The best introduction to haiku, by way of the life of Issa, that I have read thus far in my study of haiku. This is an illustrated picture book aimed at children, but it captures the essence of the haiku moment beautifully, and for the beginner, the illustrations open up the words and provide an image -- one way to appreciate the connection between the words and the experiential moment. The translations are fresh and not syllable-bound, thankfully, with an added bonus of the haiku in Japanese cursive along the sides of the pages. This book is a perfect combination of concept, design, and execution, with engaging text and tender, whimsical, and astonishingly apt illustrations. The pictures of the Buddhas at New Years was startling, and the one of the dove and the owl was emotionally piercing. No flaws, nothing could be improved in this fine book.

Recommended to me by a school librarian, this book was a sweet delight which I read to my child thinking to encourage her to enjoy poetry. We both enjoyed this book and its wonderful illustrations of Japanese life, learning about the sad life of Issa and what is behind some of his poems, especially as haiku are not as simple as they appear on the surface. While the story may be a bit intense for very young children, the book accomplishes its intention of providing an interesting and eye-catching introduction to haiku and the sensitivity to feeling and experience that helps create the art of poetry. It also carries an underlying message of how one can not only persevere through mistreatment and adversity but keep a caring and uplifted spirit. LOVED the author's informational notes at the end. Also see Grass Sandals : The Travels of Basho

Kazuko Stone's watercolors accompany Matthew Gollub's with great style, and his text always pleases. Do you feel a childlieke innocence in the verses of ISSA? His mother died when he was three and perhaps his sadness is reflected in this verse: "The new Year's first dream -- I see my village and wake to a chilly tear." Four years later he had a step-mother who brought dissention to the household so that the father finally took the boy to a path leading to Edo (now Tokyo) when he was 17 years old. Every person should experience during Lent some humor. This leads to the conviction that the writing of HAIKU is an appropriate theme for a Lenten retreat. These are obviously different but the interior of our hearts is where a sharing of philosophies can begin. We should also experince during the Lenten Season thoughtful meditation aand a caring exchange, "TO CATCH ONE MEANINGFUL MOMENT IN TIME" - a quote from the author is something we should all try to achieve. Reviewer mcHAIKU has a neighbor in the Indiana woods who titled her book "Swimming with Frogs" (isbn: # 0253217563) You will greatly enjoy her tribute to Nature in Brown County, and find a true urge to write HAIKU down in these hills. And a verse of Issa's will amuse you with his humorous explanation as to why people shouldn't come near melons!

This is an excellent account of Issa's life and poetry. This story goes through important stages of Issa's life and incorporates his poetry into the stages. This unique book explains how Issa succeeds as a poet even though he endures difficulties in his life. Children of all ages will enjoy the story and beautiful illustrations. I think the author and illustrator did a great job of working together to create a fine story abour this Japanese haiku writter. The best part of this book is the poems. The poems are written in English and also in Japanese. This book will capture your interest.

I think this has got to be the best haiku book I've ever read. The illustrations are magnificent, and its power and sensitivity communicate Issa's poems to readers of all ages. The author's translations of the Japanese poems to English capture Issa's timeless charm and the love he felt for all living things--including frogs and crickets! And what makes this book so valuable to me as a teacher is the whopping 3 page author's note. It lends perspective, and plenty of background information, on reading and writing haiku. My 2nd grade class felt so inspired by this book that they've been REQUESTING time to refine their own haiku ever since I read it aloud!