Suki's Kimono

Suki's Kimono is a delightful book. We were learning about Japan and tried on Kimono's at Epcot. So my six year old daughter wanted a book on kimonos. Our librarian recommended this book. After reading it every night for a month I decided to buy it. It is our favorite. It's about a little girl who is starting school and she wants to wear her kimono her obachen (grandmother) brought her from Japan while visiting for the summer. Her older sisters tell her she should wear something cool. They both have new shoes and a new shirt to wear. At the end of the school day something wonderful happens. Suki comes home happy while her sisters grumble about how no one noticed their new shoes and shirt. I love the story because it shows that you don't have to be cool or trendy for people at school to like you. You just need to be yourself. It also teaches a lesson about ignoring bullies. Plus, you learn a lot of Japanese words and a glimpse about their culture. I highly recommend this book!

This effervescent story, with its vivid, carefree illustrations and its protaganist's refreshing win-win attitude, is a rousing celebration of individuality and joie de vivre. We love Suki!!

This is a great book for showing the importance of treasured possessions and how they can be shared effectively with others. Suki loves her kimono and wears it to school with pride. The author, Uegaki, does a fine job of showing Suki's spirit and respect for her grandmother. The text is easily understood and the addition of humor lends to the usefulness of the book. It can be used as a catalyst for sharing time and discussions of favorite relatives. The illustrations are done with ink and watercolor and are especially delicate, yet expressive. They portray Suki as a spunky young Japanese girl with a mind of her own but a love of tradition and family.

This charming story is one that every child should read (or have read to them!). Not only does it have an encouraging message and introduce aspects of Japanese culture; it's also VERY beautifully illustrated, and Chieri Uegaki's writing is a pleasure to read. I love the way she phrases things, like when Suki sits close to the taiko drummers and feels "like she'd swallowed a ball of thunder and her whole insides quaked and quivered." Buy this book -- you won't be disappointed.

Suki's Kimono is the heartwarming picture book story by Chieri Uegaki of Suki, a young girl determined to wear her favorite blue cotton kimono to school because it is a cherished gift from her beloved grandmother. Suki's friend warns her that it seems weird, but young Suki is determined to follow her own heart. A delightful tale Suki's Kimono is an exuberant story which is wonderfully enhanced for young readers with the brightly colored illustrations of Stephane Jorisch.