Book Suggestion

Theme1 “Beginning”

It’s the start of the year. We need a bit of courage to start something new, but isn't it exciting?

Kindergarten

”The Story of the Root Children"　by Sibylle Von Olfers

“Wake up children, spring is coming” Root children are preparing for the spring to come. A masterpiece by Olfers, about seasonal transition and life.
 

”Mary Wears What She Wants”  by Kieth Negley

Did you look up at the sky today? Was it far? Was it close? Rhetorical questions will lead you to a deeper thought. A beautiful poetry book with illustrations by an artist & a picture book author Hideko Ise. Please think about the title “First question”. 
 

Elementary G1+

“First question” by Hiroshi Osada

Did you look up at the sky today? Was it far? Was it close? Rhetorical questions will lead you to a deeper thought. A beautiful poetry book with illustrations by an artist & a picture book author Hideko Ise. Please think about the title “First question”. 

”Anno's Medieval World”　by Mitsumasa Anno

"Seedfolks”　by Paul Fleischman and Judy Pedersen　　　　　
It all started from a seed planted by a girl. One by one, people in the town with different problems started to help her. It gradually changed the town, giving the people encouragement in changing themselves. This story will surely encourage you too!
 

Elementary G5+, Secondary

"Seedfolks”　by Paul Fleischman and Judy Pedersen

It all started from a seed planted by a girl. One by one, people in the town with different problems started to help her. It gradually changed the town, giving the people encouragement in changing themselves. This story will surely encourage you too!

We will feature “Theme 2: War” next! 

Theme 2: War

We believe our children are also suffering from the news we hear about Russia and Ukraine. How did people live during the war? Why do countries fight with each other? Reading both fiction and non-fiction books makes you think about it. 

Kindergarten

”London Bridge Is Falling Down!” by Peter Spier

London Bridge, which is well known from the nursery rhyme, has been repeatedly destroyed and constructed through flooding, fire and war. Let’s look into the history of England with pictures drawn by Peter Spier. 

”The Journey” by Francesca Sanna

The beginning of war changed everything. A mother and a child are running far away from their hometown, through the woods and over the seasea, hoping their journey will lead them to a safer place. This is a story about “Refugees” written with graphical illustrations. This book has been translated into 20 other languages. 

”Peace and war” Shuntaro Tanikawa (author) / Noritake (illustrator) 

“I in Peace” and “I in War”. This book shows the difference between a person in a different setting. A simple, It's a picture book with a strong message wishing for peace. 
 

Elementary G1+

”The Yellow Star” by Carmen Agra Deedy

During World War 2, while the Nazis were increasing their power in Europe. Jews in Denmark were ordered to wear yellow stars.The King of Denmark thought about how to protect those people. This is a story based on a legend of a Christian X who defied the Nazis... to protect Jews. It gives us an opportunity to think about discrimination and bullying happening in the current society. 

”Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation”  by Anne Frank, David Polonsky

This graphic novel based on Anne Frank's Diary describes how Anne Frank spent her adolescence in a closed space, hiding in a house for 25 months. 
 

Elementary G5+, Secondary 

”Tistou les pouces verts”　by Maurice Druon

”Tistou les pouces verts”　by Maurice Druon
A boy named Tistou who lives into a rich family, has a mysterious finger that can turn anything to a flower by touching it. One day, he found out that his father was manufacturing weapons. He sneaks into the factory and…

”Prisoners of Geography: Our World Explained in 12 Simple Maps” by Grace Easton,Jessica Smith

Why do people fight in wars? Why are there poor and rich countries? It shows 12 maps to relate geography and world history and politics.