Sakura's Cherry Blossoms

My preschool class loved the illustrations in the book.

Told through a series of poems in the Tanka style, a traditional Japanese poem similar to a Haiku but with two additional lines, this sweet story tells of young Sakura as she moves from Japan to America. She leaves behind her Grandma and the time spent under the cherry trees. At first, America is confusing and lonely, but time eases both of these things - except the she misses her Grandma. The end is bittersweet, but real, and gives the book a depth and maturity.The use of traditional Japanese poetry combined with the soft, cheerful, drawings make this a sweet and gentle book with surprising depth. I would highly recommend for children, particularly those missing a loved one or who find themselves facing changes in their life. It is also an excellent introduction to the art and poetry of Japan, in an easy to grasp way. I highly recommend this for parents and educators.Note: I received this book free through the Early Review Program hosted by LibraryThing, in exchange for my fair and honest opinion

'Sakura's Cherry Blossoms' by Robert Paul Weston and Misa Saburi is a really nice picture book about love and friendship and loss.Sakura lives in Japan and loves spring when she and her grandmother can have lunch beneath the cherry trees as they blossom. Her life changes when her family moves to the United States. She tries to fit in, but everything is so different. She makes a friend with a neighbor boy who likes to look at the stars. Along the way, they teach each other about looking up and enjoying the transience of life and cherry blossoms.What a beautiful story filled with really cute illustrations. The book is even composed in a series of Tanka verses and this is explained in the back of the book. Between the pictures and the story, I really loved this seemingly simple picture book.I received a review copy of this ebook from Tundra Books, Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

This little story is about Sakura, a Japanese girl whose life is transplanted from Japan to America. She misses her grandmother, Obaachan and the little things they would do together in the spring when the cherry trees were blooming. Sakura finds learning a new language to be a bit tricky, as English sounds are very different from Japanese words. Her new little friend Luke is helping her adapt to her new life in America, such as making snow angels (I adore the snow angel picture!)The story is written in a series of traditional tanka poems. A lovely little book that teaches children that, although learning a new language and culture can be difficult, it can have it's own rewards and joys.

This was a gorgeous little book, I loved the images and the story was excellent. I can see this being a firm favourite and I loved the way it showed how important friendship can be - 5 stars

An endearing picture book for young children with a well-written and inspiring story and gorgeous illustrations. A perfect read for any young reader who may be moving to a new home or school or facing change. Recommended.LT Early Reviewer

Beautiful, just beautiful, love how the child embraces her Grandmother. Learned about tanka poetry. Good read!

This book is so precious, from the illustrations to the storyline and moral.