In the Eyes of the Cat : Japanese Poetry for All Seasons

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Japanese

Grade 2-5-- A collection of 77 new translations of Japanese haiku and tanka, illustrated in Demi's familiar ornate style . Each poem features a living creature in a simple vignette, some more startling than others. A wide selection of poets are represented, including the frequently anthologized Busho and Issa. The translations seem logical except one poem about a kingfisher by Tori, which appears in a more pleasing form in Richard Lewis's The Moment of Wonder (Dial, 1964; o.p.). The seasonal organization is a natural one; the size of the book and the pacing of the short selections will be attractive to primary graders. Subtle differences prevent the illustrations from becoming monotonous. The colors vary from pastels to primaries to dark wash nighttime scenes highlighted by splashes of color or white. The illustrations often evoke styles of Asian art. The pastel colors tend to be cloying, and sometimes the ornateness does not match the sparse simplicity of the poem. Some might find the pictures portraying baby animals too cute. There are a few pictures that look clumsy, and not all page layouts are balanced, but the overall effect is attractive. The bright colors and diverse animals, along with the simple language and clear imagery of the writing, will attract young readers and perhaps instill in them a desire to explore poetry further. --Annette Curtis Klause, Montgomery County Department of Public Libraries, MD
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.