Review of TREE OF CRANES

Say, Allen. 1991. TREE OF CRANES. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 039552024X.

PLOT SUMMARY
A young Japanese boy arrives home from a morning spent exploring the pond to find his mother folding cranes. She gives him a warm bath and lunch before sending him to bed early, both as a punishment for visiting the pond against her wishes and for fear he has a cold. As the boy lies in bed, he wonders what his mother is doing when he hears her digging in the snow covered garden. Finally, Mama comes back into his room and decorates a small pine tree with the paper cranes and candles. She tells her son about her childhood in California and introduces him to his first Christmas celebration.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
In this beautiful picture book, Allen Say writes and illustrates a unique tale of an American born mother teaching her Japanese son about the peace and love of Christmas. The author draws upon his own family’s experiences of immigrating to America and then eventually returning to Japan. The mother in the story enjoys sharing her Asian Pacific American heritage with her young son.

As in most picture books, the illustrations carry the essence of the story. Say’s muted pictures authentically capture the rural environment of this boy’s home. Both the architecture of the house and the furnishings are uniquely Japanese. The sliding doors and large, wooden bath tub with a lid are sure to interest children. Detailed pictures of the pond, garden, and surrounding area share this country’s landscape with readers.

Say realistically illustrates the clothing and hairstyles of the family. It is interesting to note that while the mother wears traditional Japanese dress and hairstyle, the father returns home from work in a Western suit and tie with a modern haircut. The mix of traditional and modern clothing accurately portrays some people’s clothing choices in Japan.

Thankfully, Say takes great care to accurately portray the physical attributes of his characters. No matter which style of clothing or hairstyle they wear, the boy and his parents’ facial features are realistic. Both skin tone and eye shape are correctly illustrated to dispel negative stereotypes.

Say also shares Japanese culture through the text quite well. References to origami cranes, tea cakes, rice gruel, and a samurai kite give readers insights into traditional foods and activities. A few rituals are included in the story, as well. The mother explains that she is folding a lot of cranes, perhaps two thousand, to make a big wish come true. The pine tree Mama digs up to bring in the house as a Christmas tree was planted on the day the boy was born, so he “would live a long life like the tree.” Understandably, the boy is concerned about his tree, but his mother reassures him that she will replant it in the morning.

Teachers and librarians looking for a high quality Asian Pacific American picture book will be pleased with this selection. Even though the story is set in Japan, the boy’s mother is Asian Pacific American, and her unique explanation of Christmas will enrich any multicultural collection.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
Publishers Weekly writes, “The story is a poignant one, illuminated with finely drawn illustrations reflecting the serenity of a Japanese home and the quiet love between mother and son. Say ( The Bicycle Man ; El Chino ), who came to this country from Japan when he was a teenager, again exhibits a laudable sensitivity to Eastern and Western cultures--and to both the differences and the similarities between them.”

Horn Book raves, “A gift from artist to child that indicates a ripe maturity in both its illustrative and textual elements. Serving as a bridge between American and Japanese cultures, . . . understated and pristine, Tree of Cranes is the achievement of a master in his prime, one of the best picture books of this or any other year.”

Reviews accessed at:
http://www.amazon.com/Tree-Cranes-Allen-Say/dp/039552024X

CONNECTIONS
Other books for children written and illustrated by Allen Say:
EMMA’S RUG. ISBN 0618335234
GRANDFATHER’S JOURNEY. ISBN 0395570352
KAMISHIBAI MAN. ISBN 0618479546
TEA WITH MILK. ISBN 0395904951
THE BICYCLE MAN. ISBN 0395506522

Submitted by Kim