Home becomes elusive in this story about immigration and acculturation, pieced together through old pictures and salvaged family tales. Is is possibe to call two places home? Both the narrator and his grandfather long to return to Japan, but when they do, they feel anonymous and confused: "The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other." Allen Say's prose is succinct and controlled, to the effect of surprise when monumental events are scaled down to a few words: "The young woman fell in love, married, and sometime later I was born."

[Teacher's Guide]

Order: Hardcover

Young Emma is a gifted artist whose favorite possession is a small, shaggy rug. Her teachers are astounded by her work.

Everything she paints is praised for its artistry. She wins awards and national acclaim. What is the source of her wonderful talent? What sparks her inner vision?

In thisstory, Allen Say explores the inspirations, both simple and profound, that combine to make up the creative visual mind. Full color.

Ages: 5 to 9

Order: Hardcover

One morning 8 year old Martin looks in the mirror and sees a stranger. Overnight, he has changed.

His parents take him to one doctor after another, only to be told there is nothing wrong with their son. But Martin has grown old in the space of one day; his world will never be the same again.

Ages: 4 to 9

Order Hardcover

A young Japanese boy watches his mother folding up origami paper into delicate silver cranes.

Later he catches her digging up a small pine tree from the yard, and she tells him about her childhood in America and about a joyous time of year complete with brightly decorated trees--a time of goodwill and giving called Christmas.

Ages: 4 to 9

Order Hardcover