Book picks similar to
はなさかじじい / How The Withered Trees Blossomed by Miyoko Matsutani


folklore-japanese
folklore-mythology
japanese-children
picture-books

Kiki's Delivery Service: Picture Book


Hayao Miyazaki - 2006
    According to tradition, all witches of that age must leave home for one year, so that they can learn how to live on their own. Kiki, along with her talking cat Jiji, fly away to live in the seaside town of Korico. After starting her own delivery service (using her broom as the delivery vehicle), Kiki must learn how to deal with her new life, especially after she loses the power to fly.

Whoever Heard of a Flying Bird?: A Children's Book About Not Giving Up


David Cunliffe - 2020
    

Beautiful Griselda


Isol - 2010
    When she runs out of willing companions, she finds a prince so myopic that for a short while he is able to be with her (before the inevitable happens). But they are together long enough that she has an extremely beautiful baby and for the first time ever Griselda learns what it's like to lose your head for someone you love. A funny and beautifully illustrated take on the pitfalls of narcissism.

You Look Yummy!


Tatsuya Miyanishi - 2015
    As the little Ankylosaurus begins wandering around, a big Tyrannosaurus comes along. He is about to pounce when the baby cries out, "Daddy!" and grabs onto his leg. The baby thinks the Tyrannosaurus is his father, so as not to disappoint the little one, he takes on the task of raising a baby Ankylosaur. The two develop ever stronger bonds of love, but soon comes the day when they must part. Highlighting the importance of family, this sweet picture book celebrates the love between father and son.

The Crane Wife


Odds Bodkin - 1998
     This retelling of a traditional Japanese folktale teaches readers young or old a lesson about life and love.

Baba Yaga


An Leysen - 2015
    Olga lived with her father in a beautiful house, and they were very happy together. Until Olga’s father one day fell in love again … His new wife was cruel and mean. And her sister Baba Yaga, who lived in a dark forest, was even meaner. Baba Yaga was a real witch! There was a rumor she was fond of children … on her plate! One day Olga’s stepmother sent her to Baba Yaga. What was she supposed to do now?Baba Yaga, the witch from Slavonic mythology is coming alive in this fairy tale. An Leysen takes you on a journey in an imaginative story about a wicked witch and a sweet and brave little girl.

The Teenager Who Came to Tea


Emlyn Rees - 2015
    He took a selfie of himself pouring a whole tube of them into his mouth, before sending it to his best mate, along with the letters LOL! The bestselling authors of We're Going on a Bar Hunt and The Very Hungover Caterpillar bring you another hilarious parody of a much-loved children's book, this time turning the spotlight not only on modern teens, but firmly on their parents too.When the doorbell rings, just as Sophie and her Dad are sitting down for their tea, they're half-expecting a visit from a tiger, but what slouches in through their doorway is even more curious than that... a teenager.A perfect read for anyone who remembers the original, or has ever been a teenager or is the parent of a teenager today.

Superbunny and the Peas of Doom


Neil McFarlane - 2014
     It was dark down there, but someone placed a carrot in your hand and said, "Eat it." You took a bite and said, "Ow!" "Eat the carrot, not your hand," said the voice. You ate the carrot, the lights came on, and that's when all the trouble started... *********************************************************** A "read aloud" bedtime story for parents to read to/with kids aged 5 to 11. The star of the story is "you" (i.e. your child) and the story contains lots of humour to appeal to both children and adults alike. Scroll up and grab a copy - it's FREE!

Sylvia Long's Thumbelina


Sylvia Long - 2010
    Jewel-toned paintings depict the story's settings from light and airy meadows to Mole's dark and dismal underground homewhile whimsical details bring the classic cast of characters to life and make this storytime favorite a visual feast.

I Wish I Had a Dinosaur


V. Moua - 2016
    Once again, the little red bird has another great idea. This time, he absolutely knows what would make a great pet—a dinosaur! The bird also does a great job at convincing the reader why a particular dinosaur would make the perfect pet. So read along as you and your child will enjoy the adventures and wild imagination of this quirky bird! I Wish I Had a Dinosaur is a book that any child will love, especially at bedtime. Read this children's book FREE as part of your PRIME or Kindle Unlimited membership

Hans My Hedgehog: A Tale from the Brothers Grimm


Kate Coombs - 2012
    Born a hedgehog from the waist up, he knows what it's like to truly be an outcast. Even his amazing fiddle playing can't help him fit in. So Hans flees to the forest with his herd of loyal pigs and only his music to keep him company. But then a most unusual thing happens: When Hans crosses paths with two kings with two lovely daughters, his luck starts to change. Will this lonely soul find true love after all?This lively and lyrical retelling of the classic Grimm's tale, paired with lush, detailed illustrations, reminds us of the power of music, the importance of belonging, and the transformative effect of love.

The Boy in the Garden


Allen Say - 2010
    One winter day he found a crane struggling in a snare and set it free.When Jiro looks out the window into Mr. Ozu’s garden, he sees a crane and remembersthat story. Much like the crane, the legend comes to life—and, suddenly, Jiro finds himself in a world woven between dream and reality.Which is which?Allen Say creates a tale about many thingsat once: the power of story, the allure of the imagined, and the gossamer line between truth and fantasy. For who among us hasn’t imagined ourselves in our own favorite fairy tale?

The Festival of the Bones / El festival de las calaveras


Luis San Vicente - 2002
    San Vicente lets children join the celebration as they watch the skeletons rock, rattle, and roll those long old bones as they get ready for the biggest event of their social calendar. A short and fun essay, directed toward young readers, will explain this important Mexican holiday.The works of Mexico City artist Luis San Vicente have been exhibited in Mexico, Venezuela, Europe, and the United States. He has won UNESCO’s prestigious NOMA Encouragement Concours Prize for Illustration, and UNESCO honored his work (1997, 1998, and 1999) in their prestigious Youth and Children’s Catalog of Illustrations.

The Beckoning Cat: Based on a Japanese Folktale


Koko Nishizuka - 2009
    When Yohei faces a crisis, the cat remembers his generosity and brings help.

Be a Flamingo & Stand Out From the Crowd


Sarah Ford - 2017
    She is always the first on the dancefloor and the very last to stop boogying. She has never tried to dress like a Parisian, never followed advice on what not to wear, and certainly has never tried to tone down her natural pinkness; she knows he is perfect just the way she is. And even when life throws Flamingo a curveball, she is always ready to embrace the unknown and jump straight in.A gorgeous little gift book of motivational sayings and hilarious axioms, Be a Flamingo is a perfect pink pick-me-up gift for a friend who needs a confidence boost, or great as an impulse self-purchase when you feel you need to start tooting your own horn a little louder. Because we could all do worse than taking a leaf out of Flamingo's book.