Wabi Sabi by Mark Reibstein
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Book Reviews of Wabi Sabi
Book Review: Enchanting Review: Wabi Sabi
Summary: 4 Stars
WABI SABI
MARK REBSTEIN
Art by Ed Young
Children's (ages 4-8)
Little, Brown
ISBN# 978-0-316-11825-5
40 Pages
$16.99
Hardcover--Available Now
Rating: 4 Enchantments
WABI SABI is the story of a cat by the same name, who after hearing a conversation her owner has with friends about her unusual name decides to go out in search of the true meaning of Wabi Sabi. Along the way she asks fellow feline Snowball, Rascal the dog and even wise old monkey Kosho who all share with her their personal meaning of Wabi Sabi, which are all told in beautiful Haiku style. Once she's satisfied with her answers from her friends, Wabi Sabi finally returns home, content with her newfound knowledge.
I think WABI SABI is the most unique children's book I've ever seen and one that many will no doubt enjoy. I would say though that this is one children's book that has a higher reading level to it to go along with its message of Wabi Sabi, the art of finding "beauty and harmony" in what is simple. The accompanying illustrations, which are actually collages made from natural and manmade materials, are truly beautiful to look at and compliment the story really well.
Mark Reibstein is an English teacher and writer who has lived in New York, California, Hawaii, Japan, and Thailand. Now Mark and his daughter live near San Francisco with their good friend Arlo, who is also a cat. This is his first picture book.
Ed Young has illustrated for over 70 books and has been awarded the Caldecott Medal for Lon Po Po and the Caldecott Honors for Seven Blind Mice and The Emperor and the Kite. He lives in upstate New York with his daughters.
Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
September 2008
Book Review: my two year old adores this book.
Summary: 4 Stars
There are a few cateories of kids books:
I love them, my son not so much.
I love them, my son loves them.
My son loves them, me not so much.
This book falls into the latter category. Why do I not love it so much? Because I'm reading it over, and over and over again. And over. Again.
That's a good problem to have, especially with a book that teaches a subtle concept that blurs dualistic lines like this one. And if my son is going to read (and read and read) a book, it may as well be one that teaches a quality as beautiful as Wabi Sabi.
Unique.
Illustrations not beautiful. Doesn't matter, given the subject.
Book Review: A sense of comfort, not a cat.
Summary: 4 Stars
Wabi Sabi does not understand the true meaning of her name, neither does her master. To discover herself, Wabi Sabi heads out on a sensory nature inspired journey to discover the true meaning of her name. Along the way she finds peace, understanding, modesty, mystery, and simplicity in her simple yet complex surroundings. Mark Reibstein's addition of Chinese proverbs, haiku, and Chinese vocabulary complete this delightful lesson of wabi sabi.
Ed Young's illustrations are simple vibrant collages of items found in nature along Wabi Sabi's journey. His art brings the true meaning of Wabi Sabi to life.
Book Review: Wabi Sabi
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a nice introduction for kids to some of life's grander and more complicated (yet also simple) truths, including the fact that nothing is perfect. Wabi Sabi is an important concept and I'm delighted to see it in this book for kids.
I have been a long time fan of the philosophy of Wabi Sabi since I read the book Living Wabi Sabi: The True Beauty of Your Life a few years ago by Taro Gold, which is a great exploration of Wabi Sabi for adults - although our 12 year old enjoys reading both.
Book Review: Wabi Sabi
Summary: 4 Stars
A cat named Wabi Sabi living in the city of Kyoto, overhears foreigners asking what her name means. Puzzled, she begins to ask all of the animals around her in an attempt to uncover its meaning. Eventually, Wabi Sabi travels to Mount Hiei to ask a wise monkey what her name means. The book alternates between normal text and haiku poems in order to add beauty and wabi sabi, to the story.