Reviews

Paper Boat, Paper Bird by David Almond

mehsi's review

3.0

A pretty OK book about a girl in Japan finding a love for origami and maybe meeting a friend!


I spotted this one over at one of my libraries (thank you all so much for adding more English books, also some lesser known ones) and just had to get it. I love books about Japan and I also loved the cover for this book!

hickorynut's review

adventurous emotional inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.25

This was a lovely little story that was beautifully illustrated. It introduced us to a vast array of Japanese culture without going into too much detail, instead focusing more on the broad number of new experiences the character, Mina, was going through. As a yonsei, fourth generation Japanese American, who will likely never get to visit Japan due to health issues - this was such a lovely little visit into a culture that I long to see for myself. I enjoyed Mina's short journey and her delight at finally seeing some of the magic of her homeland. 

btpbookclub's review

4.0

This is a beautiful short story. Simple yet beautiful. Gorgeously illustrated throughout. An easy, quick read. Loved the story. How a little thing can turn into a big thing and come back around to find you. Amazing. Delicate. A well deserved four stars from me. A perfect read for younger children too.

mewichigo's review

lighthearted fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

sarahkjs's review

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

kstrange's review

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

smitz's review

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

lakelandreader's review

hopeful informative inspiring mysterious relaxing slow-paced

3.75

kba76's review against another edition

4.0

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this.
Paper Boat Paper Bird is a beautifully illustrated book showing the power of hope and the need to take time to look around us and experience the work we inhabit.
It features Mina travelling to Japan, and was inspired by Almond's own travels. While travelling on a bus, Mina sees a woman folding an origami boat and she imagines it on its journey.
Simple prose, supported by illustrations that capture the ideas conveyed in the text.

amy_louise's review

reflective slow-paced

4.0