Reviews

One Leaf Rides the Wind by Celeste Davidson Mannis, Susan Kathleen Hartung

elephant's review

5.0

Lovely illustrations, haiku, counting book and facts about the Japanese culture.

nancyotoole's review

5.0

One Leaf Rides the Wind is a short collection of haikus written by Celeste Davidson Mannis, and accompanied by illustrations by Susan Kathleen Hartung. The story takes place in a Japanese garden. It tells the story of a little girl learning how to count, by counting the plants, animals, statues, and other objects around her. As a result, this book is not only a way to teach children about haikus, but also counting as well. Telling the story in Haiku's is a very appropriate choice. Not only is it appropriately Japanese, but the short and memorable form will be easier for young children to catch on to. At the bottom of each page are facts about Japanese culture, and the back of the book has more information on haikus and Japanese gardens. It's not a requirement to read these, especially the first time around, but they are very informative. The illustrations, which feature a young Japanese girl, accurately depict koi ponds, pagodas, an temple dogs, among other things. The illustrations can be quite calm at times, and then very lively the next. The young girl has a friendly demeanor about her, making her accessible to young children.

Note: This review was written for a class