Reviews

Paper Boat Paper Bird by David Almond

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bookswithbethany's review against another edition

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emotional reflective relaxing medium-paced

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

4.25

katykelly's review against another edition

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4.0

Making connections, a beautiful new cultural context.

I read Skellig and My Name is Mina many years ago now, so I cannot recall the stories/characters well. This could have been any young girl however, I don't think you need to know Almond's previous work to enjoy this slight volume.

Based on experiences the writer had with his own daughter, Mina and her mother are visiting Japan. They watch a woman making paper birds, are given one, Mina writes her name on it and frees it... and a Japanese boy finds it.

This gives the reader some insights in Japan, scenes of the cities there, simple vocabulary, customs, sights. And a story about looking for beauty, finding connections and people finding each other.

I liked the colour palette, Mina and her mother look very similar to those drawn as native Japanese, which I think is making a point.

It's a peaceful story, quite inward looking and calm, without making big points it quietly takes us on a tour and makes us ponder.

A very quick read, it might go over some heads, but it is rather lovely to look at and consider.

Adults and children above age 9 might appreciate this.

mehsi's review against another edition

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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 against another edition

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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 against another edition

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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.