$17.95 (Hardcover)
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Cool Melons— Turn to Frogs! The Life and Poems of Issa 
By Matthew Gollub
Illustrated by Kazuko G. Stone
9781880000717
For hundreds of years, school children in Japan have been introduced to poetry through the work of Issa. Born in 1763 on a farm in central Japan, Issa began writing poetry as a young child, inspired by his deep love for the natural world. Later in his boyhood and throughout his life, poetry was also Issa's refuge in times of joy and in times of suffering.
Matthew Gollub's poignant rendering of Issa's life and over thirty of his best-loved poems, along with Kazuko Stone's sensitive and humorous watercolor paintings, make Cool Melons a classic introduction to Issa's work for readers of all ages. With authentic Japanese calligraphy, a detailed Afterword, and exhaustive research by both author and illustrator, this is also an inspirational book about haiku, writing, nature, and life.
Booktalk with author Matthew Gollub
Booktalk with illustrator Kazuko G. Stone
Teacher's Guide
- Awards
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"Choices"
Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
"Editor's Choice"
San Francisco Chronicle
Best Children's Books of the Year for 1998
Bank Street College of Education
Asian Pacific American Award for Literature
Children's and Young Adult Category
Honorable Mention for Illustration
Bay Area Book Reviewers Association Award
Finalist
More awards... - Interest Level
- Grades 1 - 6
- Reading Level
- Grade 3
- Themes
- Asian/Asian American Interest, Biography, Environment/Nature, Poetry
- Accelerated Reader
- Level: 4.4
Points: .5
Matthew Gollub is the author of several books for children, including Ten Oni Drummers and Cool Melons, an ALA Notable Book and a Horn Book "Fanfare" selection, published by LEE & LOW. He lives in Santa Rosa, California, with his wife and their son. To find out more about Matthew Gollub, visit his Web site: www.matthewgollub.com
Kazuko G. Stone has illustrated many books for children here in the United States and in her native Japan. She was the illustrator for Ten Oni Drummers and Cool Melons. A full-time artist, teacher, and designer, she lives in New York City with her husband and their two daughters.
