Say, Allen. TREE OF CRANES. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1991. ISBN 039552024X
Set in Japan, a boy learns about Christmas and his mother when she decorates a special tree with handmade paper crane ornaments.
TREE OF CRANES is full of cultural markers for Japanese culture through words and Say's watercolor illustrations. The story is set in Japan so cultural authenticity is a must and is evident throughout.
The opening line sets the reader's mind for awareness of differences between the Japanese and American cultures: "When I was not yet old enough to wear long pants,..." It seems odd because as the story progresses one realizes it is set in December and the boy narrating the story is wearing shorts, gloves, a thick sweater, and a scarf. The boy is playing at a pond, gets wet, and gets a chill. He heads home knowing his mother will be upset but evidence of a strong family bond is shown when he thinks to himself, "she might be happy just to see me." He is surprised she doesn't come right out to greet him so assumes she is sick. She takes great care of him to help him get over his cold, further evidence of a close bond.
The mother is also preparing a special celebration for her son. She is very secretive and the boy finds this very unusual. We discover through her story to her son that she was born and grew up in California. She is teaching him about Christmas but adds some Japanese touches. The tree is decorated with origami cranes she folded which are associated with making wishes. She tells him how the trees would be decorated with lights and ornaments and would have presents underneath. Right away he gets into the spirit of presents and asks for "a samurai kite!" He asks his mother what she would like as well and makes her a promise as his gift. When he wakes up Christmas morning he finds his kite left by the tree and the excitement he feels is the same as American children on Christmas day.
Many cultural markers are found in the illustrations. The traditional clothing worn by the mother throughout the story and by the boy when he is inside his house is accurately depicted. The home and furnishings are also culturally authentic. Readers will see sliding doors with rice paper windows, sparse furnishings with clean, simple lines, and the boy's bed - a futon with one pillow and a simple coverlet. The dishes used to serve the boy consist of a simple cup with Japanese symbols, a rectangular plate, a bowl, and chopsticks. When the boy looks out his bedroom window at his mother we see her in their outer courtyard which contains a well-kept garden. The most intriguing furnishing of the house was the wooden bathtub. It will capture reader's attention and lead to discussions of whether or not houses in Japan are really like the pictures in the book.
TREE OF CRANES is a beautiful book which will peak students' interest in Japanese culture. I shared this book with elementary students and they commented on every picture and had so many questions and comments about things that were unfamiliar to them.
PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY - "The story is a poignant one, illuminated with finely drawn illustrations reflecting the serenity of a Japanese home and the quiet love between mother and son."
BOOKLIST - "Infused with gentle nostalgia, the quiet, graciously told picture book is a perfect blend of text and art."
Research and study Japanese clothing and housing.
Read other books by Allen Say:
THE BICYCLE MAN
ISBN 9780395506523
EL CHINO
ISBN 9780395778753
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