Wabi Sabi

Wabi Sabi, a little cat in Kyoto, Japan, had never thought much about her name until friends visiting from another land asked her owner what it meant. At last, the master says, "That's hard to explain." And that is all she says. This unsatisfying answer sets Wabi Sabi on a journey to uncover the meaning of her name, and on the way discovers what wabi sabi is: a Japanese philosophy of seeing beauty in simplicity, the ordinary, and imperfection. Using spare text and haiku, Mark Reibstein weaves an extraordinary story about finding real beauty in unexpected places. Caldecott Medal-winning artist Ed Young complements the lyrical text with breathtaking collages. Together, they illustrate the unique world view that is wabi sabi. Wabi Sabi is a unique picture book that clearly explains a new way of seeing the world to readers. more

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From: Amazon
Posted: Jan-06-2009

Wabi Sabi

This is an excellent read aloud for pre-schoolers and elementary school just on the story line and illustrations alone. Older children can use this story to develop understandings of philosophy, art, Japanese culture and so on. The haiku are delightful and are excellent springboards for teaching...

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From: Amazon
Posted: Dec-30-2008

A subtle book that this parent reads most nights to his 3 year old

What a wonderful way to expose a young audience to meaningful simplicity. One reviewer said this wasn't a children's book but I guess it depends on the child. Curled up in bed with his dog and his cat my son pays rapt attention to this story. As the reader I was struck by the fact that even...

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From: Amazon
Posted: Dec-27-2008

Wabi Sabi

Beautiful illustrations and thoughtful message. My four-year old grandson enjoyed the story as did his nine-year old sister.

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From: Amazon
Posted: Dec-22-2008

Zen-themed haiku and accompanying art - marvelous, but misses by a mile its target audience

As an adult, former resident of Japan (for 3.5 years), visitor of Ginkakuji, and cat lover, I enjoyed this book with its wonderfully done collages, calming story and accompanying haiku about a cat named Wabi Sabi. But it is more appropriate for a homeschooling parent, poetry teacher, or Japanese...

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From: Amazon
Posted: Dec-16-2008

Wabi Sabi

This is a beautifully written AND illustrated book, for adults as well as children. Meaningful, a lovely lesson in our troubled world...A joy ! Marta Blades

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From: Amazon
Posted: Nov-30-2008

Wabi Sabi discovers what wabi sabi means

On the surface, Wabi Sabi is the story of a cat trying to find the meaning of her name. That story, along with art from the award-winning Young, make this a fine children's book, especially from a first time author. On a deeper level, it introduces the concept of self-identity, wabi sabi (the...

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From: Amazon
Posted: Nov-29-2008

Wabi Sabi

This is a wonderful book for all ages. Though meant as a book for children I have read it many times and thought about the philosophy of Wabi Sabi. I am a third grade teacher and my class really loved the story and the magnificent art work. The discussions that took place after reading it...

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From: Amazon
Posted: Nov-12-2008

A Masterpiece

Wabi Sabi is a children's book with a universal theme -- the quest for self-identity. This timeless motif in literature is beautifully expressed by the author, Mark Reibstein, who weaves an enchanting tale of a cat in search of the meaning of his name. The synthesis of collage art with simple,...

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From: Amazon
Posted: Nov-02-2008

A Tale for All Ages

Wabi Sabi is a charming tale of deceptive simplicity. A cat's search for identity takes readers on a journey through lavishly illustrated landscapes punctuated by thought-provoking haiku. The discovery at the end of the journey has the impact of a true epiphany or "satori," a breakthrough to...

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From: Amazon
Posted: Oct-30-2008

Enchanting Review: Wabi Sabi

WABI SABIMARK REBSTEINArt by Ed YoungChildren's (ages 4-8)Little, BrownISBN# 978-0-316-11825-540 Pages$16.99Hardcover--Available NowRating: 4 EnchantmentsWABI SABI is the story of a cat by the same name, who after hearing a conversation her owner has with friends about her unusual name decides to...

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