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Wabi Sabi
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Wabi Sabi

By Mark Reibstein (Hardcover Book, 2008)
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 the imperfect.

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.

A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book for 2008!

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  • Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

    • Format: Hardcover Book

    • Price: $16.99 US/$18.99 CAN

    • ISBN-13: 9780316118255

    • On Sale Date: 10/01/2008

    • Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

    Full Details

    Formats Available: Hardcover Book

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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 the imperfect.

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.

A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book for 2008!

Mark Reibstein is an English teacher and writer who has lived in New York, California, Hawaii, Japan, and Thailand. Now Mark and his daughter live near San Francisco with their good friend Arlo, who is also a cat. This is his first picture book.

Ed Young has illustrated for over 70 books and has been awarded the Caldecott Medal for Lon Po Po and the Caldecott Honors for Seven Blind Mice and The Emperor and the Kite. He lives in upstate New York with his daughters.


  • Wabi Sabi

  • Praise for Ed Young:

    Beyond the Great Mountains:
    "A stunning and uniquely designed picture book." - School Library Journal

    "A world of stunning beauty." - Publishers Weekly

    Lon Po Po:
    "An extraordinary and powerful book." - Publishers Weekly

    "This is an outstanding achievement that will be pored over again and again." - School Library Journal

    Seven Blind Mice:
    "Young gives children a clever story, wise words, and a truly exciting visual experience." - School Library Journal

    "Exquisitely crafted." - Kirkus

    The Emperor and the Kite:
    "A familiar jewel polished to unaccustomed brilliance." - Booklist

Formats

Product Details

Wabi Sabi
  • Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
  • Price: $16.99 US/$18.99 CAN
  • Pages: 40
  • Physical Dimensions: 11" x 11"
  • Audio Run Time: 0
  • ISBN-13: 9780316118255
  • On Sale Date: 10/01/2008
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Wabi Sabi