Tsunami!

Title: Tsunami!

Author: Kimiko Kajikawa

Illustrator: Ed Young

Publisher: Philomel Books

http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780399250064,00.html

Publication Date: 2009

Genre: Folktale

Audience: Gr. PreK-2/3

Overview: Ojiisan is the wealthiest man but lives in a very simple house in Japan. One day he chooses not to go to the rice harvest celebration because he senses that something is not right. As he looks down upon the beautifully decorated village and the people dancing, he feels the ground rumble. The people down below continue to celebrate but Ojiisan knows that it was an earthquake and something more is coming. He sees the tsunami coming and sees as the villagers run towards the ocean, unaware of its dangers. Ojiisan has to help, so he lights the fields on fire to get their attention. As the villagers come running to see the fire, they turn back to see that the tsunami is coming. They watch as the village is destroyed below them. Though all his money is gone, Ojiisan has saver 400 lives. The people build a temple in his honor.

Activity: This book would be a good lesson on what a tsunami is for the younger students. It explains the cultures in Japan and the lifestyles and history. It could also be used in explaining what a sacrifice is. Have the children write about how Ojiisan sacrificed for 400 people and why he did that. The illustrations in the book are great for art activities and imagination.

Reviewer's Name: Emily Trees