A beautifully illustrated and simply told story unfolds about Suki and her momentous first day at school. Suki, with a sense of determination, decides to wear her kimono, disregarding the warnings from her older sisters who claim that her choice is neither new nor cool. As she dons the kimono, Suki vividly remembers the day she received it from her obachan. It was a day filled with joy and laughter, a day that holds a special place in her heart.
She chooses to wear the kimono to school not only as a means of remembrance but also to celebrate that wonderful day in the past. The kimono becomes a symbol of her connection to her family and her cultural heritage. Despite the potential teasing or strange looks she might receive, Suki is proud to展示 her unique identity through her clothing choice. She walks into the school with her head held high, ready to embrace this new chapter of her life while still holding onto the precious memories of her past.
Summary:
"Suki's Kimono" is a captivating book penned by Chieri Uegaki and beautifully illustrated by Stephane Jorisch. Suki, a first grader, embarks on her first day of school donning a blue kimono. Her sisters attempt to persuade her otherwise, but Suki is resolute. Throughout the day, she endures being teased for being "different" and for dressing in a funny way. However, Suki remains unfazed by their unkind comments. When the teacher asks the class about their summer activities, Suki shares the story of her kimono. Her Obachan (grandma) had presented her with the blue kimono for a special Japanese festival. She loved the festival so much that she began dancing to its music right in the classroom. The entire classroom erupts in applause for Suki's dancing, and she continues to dance all the way home.
This story vividly showcases the pride and excitement that one's culture can bring. Despite being discouraged and made to feel different from her classmates, Suki remains deeply proud of her Asian culture and identity. It teaches us that we can learn a great deal from and about other cultures, and there is no need to hide or change what makes a particular culture special.
Genre: General Fiction
Developmental Appropriateness: K-2
Quality: