Chidori: A Story of One Thousand Birds

"Sato's signature mixed-media artwork has a three-dimensional feel, well suited for young readers; it deftly evokes the power of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami on the town, as well as the people's quiet sadness and recovery. A moving introduction to a tragic event."--Kirkus ReviewsHana is at school when the devastating tsunami sweeps over Japan. But when the dark wave finally returns to the ocean, it has taken more than Hana could have ever imagined.Hana's school sits on the side of a hill with a view of the ocean. One day, while in class, a tsunami drags the ocean across her village. Hana watches in horror as the dark water crashes into trees and tosses cars and boats around. When she is finally reunited with her family, she learns that the wave has taken more than she could have ever imagined. To cope with her grief, Hana begins to paint chidori (a thousand birds).Miki Sato's collage art, which combines paper, textiles, and watercolor, creates a three-dimensional world that is rich in emotion, detail, and texture.Jennifer Maruno writes with compassion and heart, bringing life to this story inspired by true events.

Author: Jennifer Maruno
Publisher: Pajama Press
Published: 04/29/2025
Pages: 36
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 9.70h x 11.30w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9781772783162
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 01/01/2025 pg. 51
Kirkus Reviews 02/01/2025
Foreword 02/17/2025

About the Author
Maruno, Jennifer: - Jennifer Maruno is the author of eight novels for middle grade and young adult readers as well as several picture books. Her picture book, While You Sleep, received a starred review from Kirkus and was selected for the 2023 Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Waterloo University and Master of Education from Brock University. While a teacher, Jennifer believed that every lesson should begin with a story--even mathematics. Now retired from education, Jennifer currently enjoys writing, traveling, and mentoring other writers full time. Jennifer lives in Burlington, Ontario.Sato, Miki: - Miki Sato is a Japanese-Canadian illustrator who uses a variety of different textures and materials to create three-dimensional images. Originally from Ottawa, she moved to Toronto to complete her degree in illustration from the Ontario College of Art and Design. Her picture books include Snow Days, which was a finalist for the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award, Sunny Days, which was a 2021 CBC Books Best Book, Windy Days, which won a Northern Lights Book Award, and Rainy Days.