Discovering Joy in Japanese Nursery Rhymes: A Review of Japanese and English Nursery Rhymes: Carp Streamers, Falling Rain and Other Favorite Songs and Rhymes
There’s something magical about bedtime in our house, even amidst the toys strewn everywhere and the laundry piling up. It’s become a cherished ritual: each night, we gather in the warm glow of the nightlight with an armful of books. Recently, we stumbled upon Japanese and English Nursery Rhymes: Carp Streamers, Falling Rain and Other Favorite Songs and Rhymes by Tuttle Publishing, and I have to say, it quickly became a favorite in our collection. The gentle melodies and vibrant illustrations truly encapsulated the essence of childhood wonder—and oh, did we need that this week!
Right off the bat, this beautifully illustrated bilingual book invites readers into the rhythmic joy of Japanese nursery rhymes. Each rhyme is a sweet celebration of nature, seasons, and the simple pleasures of rural life that feel universal yet delightfully unique. My kids, ages 5 and 7, were instantly captivated, peering closely at vibrant illustrations of kites and rain-soaked landscapes. I found them giggling at “The Rabbit Dance,” and their excitement was infectious, prompting me to jump around the living room, twirling like a rabbit myself!
The book includes fifteen nursery rhymes, wonderfully capturing the fleeting beauty of childhood through the lens of Japanese culture. As we read through the pages, my kids expressed curiosity about the cultural significance of certain symbols—like the iconic koi fish. This turned our reading session into an impromptu cultural lesson, sparking questions like, “Mommy, what does it mean to fly a carp streamer?” We continued the conversation over dinner, with the kids sharing their newly acquired knowledge with their dad, who couldn’t help but chuckle at their earnest enthusiasm.
A standout feature of this book is the access to online audio recordings of the rhymes read by native Japanese speakers. My daughter particularly loved this, repeating phrases in both English and Japanese, her round cheeks puffed with concentration. It encouraged all of us to sing along, and while our renditions may not have been pitch-perfect, the joy was palpable! A little note though—some parents in the reviews pointed out that the pronunciation might have mixed reviews depending on the audio quality. Still, I found that it added a layer of charm to our family sing-alongs!
The illustrations are another high point! They capture a whimsical yet calming aesthetic that held my children’s attention through each rhyme. One page featuring a soft, rainy landscape sparked my son’s imagination, leading to a delightful discussion about rain and the importance of water for plants. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love sharing books with my kids. Not only do they see the beauty in the illustrations, but they’re also learning and connecting with nature in a profound way.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a fresh addition to your storytime collection, I wholeheartedly recommend Japanese and English Nursery Rhymes for kids ages 4 to 8. It’s more than just a book to read; it’s an opportunity for cultural connection, creative play, and magical moments. Whether you’re teaching your little ones about the beauty of a different culture or simply seeking a new bedtime favorite, this book fits the bill perfectly. It’s become a delightful family tradition to reach for this book after all the chaos settles down—just another reminder of how stories can unite us, even from across the globe. As for us, it has secured a special place on our bookshelf, and I can’t wait to explore even more delightful tales together!
