What do you think?
Rate this book
Suki's Kimono
Suki's favorite possession is her blue cotton kimono. A gift from her obachan, it holds special memories of her grandmother's visit last summer. And Suki is going to wear it on her first day back to school --- no matter what anyone says.When it's Suki's turn to share with her classmates what she did during the summer, she tells them about the street festival she attended with her obachan and the circle dance that they took part in. In fact, she gets so carried away reminiscing that she's soon humming the music and dancing away, much to the delight of her entire class!Filled with gentle enthusiasm and a touch of whimsy, Suki's Kimono is the joyful story of a little girl whose spirit leads her to march --- and dance --- to her own drumbeat.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
23 people are currently reading
1055 people want to read
About the author
Chieri Uegaki
8 books46 followersChieri Uegaki is a second-generation Japanese-Canadian who was born in Quesnel, British Columbia. By the age of one, she and her parents had moved to East Vancouver, where she and her two sisters grew up.
Chieri attended Sir John Franklin Elementary School. Initially, she had to take English as a Second Language classes as she spoke mostly Japanese at home. An excellent ESL teacher and an inherited love of books helped develop Chieri's skills quickly, and language arts became one of her favorite subjects.
Chieri then went to Templeton Senior Secondary. As she neared graduation, she was thrilled to discover that the University of British Columbia offered a degree in Creative Writing. She submitted a portfolio of writing samples and was accepted into the program.
Chieri's first picture book, Suki's Kimono, was a result of losing two children's writing competitions. She took a story she'd written at UBC almost a decade earlier, rewrote it as a picture book and submitted it. After being shortlisted in that first competition, Chieri honed the story even more and entered a second competition.
Again, Suki's Kimono did not win. And, again, the story was shortlisted. But this time, the shortlisted titles were passed on to several Canadian publishers. Two publishers requested a copy of Chieri's manuscript, and Kids Can Press came back with an offer to publish.
Suki's Kimono, illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch, was released in 2003. Chieri enjoyed working on the picture book so much that she decided to continue writing for children.
Rosie and Buttercup was published by Kids Can Press in 2008. Chieri has also written stories for Chirp and chickaDEE magazines as well as for Pearson Education.
Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin is Chieri's third picture book.
Chieri lives on the Sunshine Coast with her husband and two dogs, Nika and Rosie.
—from the publisher's website at http://www.kidscanpress.com/creators/...
Chieri attended Sir John Franklin Elementary School. Initially, she had to take English as a Second Language classes as she spoke mostly Japanese at home. An excellent ESL teacher and an inherited love of books helped develop Chieri's skills quickly, and language arts became one of her favorite subjects.
Chieri then went to Templeton Senior Secondary. As she neared graduation, she was thrilled to discover that the University of British Columbia offered a degree in Creative Writing. She submitted a portfolio of writing samples and was accepted into the program.
Chieri's first picture book, Suki's Kimono, was a result of losing two children's writing competitions. She took a story she'd written at UBC almost a decade earlier, rewrote it as a picture book and submitted it. After being shortlisted in that first competition, Chieri honed the story even more and entered a second competition.
Again, Suki's Kimono did not win. And, again, the story was shortlisted. But this time, the shortlisted titles were passed on to several Canadian publishers. Two publishers requested a copy of Chieri's manuscript, and Kids Can Press came back with an offer to publish.
Suki's Kimono, illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch, was released in 2003. Chieri enjoyed working on the picture book so much that she decided to continue writing for children.
Rosie and Buttercup was published by Kids Can Press in 2008. Chieri has also written stories for Chirp and chickaDEE magazines as well as for Pearson Education.
Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin is Chieri's third picture book.
Chieri lives on the Sunshine Coast with her husband and two dogs, Nika and Rosie.
—from the publisher's website at http://www.kidscanpress.com/creators/...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
January 24, 2009
Having a strong-willed and self-possessed little girl of my own, I have to admire a kindred spirit when I see one in a book. In Suki’s Kimono, by Chieri Uegaki, Suki is choosing what to wear on the first day of first grade. Suki dismisses her sisters’ suggestion to wear something “cool” and chooses instead to wear something meaningful; a kimono and geta shoes that she wore on a special occasion with her grandmother.
At school, Suki remains calm, confident, and dignified as she was questioned and mocked for wearing something so different from her peers. When Suki has a chance to explain that the kimono was a gift from her grandmother that she wore to a special festival, she begins to dance as she recalls the joyful experiences of that day. Her exuberance impresses her classmates and she earns their admiration.
Stephane Jorisch’s bright and happy watercolors are a great match to Uegaki’s text. Jorisch’s simple but animated style emphasize Suki’s confidence and joyfulness, particularly in the illustration of Suki walking to school, arms held high like bird wings and an ear-to-ear smile across her face.
There is much to admire about the themes of this book as well – individual expression, the confidence to be who you are, admiration for a grandparent, pride in your heritage, and dignity in the face of ridicule. Suki’s Kimono gives us much to enjoy and learn; I look forward to presenting this book to my students.
At school, Suki remains calm, confident, and dignified as she was questioned and mocked for wearing something so different from her peers. When Suki has a chance to explain that the kimono was a gift from her grandmother that she wore to a special festival, she begins to dance as she recalls the joyful experiences of that day. Her exuberance impresses her classmates and she earns their admiration.
Stephane Jorisch’s bright and happy watercolors are a great match to Uegaki’s text. Jorisch’s simple but animated style emphasize Suki’s confidence and joyfulness, particularly in the illustration of Suki walking to school, arms held high like bird wings and an ear-to-ear smile across her face.
There is much to admire about the themes of this book as well – individual expression, the confidence to be who you are, admiration for a grandparent, pride in your heritage, and dignity in the face of ridicule. Suki’s Kimono gives us much to enjoy and learn; I look forward to presenting this book to my students.
July 9, 2012
This book has wonderful illustrations and really helps to convey the charm and grace of Japanese culture and festivals. We lived in Japan for four years and got to participate in a club that played taiko drums and it was wonderful. Our girls were born there and we left when they were so young, they don't have any memories of that time, which makes me a little sad. I hope to bring them back to visit someday.
The narrative, however, just didn't ring true to me. Suki's sisters were a bit too snide and mean to their little sister on her first day of school, but I understand what the author was trying to accomplish. And Suki's classmates seemed a bit too mean and outspoken for first graders on the first day of school. too. Our youngest just finished first grade and the kids in her class were much more shy and would have been in awe of something new like that. The snickers and mean teasing seems to come a little bit later. Finally, the fact that Suki's mom let her wear her Kimono and obi to school seems a little far-fetched to me. The outfit is very fancy and is not suitable for the school playground. I visited elementary schools many times in Japan and the little kids wore regular clothes to school, not formal wear. I get that her outfit was something special for the first day, but it would have been more appropriate for a presentation or an event. I know I wouldn't allow our girls to wear something so nice and fancy all day in school!
Overall, I thought this was a good story about being proud of your cultural background. Good, but not great. We enjoyed reading it together and mainly, I had fun reminiscing about some of the Japanese festivals we participated in during our time in Japan.
The narrative, however, just didn't ring true to me. Suki's sisters were a bit too snide and mean to their little sister on her first day of school, but I understand what the author was trying to accomplish. And Suki's classmates seemed a bit too mean and outspoken for first graders on the first day of school. too. Our youngest just finished first grade and the kids in her class were much more shy and would have been in awe of something new like that. The snickers and mean teasing seems to come a little bit later. Finally, the fact that Suki's mom let her wear her Kimono and obi to school seems a little far-fetched to me. The outfit is very fancy and is not suitable for the school playground. I visited elementary schools many times in Japan and the little kids wore regular clothes to school, not formal wear. I get that her outfit was something special for the first day, but it would have been more appropriate for a presentation or an event. I know I wouldn't allow our girls to wear something so nice and fancy all day in school!
Overall, I thought this was a good story about being proud of your cultural background. Good, but not great. We enjoyed reading it together and mainly, I had fun reminiscing about some of the Japanese festivals we participated in during our time in Japan.
March 1, 2022
I am upping this to four stars having recently reread it and shared it with my children. Suki wants to wear her kimono to school, even though her older sisters warn her she will be teased--but Suki's grandmother gave her the kimono and she loves it very much, especially since it reminds her of a beautiful festival they attended with lots of dancing. Suki is, indeed, snubbed and ridiculed for her kimono until she shows her dance to the class and they all come to appreciate her. It's still a bit too predictable and perhaps a bit implausible (that everyone in class would go from teasing her to thinking she's awesome just like that) but I appreciate that Suki loves her grandmother so much, and wants to celebrate the memory of special time together, and that was more important than impressing her peers.
July 22, 2018
Cute story of a girl who does her own thing, and shows her conviction and her love for her grandmother on her first day of grade one. Lovely illustrations accompany the story.
February 27, 2020
I am so in awe of mom for letting Suki wear her favorite outfit to the first day of school. Kimono are to be enjoyed, not left to collect wrinkles and moths. After all, it's not like Suki is going to roll around in the dirt or do finger-painting in it. The other children are meaner than most first-graders, so maybe this should have been set in second-grade, but otherwise the story rings true to me.
And, hello, a story about Japanese-American children who help us learn about traditional Japanese culture, told from an #OwnVoices perspective? Pretty 'amazing' so I have to give it the goodreads five-star review.
And, hello, a story about Japanese-American children who help us learn about traditional Japanese culture, told from an #OwnVoices perspective? Pretty 'amazing' so I have to give it the goodreads five-star review.
May 24, 2016
A beautifully illustrated and simply told story about Suki and her first day at school. She wears her kimono despite the warnings from her older sisters about her choice not being new or cool. Suki remembers the day she received the kimono from her obachan and how much fun they'd had.
She wears the kimono to school to remember, but also to celebrate that wonderful day in the past.
She wears the kimono to school to remember, but also to celebrate that wonderful day in the past.
October 17, 2011
I read this book and listened to it on Tumblebooks:
Summary: It is about a young girl who chooses to wear her kimono on her first day of first grade. Her sisters make fun of her, and tell her not to do it, but she wants to anyway. The story explains how she got the kimono. You learn that her grandmother spent the day with her at a festival. She danced and ate wonderful food, and then her grandmother purchased her a pink handkerchief. She wanted to wear the kimono, because it was her favorite day of the summer and it reminded her of her grandmother. In the end, even though kids made fun of her at first, they are impressed with her story, and admire her.
The book is written in English, but uses some basic Japanese vocabulary, such as obachan, geta, and obi. One positive aspect of the Tumblebooks was the pronunciation. It correctly pronounced the words. I had to go online to check, which is what I would have done if I was reading this book in class. I liked that they helped to keep the cultural aspect of the vocabulary.
Opinion: I liked this book. It was a sweet story. It held cultural aspects, but didn't really explain the cultural ideas. You don't learn about the symbolism or reasons behind the clothing, but you learn what they are. The book does a great job in presenting a girl who isn't afraid to show her culture, regardless of what others think.
Grade Level: k+
School Ideas:
- Study the Kimono and other Japanese vocabulary words
- Compare different clothing styles from other cultures
- Infer the meanings of words with the pictures.
Summary: It is about a young girl who chooses to wear her kimono on her first day of first grade. Her sisters make fun of her, and tell her not to do it, but she wants to anyway. The story explains how she got the kimono. You learn that her grandmother spent the day with her at a festival. She danced and ate wonderful food, and then her grandmother purchased her a pink handkerchief. She wanted to wear the kimono, because it was her favorite day of the summer and it reminded her of her grandmother. In the end, even though kids made fun of her at first, they are impressed with her story, and admire her.
The book is written in English, but uses some basic Japanese vocabulary, such as obachan, geta, and obi. One positive aspect of the Tumblebooks was the pronunciation. It correctly pronounced the words. I had to go online to check, which is what I would have done if I was reading this book in class. I liked that they helped to keep the cultural aspect of the vocabulary.
Opinion: I liked this book. It was a sweet story. It held cultural aspects, but didn't really explain the cultural ideas. You don't learn about the symbolism or reasons behind the clothing, but you learn what they are. The book does a great job in presenting a girl who isn't afraid to show her culture, regardless of what others think.
Grade Level: k+
School Ideas:
- Study the Kimono and other Japanese vocabulary words
- Compare different clothing styles from other cultures
- Infer the meanings of words with the pictures.
July 25, 2023
Wow! I loved the story of this one, and even without the cultural representation, it has wonderful relevant themes for children. Even YA readers would benefit from the message and depictions in this book. Great illustrations and storyline without being too mature, detailed, or distracting. This will definitely be one I keep in mind!
October 4, 2013
First grader Suki had such a wonderful time with her obachan over the summer at a street festival, that she decides to wear her Japanese grandmother's present, a komono and geta, on her first day of school. Her sisters are embarrased by her outfit because it isn't "new" or "cool" but Suki doesn't seem to care what they think and keeps her outfit on anyway. At school Suki is teased and stared at by the other students, but she ignores them. Then in class, the teacher asks her what she did over the summer. Suki not only describes the festival but she shows the class the special dance she learned and hums the song that went with it. In the end, Suki recieves a standing ovation.
This version of the book was listened to on Tumblebooks.com which reads the book aloud to you and alters the original version so that the characters can move slightly. The beautiful watercolor and ink pictures showed the beauty of the Japanese culture. It was soft and graceful like Suki's dancing. Tumblebooks did a wonderful job of adding various sounds and music to the book and really put the reader right next to Suki, seeing, listening and feeling the same things she did. I was thankful to be able to listen to the narrator say the unfamiliar Japanese words aloud. Words that I may have pronounced incorrectly had I been reading this to my students. This book would be good for a read aloud to early elementary students learning about cultural differences. It does a good job of explaining the meanings of the Japanese words through context and the pictures. Pair this book with a nonfiction book on Japan, like "A Look at Japan" by Helen Frost.
This version of the book was listened to on Tumblebooks.com which reads the book aloud to you and alters the original version so that the characters can move slightly. The beautiful watercolor and ink pictures showed the beauty of the Japanese culture. It was soft and graceful like Suki's dancing. Tumblebooks did a wonderful job of adding various sounds and music to the book and really put the reader right next to Suki, seeing, listening and feeling the same things she did. I was thankful to be able to listen to the narrator say the unfamiliar Japanese words aloud. Words that I may have pronounced incorrectly had I been reading this to my students. This book would be good for a read aloud to early elementary students learning about cultural differences. It does a good job of explaining the meanings of the Japanese words through context and the pictures. Pair this book with a nonfiction book on Japan, like "A Look at Japan" by Helen Frost.
July 18, 2010
Suki's Kimono follows Suki on her first day of school. While her sisters are excited to show off their new clothes for their friends, Suki is going to wear the kimono she wore while at an Asian festival with her grandmother. She thinks its awesome and proud of her heritage, but her sisters think she'll be made fun of and pretend not to know her as they walk to school. And when she gets to school, Suki is either teased or ridiculed for her outfit, aside from her friend Penny. During show and tell she shows off the kimono and does some dancing in it. The teacher compliments her garb and all the kids begin to love it and compliment her on it. And on the way home from school, while her sisters are disappointed that nobody commented on their new clothes, Suki smugly walks behind them, proud of her kimono.
I'm guessing this is in a long line of children's picture books with the theme of being proud of your culture, no matter what other people think. But I thought it was heartwarming and I'm sure would be great for young readers, probably 3rd grade and below. I also liked that the illustrations were spaced in a way to build suspense and excitement, it was not simply random placement. It had a multicultural theme but was firmly set in modern day issues, and formed a worthy commentary on how students must be proud of their very different backgrounds without fear of being teased. It set out to deliver a simple message and, with the aid its vivid illustrations, the message certainly came across.
I'm guessing this is in a long line of children's picture books with the theme of being proud of your culture, no matter what other people think. But I thought it was heartwarming and I'm sure would be great for young readers, probably 3rd grade and below. I also liked that the illustrations were spaced in a way to build suspense and excitement, it was not simply random placement. It had a multicultural theme but was firmly set in modern day issues, and formed a worthy commentary on how students must be proud of their very different backgrounds without fear of being teased. It set out to deliver a simple message and, with the aid its vivid illustrations, the message certainly came across.
November 11, 2009
Suki’s Kimono
Picture book: Different Culture
Grades K-4
Stéphanie Jorisch uses an abstract, sketched illustrating style and effectively captures emotional expression on the characters' faces. The use of soft colors rendered in faded watercolor draw attention to the use of the brighter repetition of blue and yellow symbolizing Suki’s kimono. Chieri Uegaki tells the story in short paragraphs, written in a simple yet descriptive way. Scenes from Suki’s happy memories of the day she went to a Japanese festival with her grandmother, who gave her the kimono, are juxtaposed against the day she is teased for wearing her kimono at school. Suki’s kimono not only represents her Japanese heritage, but a gift given to her by someone she loves, and a happy memory of the day with her grandmother. The story includes a short glossary of six Japanese words used in the story.
Language arts/ social studies
K-4
This book can be used in a language arts theme about multiculturalism. Students can write about their own heritage, or choose a culture other than their own that they are interested in learning more about. They can write about the foods or traditional dress of that culture. This book can also be used in a social studies unit about geography, Japan, and traditional clothes or foods from around the world.
Picture book: Different Culture
Grades K-4
Stéphanie Jorisch uses an abstract, sketched illustrating style and effectively captures emotional expression on the characters' faces. The use of soft colors rendered in faded watercolor draw attention to the use of the brighter repetition of blue and yellow symbolizing Suki’s kimono. Chieri Uegaki tells the story in short paragraphs, written in a simple yet descriptive way. Scenes from Suki’s happy memories of the day she went to a Japanese festival with her grandmother, who gave her the kimono, are juxtaposed against the day she is teased for wearing her kimono at school. Suki’s kimono not only represents her Japanese heritage, but a gift given to her by someone she loves, and a happy memory of the day with her grandmother. The story includes a short glossary of six Japanese words used in the story.
Language arts/ social studies
K-4
This book can be used in a language arts theme about multiculturalism. Students can write about their own heritage, or choose a culture other than their own that they are interested in learning more about. They can write about the foods or traditional dress of that culture. This book can also be used in a social studies unit about geography, Japan, and traditional clothes or foods from around the world.
March 17, 2011
This is a very good story with a character you can't help but love. Suki wants to wear her new kimono, a gift from her obachan (grandmother), on the first day of school. Her older sisters warn her that the other kids will laugh at her, as they choose some "cool" new clothes to wear and distance themselves from this embarrassing little sister on their walk to school. Some of the other first-graders do make fun of her kimono, but when everyone in the class is asked to talk about what they did over the summer, Suki tells of the festival she went to with her obachan and performs some of the dances she did there. She is clearly a little girl who knows her own mind and will not let the opinions of anyone else stop her. The illustrations fit in perfectly with the text - soft watercolors that capture the emotions of the characters. At the beginning of the book is a short glossary defining the Japanese terms, such as obachan and kimono, used in the book. Excellent multicultural book and a good way of showing a child that it doesn't always matter what others think when you follow your heart.
October 19, 2016
This book is about a girl named Suki who wants to wear her kimono to school. Despite her classmates telling her that "people will think it's weird", Suki is determined to wear it. Her kimono reminds her of her grandma and all the cool things they did together when they wore their kimonos. This was a very sweet book of a proud girl who was daring to be different. This book goes with my topic because it shows how students with different cultural backgrounds are made to feel different from the norm. Their cultural attire is "not cool" and people will think it's "weird". I liked how in this book, the main character was proud of her culture and did not conform to please her peers.
This book definitely is on the top of my list for best illustrations. The watercolors of the kimonos make them look more beautiful and realistic. This book can be followed by any child because there is something in everyone that is different. Suki's Kimono can teach them individuality. This book is very interesting and reading about Suki's experience in Japan is very captivating. This book's genres are cultural, family, and fiction.
This book definitely is on the top of my list for best illustrations. The watercolors of the kimonos make them look more beautiful and realistic. This book can be followed by any child because there is something in everyone that is different. Suki's Kimono can teach them individuality. This book is very interesting and reading about Suki's experience in Japan is very captivating. This book's genres are cultural, family, and fiction.
November 21, 2016
Reading level: 3.8
Book Summary: This wonderfully illustrated book tells a story of a girl named Suki who's favorite possession is her blue cotton kimono. It is a gift from her obachan, and holds special memories of her grandmother’s visit last summer. Follow along in this lovely story about a spunky girl determined to to wear the special kimono on her first day back to school, no matter what anyone says.
Characteristics that support the genre: Realistic Fiction, Theme/Subject, Elementary School
Japanese and Japanese American, Individuality, Grandparents and Grandchildren, First Day of School
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits: Ideas - Students are asked to write a story about their most prized/favorite possession. Another activity could be word choice - Students are to write four descriptive sentences about their favorite thing.
Classroom Integration/Mini-Lessons/Content Connections: Social Studies - students learn facts about Japan. Students learn facts about the different clothing in different parts of the world. Art- Students are able to make a watercolor painting of their favorite possession.
Book Summary: This wonderfully illustrated book tells a story of a girl named Suki who's favorite possession is her blue cotton kimono. It is a gift from her obachan, and holds special memories of her grandmother’s visit last summer. Follow along in this lovely story about a spunky girl determined to to wear the special kimono on her first day back to school, no matter what anyone says.
Characteristics that support the genre: Realistic Fiction, Theme/Subject, Elementary School
Japanese and Japanese American, Individuality, Grandparents and Grandchildren, First Day of School
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits: Ideas - Students are asked to write a story about their most prized/favorite possession. Another activity could be word choice - Students are to write four descriptive sentences about their favorite thing.
Classroom Integration/Mini-Lessons/Content Connections: Social Studies - students learn facts about Japan. Students learn facts about the different clothing in different parts of the world. Art- Students are able to make a watercolor painting of their favorite possession.
January 22, 2012
When Suki starts school, she insists on wearing the kimono that her grandmother brought her over the summer, even though her sisters warn her that everyone will make fun of her. Suki does not care because the kimono is her favorite thing to wear because it reminds her of all of the traditional Japanese activities she and her grandmother did over the summer, eating in the market, dancing in a circle dance, and watching the taiko drummers perform. Sure enough, the kids at school make fun of Suki's outfit, but when she stays true to who she is, she finds that everyone becomes more accepting in the end.
This picture book is cute story about being an individual and doing your own thing, even if other people are not very accepting. The illustrations consist of gorgeous watercolors that are full of life and accurately express Suki's spirit. Suki's Kimono would be an excellent mentor text for a unit on family and culture/family roots, or individuality.
Recommended for grades preK-3.
This picture book is cute story about being an individual and doing your own thing, even if other people are not very accepting. The illustrations consist of gorgeous watercolors that are full of life and accurately express Suki's spirit. Suki's Kimono would be an excellent mentor text for a unit on family and culture/family roots, or individuality.
Recommended for grades preK-3.
December 30, 2016
It is the first day of school. Suki is wearing the kimono that her obachan gave her. Her sisters think that she should wear new clothes and that others will laugh at her. But Suki loves her kimono and it reminds her of the wonderful festival she had attended with her obachan. Suki floats along to school, feeling happy and loving the way her kimono fits. Once she arrives at school, other kids do giggle and look at her funny...but it doesn't take long for her to show them how wonderful the kimono is.
This would pair nicely with The Hungry Coat when talking about acceptance. Could also be used to talk about being yourself and not giving in to peer pressure or trying to fit in with the crowd.
This would pair nicely with The Hungry Coat when talking about acceptance. Could also be used to talk about being yourself and not giving in to peer pressure or trying to fit in with the crowd.
June 23, 2018
I read this one while browsing the shelves of the children's books at my local library. I don't have any need to check these short books out since I have no children to take them home to/any to read to at night.
I'm all for an author/book/character that introduces the idea of expressing individuality/other cultures/diversity to a child/children. I thought this was a very simple and effective way of teaching children that it's okay to want to show a different culture to your fellow peers. Suki stuck to her guns about her kimono. Her efforts paid off since I'm sure she'll have another good memory when it comes to how she introduced her kimono/memory of the festival and her obachan to her peers.
I'm all for an author/book/character that introduces the idea of expressing individuality/other cultures/diversity to a child/children. I thought this was a very simple and effective way of teaching children that it's okay to want to show a different culture to your fellow peers. Suki stuck to her guns about her kimono. Her efforts paid off since I'm sure she'll have another good memory when it comes to how she introduced her kimono/memory of the festival and her obachan to her peers.
August 14, 2019
Good story about being yourself, and how in doing so you find true happiness. Suki wears a kimono bought for her by her grandmother over the summer for her first day of first grade. At first classmates (and her sisters) make fun of her outfit. But when Suki stands in the front of the class to describe her summer and shows how the dancers at a festival danced in the kimono’s the class changes into one of respect for something new.
Read
June 5, 2021I really love the illustrations in this one.
Amazing portrayals of people.
Amazing portrayals of people.
February 22, 2020
A great book that teaches a small piece of Japanese culture and reminds kids to be kind to one another.
November 19, 2021
This book approaches the issue of acceptance and understanding in a very heartwarming and relatable way for young readers. Suki is the main character and she wants to wear her Kimono to school. Her sisters are less than encouraging when they tell her she shouldn't wear the kimono to school because everyone will laugh at her. Suki is undeterred and wears her kimono to school. Many young readers may not be aware of what a kimono looks like and the cultural importance of this clothing item. Suki wears the kimono with pride and has the opportunity to share her cultural experiences with her class mates. The central idea becomes more clear as the story continues. This message is extremely important for young readers as they struggle with acceptance among their peers. The cultural components of the story are not "in your face" but a presented in a subtle way that allows the reader to learn about Japanese culture.
Suki loves her grandmother and the connection her grandmother has to the kimono she wears. The importance of family is made clear throughout the book. Again, this is one young Japanese girl's story. The illustrations provide young readers with a clear image of what a kimono is & how it is worn. Overall this story is a great introduction to some cultural components of the Japanese culture.
Suki loves her grandmother and the connection her grandmother has to the kimono she wears. The importance of family is made clear throughout the book. Again, this is one young Japanese girl's story. The illustrations provide young readers with a clear image of what a kimono is & how it is worn. Overall this story is a great introduction to some cultural components of the Japanese culture.
November 6, 2022
If you are looking for a book so teach young children about confidence and culture, this is the book for you! Suki's Kimono is a beautifully watercolored book that tells the story of a little girl named Suki wearing her kimono to her first day of school. Despite her sisters telling her it wouldn't be cool, Suki is headstrong on wearing her kimono to school. At the beginning of the book, Suki talks about the time her grandmother gave her the kimono, then they went to a street festival. At the festival, Suki watches women dance in their kimonos, and you get to learn a little bit of the culture behind kimonos.
This would be a wonderful book to read to young students as a read aloud. You can tie in a a discussion about culture, and how our differences makes us special.
This would be a wonderful book to read to young students as a read aloud. You can tie in a a discussion about culture, and how our differences makes us special.
September 13, 2019
On the first day of school, Suki is adamant about wearing her kimono and geta shoes. Other kids can laugh all they want, but Suki shines on. I loved the story arc, message, and illustrations.
January 18, 2024
What a celebratory book!! A celebration of being yourself, a celebration of different cultures. This book cheers me up!
October 12, 2020
I read this multicultural book and thought it was great. I liked this book because Suki the little girl was not scared to wear her kimono that her grandma gifted to her. While her sisters made fun of her and some of her classmates thought it was strange. Suki was not fazed by their comments. She liked her families culture especially the festival that she and her grandma attended. She even eventually got compliments from some of her classmates after they learned about her special kimono. Her sisters were jealous that people noticed her kimono but nobody noticed their new outfits.
December 24, 2019
Cute with an important lesson! Nice watercolor illustrations.
October 2, 2022
Suki's Kimono is a great book for elementary students to read. It can show children that it's okay to be different and not worry about other peoples opinions. If you want to wear or do something that is not the "norm" that's okay. Suki goes through the exact same thing when she goes to school. Suki wants to wear her kimono to school for the first day of first grade, that her grandmother got her. Suki wore her kimono at an asian festival that she went to with her grandma. Her siblings think otherwise, they try and persuade Suki not to wear it to school because she will get bullied. Suki thinks otherwise and wears her kimono anyways. While at school Suki had another student ask her what she was wearing and that it looked funny. Suki stood up for herself and told the girl that she wasn't dressed funny and her grandma gave her the shoes and kimono. The girls name is Penny and hey becomes friends pretty fast. Penny is the only person that understands Suki. Everyone else thought it was silly and that Suki shouldn't be wearing the kimono. Moral of the story is to stand up for yourself, culture, and your own beliefs.
October 21, 2022
I believe this book is good for any age but especially younger students. This book tells you that even though other students might make fun of you be true to yourself. Do not change yourself because of what others say. Suki is a little girl that wants to wear her kimono to school. Her sisters tell her not to wear it because she will get made fun of. Suki goes to school wearing her kimono and her wooden clogs. The students laugh at her but she doesn't let that bother her. In class she was asked to tell about what she did during the summer and she told them about the festival she went to. She began to dance and the students would make fun of her but she kept going. When she was done talking everyone clapped for her. The overall message is to not let anyone change you. Don't let comments from others bother you. Just be yourself and be the best you that you can be. If you be yourself others might find it interesting and make friendships.
March 4, 2021
I loved this book. Despite all the adversity Suki encountered, she still embraced her culture with pride, and it paid off in a way that simply fitting in didn't for her sisters. It's a good message for kids, and the illustrations were lovely as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews