Kiyomi

Serendipity

by Stephen Cosgrove, Robin James (Illustrator)

Kiyomi, a dancing deer, and Sumi, a fire lizard, each thinks she is the most beautiful creature and is unable to see the beauty in others

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction, Animals, Fantasy

30 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Stephen Cosgrove and have been since I got my first Serendipity book when I was a little girl.

This book is no different, love the descriptions that Cosgrove always gives, and the words, he has such pretty words for everything!! Every story has a moral which I love!

Even without the story the pictures alone would be worth looking at these books for, absolutely adorable pictures!!

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

The art is much better than the story in this tale, set on an island called Mitsu-Kami, which is very much like Japan. Let's be honest -- there isn't a story here. There seemed like a story was coming, it started rolling along -- and then, suddenly, the book was done. The moral at the end didn't seem to really reflect the story.

At least it was unpredictable.

All the species on Mitsu-Komi seemed obsessed with the top celebrities of their species. Although Kiyomi is thought to be the best dancing deer on the island, her real celebrity lies in her beauty. Apparently, all you have to do to be an animal celebrity on Mitsu-Kami is to look better than anyone else. I really hope this was not a comment on Japanese society.

Many of the Serendipity books have characters that are just WAY too cute. That cuteness can be off-putting. The art here isn't quite as cute. There is elegance, balance, nice composition ... but two species suffer from overly large eye syndrome.

I don't think Kiyomi is based on an actual deer species ... at least, I hope not. The fire lizard is an obvious fantasy species.

[Arwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about vanity. Kiyomi thinks she is the most beautiful creature ever and that all should be in awe of her beauty, until one day she meets Sumi another creature who thinks that same of himself. A good lesson in this little story. As with all the books illustrated by Robin James, Kiyomi's illustrations are beautiful and just plain lovely.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basic plot: Vanity and beauty are subjective.

I think I got my first Serendipity book through a Scholastic book order or book fair. I quickly became obsessed and collected a ton and a half of them as a child. I would spend hours just looking at the pictures because the art is simply gorgeous. The stories were whimsical and fun, and always ended with some sort of life lesson for kids. I kept reading these books long after other picture books had been set aside.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved these books, the animals with their giant eyes. I remember this one because the animal was a deer, and I loved her name: Kiyomi. I wanted to name one of my children Kiyomi (I was in third grade, ok?).

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my very first Serendipity book, and I read it so much that it almost fell apart. It remains one of my favourites for its gorgeous artwork and positive story about beauty being in the eye of the beholder.

[degelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiyomi, Sumi and Nitter Pitter were my little triad of Narcissists in the Serendipity series. At least the latter ended up humbled and making some friends in the end. The others aren't so lucky, but Robin James' illustrations sure do make them look pretty.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you gaze at your reflection
In the mirror above your shoulder
Remember- beauty only shines
In the eyes of the beholder.

[Nikandra]

hey, my dad read to me this beautiful book....
i want it... but i dont know where i can buy it...
evere body can help me...?

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. Such wonderful artwork And a sweet message!

[Rose | Belletrist Anarchist · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lesson in vanity! Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.