Anzu and the Art of Friendship

by Moni Ritchie Hadley, Nathalia Takeyama (Illustrator)

A new student connects with her classmates through origami.

Starting a new school, Anzu struggles to find her place. Starting a new art unit, her class struggles to learn origami. It's not easy to make friends or to fold tiny paper figures, but with her grandfather's encouragement, Anzu finds a way to try again even when she doesn't succeed the first time--and helps her classmates do the same.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, School

32 pages, Hardcover

Published June 22, 2023

About the author

Moni Ritchie Hadley, a half-Japanese, military brat bounced back and forth from the USA to Japan as a child. Daydreaming was a favorite pastime. She received a BA in Psychology at UCLA and later became a home/hospital teacher for the LAUSD, where she taught students with medical needs. Today she lives in Los Angeles, where she turns her sky-gazing daydreams into stories for children.
Also published in Highlights Magazine, THE STAR FESTIVAL is her picture book debut.

Reviews

[Deb Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to get to read an advance copy of Anzu and the Art of Friendship. In this sweet tale of making new friends, Anzu, encouraged by her grandfather, makes connections with students at her new school through the art of Origami. "Fold, crease, open, repeat. New friendships take place." This lyrical book weaves the folding language of this Japanese art form throughout, revealing themes of empathy, perseverance and kindness. Back matter provides additional information about the meaning of Origami. This beautifully illustrated picture book will be a welcome addition at home, libraries, art classes and camps.

[Tracy Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book about moving to a new school and culture, understanding different approaches to problems, and persevering through obstacles. Anzu learns to keep being patient and calm and finally makes new friends through the art of origami. Great for kids who are moving to new schools, kids who are having friendship issues, and kids who love origami!
I received an advance copy from the publisher.

[Maria Wen Adcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book. This lovely book introduces readers to the Japanese art of origami through the story of Anzu, a young Japanese girl who attends a new school. Anzu wants to share her love of origami with her classmates, but they do not seem receptive. Anzu finds making friendships hard, just like how her classmates find it hard to do origami. Anzu's grandfather supports her with her frustrations, and Anzu learns that friendships, like origami, require patience, perseverance, and practice. This book would be a great gift for any child's bookshelf.

[Candace Spizzirri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story from Moni Ritchie Hadley, the author of THE STAR FESTIVAL. I was fortunate to get an advanced copy of ANZU AND THE ART OF FRIENDSHIP. What a gorgeous story about friendship, practice, and patience! The illustrations by Nathalia Takeyama are alive with vibrant color and add to Hadley’s delightful text. I love the supportive, encouraging relationship between Anzu and Ojiisan. Origami takes practice and patience just like making new friends. Love that! A must-read!

[K. Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anzu and the Art of Friendship perfectly captures the experience of an elementary school child going to a new school and entering her new classroom after the school year has begun! It’s hard to make new friends especially when the kids in the class already know one another. Lucky for Anzu, the new art unit is something she loves and is good at but her new classmates don’t seem to feel the same way. Anzu doesn’t know where she fits but with the love and support of her grandfather, she keeps trying. The illustrations are kid friendly, bold, and colorful. Anzu’s new class is filled with a diverse array of children. I think this would be a great book for any child to read because I think we all can relate to not feeling like we fit in and we’ve all been in new and uncomfortable situations that we’ve had to deal with. I think it is incredibly important for children to see a child who doesn’t give up even though she is feeling a lot of emotions about her situation. And a positive, warm, caring adult who helps guide her through this new situation.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book pulled me in: the art of friendship--what a wonderful (and true) idea! It's also cleverly used throughout the story as new-to-this-school Anzu tries to interact with her classmates via her beloved origami only to realize kids have other perspectives.

This is a story of persevering; art and relationships take practice. Sometimes you have to change your approach, refold your paper and your mind.

I like how we learn about origami in a subtle manner and have it shown in the art. The last page explains the symbolism behind a few popular origami folds.

[Aixa Perez-Prado · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child immigrant who moved frequently from school and to school and struggled to fit in, I love this simple yet profound friendship story. Anzu has started a new school and she is anxious about finding friends. Her knowledge and love for origami at first cause some stress as her classmates lose patience with the art form and reject her help, but with patience and persistence Anzu is able to slowly use origami to create connection. This book would make a lovely addition to any classroom and every home with little ones who are learning new things and facing new and challenging situations.

[Shannon Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Origami Creations And Friendships Taking Shape!
As a teacher and parent, I recommend this book as a mentor text about learning new things, moving to new places, and forging new relationships. All of these things take patience and persistence, as Anzu and her classmates learn in this beautiful book.
As a teacher, I also love that kids can try making some origami art as an extension activity and learn the meaning behind each creation.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful picture book about adjusting to a new school, cross-cultural learning, patience, and friendship. I can imagine many young readers will find things to identify with or learn from this book, while being drawn into an interesting story. Anzu's emotions are tangible and realistic, and her relationship with Ojiisan brings reassurance. I love the back matter about origami.

[Nadia Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great story, and beautifully illustrated, about dealing with new beginning and dealing with challenges. As someone who moved a lot, this resonates, and I know a lot of children will be able to relate. Such a great story that teaches empathy and patience. It's also a great book to learn about more about origami and its significance. Beautiful book!

[Bonni Goldberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this heartfelt story, learning the art of Origami is a true and practical metaphor for the art of making friends. Anzu’s struggle to make friends in a new school is relatable. Though skilled in Origami, she stumbles trying to connect with her classmates as much as they do with making hats, frogs, and stars. Anzu’s Grandfather comforts and counsels her to have patience and it pays off. A particularly notable aspect of the story is that on one hand, it shows that in the art of relationships, sometimes you have to find a different way to reach out to others than you’re used to. On the other hand, when it comes to something like Origami, everyone has to practice and learn the one way it’s done.

[Charlotte Cheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this day and age, when speed and technology are often what's valued most, Anzu and the Art of Friendship is a refreshing story that encourages kids to slow down and appreciate the thoughtful folds in developing origami art and friendships. Loved the concrete examples of how Anzu was able to share her passion with new classmates as well!

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book to review

[Andria Rosenbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a fresh start can be difficult and lonely. Anzu's story unfolds gently, revealing her struggles as she tries to fit into a new class. But with the support of Ojisan, her loving grandfather, Anzu finds her way. "Step-by-step, fold-by-fold" Anzu creates a path, claiming her place among new friends.

[Susi Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated and written book is perfect for anyone starting over in a new place. Or tries to make new friends. The readers follow Anzu’s journey of finding new friends in school through a skill she has mastered. Plus, I love the backmatter.

[Kelly Rice Schmitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This colorful picture book is great for kids struggling with moving, making new friends, or working on patience or perseverance. I love the strong relationship between Anzu and her grandfather, the colorful origami, and the bits of Japanese language included. A lovely read!

[Jenna Beatrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an opportunity to read an advance copy of this lovely book. The illustrations are warm and colorful and the story is sweet and relatable. The theme of "patience and practice" in origami and friendship resonated. This is a fabulous addition to any home or library!

[Michelle Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moni weaves a heartfelt story about embracing one's culture and the joy of sharing culture with new friends. The illustrations are gorgeous and colorful, especially the scenes of Anzu in the classroom. A sweet story that teaches kids to embrace their differences and unique skills!

[Melissa Stiveson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and hopeful!

Moving and making new friends is tough! Anzu finds it difficult as well until she kindly and steadfastly uses her skills to show others how to do something new. Encourages discussions of friendship, diversity, and learning new things.

[Katrina Tangen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story for anyone starting over in a new place. Plus origami!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANZU AND THE ART OF FRIENDSHIP is a terrific SEL roadmap for any kid adjusting to a new group of kids, a new group of skills, or both! I got lucky and didn’t have to move until I went to college, but there were still lots of times that I joined a group and had to work to fit in. You don’t have to move a lot to relate to the challenges of moving to a new elementary school and making new friends!

Anzu dreads going to a new school, but finds that her first art unit involves a familiar skill: folding origami. When I was a kid that would have been the ending: origami saves the day! But this story is more realistic. Anzu’s expertise doesn’t give her an instant “in” with the other kids. In fact, her new classmates reject her help. At home, Anzu’s grandfather Ojjisan comforts her and reminds her that origami and friendship both require practice and patience. While Anzu works on her skills, the illustrations set a friendly, comfortable tone with solid colors, a pastel palette, and a diverse cast.

I would have appreciated this book when I was a kid, and I am especially glad it’s here now for my grandchildren, who share the Japanese heritage of the author and illustrator--and Anzu!

[Alison Marcotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moni perfectly captures not only the first-day jitters when you're the new kid at school, but also the worry and frustration children experience when their classmates don't understand their culture.

When Anzu's teacher introduces the art unit, origami, Anzu's classmates make jokes and don't follow the instructions. This deeply hurts Anzu, as origami is a special, meaningful art form for her, and makes her feel even more isolated and alone. But, with patience and practice, her classmates learn how to do origami and see its beauty and joy, and Anzu slowly builds new friendships and feels more at home in her new school.

I love how Anzu has Ojiisan (her grandpa) for guidance, and that her classmates eventually see how cool and fun origami can be. I love how even though Anzu is new and unsure, she builds confidence and is able to be a leader, help her classmates with origami, and create new friendships.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this sweet picture book about a little girl trying to fit into a new school where the children don't understand or appreciate her culture. She learns that the way to friendship isn't through correcting others and showing them where they're wrong (even when they are wrong), but rather through patience, generosity, and kindness, and that even if they get off to a bumpy start friendships can still form over time. The origami with its beautiful symbolism runs throughout the book adds another layer of loveliness that will make children want to get origami papers of their own.

[Kelly Crull · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an elementary school teacher, I appreciate that this book works on many different levels. It’s a book about origami, but it’s also a book about moving to a new place, exploring a child’s cultural identity, relating to grandparents, and the difficult task of making new friendships.

I also think most kids will find at least one character in the story they can relate to, and the author does an excellent job of writing from the perspective of a child, not writing down to or explaining the story from an adult’s point of view.

Fans of THE STAR FESTIVAL will love this book as both books share a familiar look and feel.

[S.K. Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about this book is the truth it shares in a child's perspective about the difficulties that one can face in fitting-in, particularly when adjusting to a new classroom. I also love the relationship between Anzu and her grandfather, the patience and persistence shown in Anzu, and the friendships and understanding that are eventually forged between classmates. A must-read for any family or school, that will also inspire an exploration in origami and practice in kindness.

[Adrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensitive portrayal of how difficult transition can be and especially to be the "new kid." Love this story! Author beautifully crafts story linking the patience/persistence needed for making origami AND friendships. Shows the realistic elements of frustration that can be found in both arenas. Anzu navigates her way, using what she knows, and is rewarded in more than one way. Bright and colorful illustrations will engage young readers. Multi-cultural and inclusive classroom is notable.

[CKK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this story demonstrates perseverance and using origami as a gateway for understanding. It can also spark conversations and learning around situations where other people might not initially appreciate aspects of your culture that are important to you. Rather than giving up or getting angry, the main character Anzu found a way to engage with her classmates and ultimately create new friendships.

[Lydia Lukidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANZU AND THE ART OF FRIENDSHIP is a sweet narrative that combined universal themes such as cultivating friendships, moving to a new place, elementary school. as well as family. These themes are all woven into the narrative in an effortless way, and I appreciate how origami, love, and patience can solve problems. I also love that it introduces origami to children, it's such a magical art!

[Jennifer Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book for the start of the school year. New schools and new learning experiences can be hard. But what if a new friendship comes along too? There are so many aspects to dig into and learn more about. Anzu is such an engaging character because of her palpable emotions. A lovely read for all.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anzu knows how to make beautiful origami pieces, but she struggles to connect with her classmates who ignore her efforts to help them learn. With her grandfather's help, she figures out how to make new friends and share her love of the craft. This sweet story will appeal to any child trying to fit in with peers. I loved the positive message about friendship and staying true to yourself.

[Molli Jackson Ehlert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making friends is hard, and this story blends that with the beautiful artform of origami. ANZU AND THE ART OF FRIENDSHIP tackles a topic kids always need in a sweet and new way, complimented with lovely illustration.