From the Book Forward

Haiku can express moods and feelings. They can capture the wonder of the changing seasons. They can act as a springboard that propels the reader into an ever-widening series of thoughts and ideas that start with just those first few words.

It is our hope that all children who read this book will enjoy both the haiku and accompanying illustrations. We anticipate that this introduction will inspire and encourage children to try to express their thoughts and feelings in this simple-yet ultimately complex-poetic format.

The haiku for this picturebook were written by some of Japan's most famous masters.

Kobayashi Issa (1763-1827) lost his mother at an early age and later ran away from home. He returned to his home village only when he was very old.

Yosano Buson (1716-1783) studied poetry and painting, achieving fame in both. He was one of Basho's students.

Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) Japan's greatest practitioner of haiku poetry, died in an inn in Osaka while on another of his travels through Japan.

Kaga Chiyojo (1703-1775) was the first female to achieve fame as a haiku poet.

Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902) who was a modern poet published in both newspapers and poetry journals and loved baseball!

Takahama Kyoshi (1874-1959) was a novelist who studied haiku with Masaoka Shiki.

Matsumoto Takashi (1906-1956) a modern haiku poet who was born into a family of Noh actors, studied haiku with Takahama Kyoshi.

Hattori Ransetsu (1654-1707) was a fervent disciple of Matsuo Basho. He shaved his head and became a Buddhist monk after Basho died.