Tree of Cranes

Module 5


Say, Allen. 1991. Tree of cranes. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0-395-52024-x

Summary: A young Japanese boy wants to visit a neighbor’s pond because it has bright colored carp. His mother is afraid that he will drown and warns him not to go, but he disobeys her. One day he comes home with wet mittens and his mother, afraid that he is ill (and perhaps a little upset with him) makes him take a hot bath, feeds him rice gruel, and puts him to bed. He thinks his mother is angry with him as her watches her work in the garden. Finally she brings in a small tree in a pot and decorates it with paper cranes. This is his first introduction to Christmas, a holiday his mother celebrated when she lived in the United States. He also receives his first Christmas present, a samurai kite.

Critical Analysis: This beautiful picture book by acclaimed writer/illustrator Allen Say is written from the perspective of a young Japanese boy. Say borrowed from his own recollections of growing up in a Japanese American family which immigrated to the United States.

This book provides a wonderful cross cultural experience. The mother in the story shares her recollections of growing up in California and celebrating Christmas. She blended both Japanese and American customs in a beautiful tree decorated with origami cranes.

The young boy is like many other young boys his age. He is interested in exploring his world, even to the point of breaking the rules.

Cultural markers are present throughout the story. The setting is definitely Japanese. The house has the typical Japanese sliding doors and windows. The clothing worn by the characters is a combination of Japanese and western style. In the home, the mother wears the traditional kimono, and when the boy comes home he also puts on more traditional Japanese clothing. The clothing he wears outside the home is more of a western style. Also, we notice that the father wears western style suit when he is at work. The furniture in the house is more Japanese style; the beds are mats on the floor. The bath is the traditional Japanese style bathtub with the implements for washing before one enters the tub. The food served in the story is traditional Japanese: rice gruel, sour plum and radishes.

The making of origami cranes is very old Japanese tradition. As the story suggests it is a tradition that is associated with making wishes,

Say authentically illustrates his Japanese characters. The skin and hair tone are accurate and there are no negative stereotypes. The illustrations are beautifully rendered in watercolors and set the tone for the story.

As the story is set in Japan, there are no indicators of racial prejudice or struggle. The main struggle, is a young boy’s worry about his relationship with his mother. The respect for parents and elders is more common in Japanese culture. Also, the quiet way in which the characters communicate with each other is more typically Japanese.

The young boys mother has successfully integrated both the American culture and the Japanese culture into her life. She has also passed on this cultural identity to her son. She wants her son to know about Christmas, an American holiday, but the gift she gives him (a samurai kite) is Japanese.

This lovely picture will give children ages 4-8 an authentic picture of Japanese life and culture.

Review Excerpts:
“The story is a poignant one, illuminated with finely drawn illustrations reflecting the serenity of a Japanese home and the quiet love between mother and son. Say ( The Bicycle Man ; El Chino ), who came to this country from Japan when he was a teenager, again exhibits a laudable sensitivity to Eastern and Western cultures--and to both the differences and the similarities between them. (Publisher’s Weekly)

”Japanese life-style is delicately described in the paintings which convey a sense of peace, quiet and love.” (Children’s Literature)

Connections: Read Tree of Cranes along with these other books about Japanese Americans by Allen Say:
• Emma’s Rug
• Stranger in the Mirror
• Music for Alice
• Allison
• Tea with Milk