For the December holiday, students could decorate a tree like the one in The Tree of Cranes . El Chino's illustrations begin in black and white, then change to color when the Spanish matador is first depicted. Have students discuss this technique's visual impact and why they think Say made this choice. Have students imagine they are an immigrant coming to America for the first time. Students could write a travel diary about their experiences, including the journey, the reasons why they came, their expectations, and their life once they arrived.
Fishing is central to A River Dream .
Since one of Allen Say's hobbies is fishing, ask students to write a story which features one of their hobbies. Allen Say's apprenticeship with Noro Shinpei is a crucial event in his life, as shown in The Ink-Keeper's Apprentice . Ask students what mentors they have in their life. Have students write an essay explaining what they learned from their mentor and why this person is special to them. Encourage students to choose a mentor from their own life or experience, as opposed to a sports figure or movie star.