The Origami Master
Grade 1–4—Shima is an origami master who lives in the mountains of Japan with only his folded-paper creations for company. A warbler is building its nest in a tree in his yard and watches him at his work. For three nights, while the master is asleep, the little bird flies to his desk and folds a figure in the manner he has observed—each figure amazing the man with its simplicity and beauty. When a hiding Shima discovers the warbler at his desk, he decides to capture it in order to watch its skills firsthand, but the bird has another kind of lesson to teach him. Lachenmeyer's spare text and Sogabe's colorful cut paper and watercolor illustrations are the perfect vehicles for this short moralistic tale. Man, bird, house, and origami creations—the main elements of the story—are outlined in black. Square and rectangular patterns are repeated in the simple Japanese house and in its slatted outdoor walkway; in its screens, windows, and furniture; and in the bird's cage and the table on which it sits. While most pages hold full- or double-page illustrations, three images that show Shima catching and caging the bird and the final picture indicating his offering of friendship are enclosed in red-bordered boxes. A solid choice for discussing the importance of respecting each living creature's own space.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OHCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.