Cherry Blossoms: Friendship and Folk Tales

The cherry blossom has been a source of inspiration for centuries and remains an important symbol of spring around the world. From traditional Japanese and Indian folk tales to the intriguing story behind Washington DC's famous cherry blossom trees, these stories celebrate the beloved flower and its ability to bring people together.

A Forest of Stories

A Forest of Stories
Illustrated by: Helen Cann
Age Level: 6-9

Product Description: This unique collection of folktales, compiled by Rina Singh, encourages us to rethink our relationship with trees through the telling of fantastic tales filled with dancing palms, healing fig trees, and magical cherry blossoms.

Cherry Blossoms Say Spring

Age Level: 6-9

In the style of the Picture the Seasons books, this book looks at the life cycle of a cherry tree, the history behind the gift of the Japanese cherry trees to our nation's capital, and the association of cherry trees and spring. Vibrant scenes from the Cherry Blossom Festival and the flood of visitors to the Tidal Basin are balanced with shots of the natural beauty of these trees.

Cherry Blossoms: Photos

Cherry blossom season is perhaps the most anticipated flowering every spring; the countless festivals are a testament to its perennial popularity. Award-winning photographer Jake Rajs captures the flower in its natural habitats the world over: from the delicacy of the single bloom to the lush beauty of an entire tree, to the effect of sunlight and water on the blossoms' petals. Supplemented with historical Japanese woodblock prints of the flower and quotes from such writers as Percy Shelley, Mark Twain, and haiku poet Basho, this keepsake volume will delight flower lovers everywhere.

Eliza's Cherry Blossoms

Eliza's Cherry Blossoms
Illustrated by: Ju-Hong Chen
Age Level: 6-9

Product Description: Pioneering world traveler, writer, photographer, and peace advocate Eliza Scidmore dreamed of beautifying the nation's capital, where she lived. Her dream became a reality in 1912 when, because of her years of persistence, cherry trees were planted across Washington, DC. This picture book for young readers tells the inspiring story.

The Falling Flowers

Illustrated by: Henry Cole
Age Level: Middle Grade (9-14)

Grandmother has a surprise for Mayumie — is it a visit to the zoo, a museum, or the big city? When they finally reach their destination, Mayumie understands what makes visiting a cherry blossom grove so special: the beautiful pink flowers only bloom once a year! Readers will be enchanted by the magic of the story and the illustrations that capture the stunning colors of the cherry blossom trees. An author's note provides historical details, as well as information on the cherry blossom trees in Washington, DC.

Under the Cherry Blossom Tree: An Old Japanese Tale

By: Allen Say
Age Level: 6-9

Product Description: Spring had finally come and everyone in the village was happy, despite being poor — everyone except the miserly landlord. Mumbling and grumbling, he sat all alone eating a bowl of cherries and glaring as the villagers sang and danced in the meadow. Then, quite by accident, he swallowed a cherry pit. The pit began to sprout. Soon the landlord was the wonder of the village — a cherry tree was growing on top of his head! What happened to the cherry tree and to the wicked landlord is a favorite joke in Japan.