While in the United States last summer, I purchased (from the internet) this book! It’s called“The Little Kokeshi Doll from Fukushima.” — Kokeshi no Hanashi　コケシのはなし.

It was written and illustrated by Tokyo-born Sunny Seki. — Sanii Seki　サニー関 (文・絵)

He moved to the U.S. when he was a young adult and now lives in California. Here is his website: http://www.sunnyseki.com/

I absolutely love these illustrations!!!!!! Seki is so very talented.

The coolest feature of this book is that it is written in both Japanese AND English! That’s something I really appreciate, and rare to find in a children’s picture book.

I purchased the book with the intention of donating it to the school library of my son’s former elementary school (and where I am currently a library volunteer.)

On Thursday, I gave it to the school’s vice-principal.

Sunny Seki signed the book with a personal message to the kids at this school.

It means so much to these children to know that they are cared for by a writer/illustrator in the U.S. !!!!!!!