A Rainbow in the Desert: An Anthology of Early Twentieth Century Japanese Children's Literature
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
This anthology compiles a diverse collection of Japanese children's literature from the early 20th century, showcasing a range of stories from adventure tales to heartfelt family narratives. A collection of Japanese children's literature in translation spans three decades with contributions by major authors as well as familiar lullabies. It includes eleven stories, a play, and five poems. All the featured authors were influenced by Akai Tori (Red Bird), a Tokyo children's literary magazine, and wrote for both children and adult audiences. The pieces are notable for their similarity in style and content to literature written for adults.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do the stories and poems in this anthology make you feel about friendship and kindness?
What lessons can we learn from the characters' experiences in these stories?
Which story or poem was your favorite, and why did it stand out to you?
How do you think the children in these stories are similar or different from you?
Can you imagine what life was like in Japan in the early twentieth century based on these stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each story or poem, relating it to their own experiences. Use the discussion to explore historical and cultural contexts, making it a learning moment. Highlight themes of resilience and empathy, and relate them to real-world scenarios your child might face. Lastly, enjoy the journey through early Japanese literature together, making connections between past and present.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: The anthology includes stories where characters face challenging situations but overcome them through perseverance and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to handle challenges in school or in personal relationships by remaining determined and focused, understanding that obstacles are a part of life that can be overcome.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Many stories depict deep bonds between characters, highlighting acts of kindness, loyalty, and understanding among friends.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to build strong, supportive relationships with their peers, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Example Lesson: Importance of creativity
Explanation: Characters in the anthology often solve problems using creative solutions, underscoring the power of imaginative thinking.
Real-World Application: This inspires children to use their imagination in problem-solving situations in school projects or creative expression through arts.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Several stories emphasize a harmonious relationship with nature, showing characters who protect and cherish their natural environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and care for their surroundings, promoting environmentally responsible behaviors from a young age.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The narratives often involve characters who learn to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: This can help children in understanding diverse perspectives and cultivating empathy towards classmates and family members.