When Cherry Blossoms Fall by Katrina Goldsaito and Yas Imamura - ADVISABLE

When Cherry Blossoms Fall by Katrina Goldsaito, illustrated by Yas Imamura. PICTURE BOOK. Little Brown and Company, 2026. $19. 9780316281126

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Yuna, a young Japanese girl, visits her grandmother in winter.  Yuna climbs into the old cherry tree and wants to know when the cherry tree will bloom.  Her grandmother introduces her to the concept of "mono-no-aware."  When the cherry tree is in full bloom, it becomes more beautiful because it will soon be gone.  Yuna realizes the full meaning when something happens to her grandmother.

Goldsaito gives us a profound story that teaches concepts of nature, patience, and awareness of the bittersweet, temporary nature of life.  Imamura's illustrations are beautiful.

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