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The Sound of Silence

Sound of Silence cover The Sound of Silence

By Katrina Goldsaito

Illustrated by Julia Kuo

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Curriculum Subject: Family Life: Daily Life and Play, Social Studies: Europe/Asia/Africa

Grades: Pre-K-3rd

 

Visit Website Listen to Soundscapes LB School Podcast

“Do you have a favorite sound?” little Yoshio asks.

 

The musician answers, “The most beautiful sound is the sound of ma, of silence.”

 

But Yoshio lives in Tokyo, Japan: a giant, noisy, busy city. He hears shoes squishing through puddles, trains whooshing, cars beeping, and families laughing. Tokyo is like a symphony hall!

 

Where is silence?

 

Join Yoshio on his journey through the hustle and bustle of the city to find the most beautiful sound of all.

 

PRAISE

★ “Like a Zen koan, this story draws readers’ attention to silence, that vanishingly rare attribute of modern family life…  Every detail of this book brings Japan vividly to life, from popular storefronts and cartoon characters to commuters wearing surgical masks and children removing their outside shoes at school. Japanese is rich in onomatopoeic sounds, and Goldsaito and Kuo convey this linguistic quirk to English readers both visually and verbally. The elegantly expressive text and illustrations together create an immersive sensory experience for readers. An inviting tale that will stretch inquisitive and observant young minds—and may even lead children to a greater appreciation of that golden commodity, silence.” —Kirkus

 

★ “The language in this picture book evokes the cacophony of sounds a person hears throughout daily life and the beautifully drawn images show where these sounds come from.” —School Library Connection

 

★ “This book will be especially welcome in settings that teach yoga or mindfulness, but its message and striking art will be appreciated anywhere the din of daily life can overwhelm.” —School Library Journal

 

VIDEO