Kamishibai Man

I have beeen reading this story to 6-8 year olds for 6 years. The best recommendation I can give is that the children think it is a wonderful story and they often clap at the ending . It is the story of storytellers in Japan before the days of television. Kamishibai, which means theater, could be seen on the streets of Japan telling stories to children from their little box theaters. Then TV came along and made the Kamishibai men somewhat obsolete.

My students appreciated that facts about Kamishibai theater were presented within a digestible story. If you are into the Charlotte Mason style of teaching, this book is a MUST for elementary students.

I appreciate this book mostly for the illustrations, though it is certainly well-written as well. The real fan is my daughter though - she was deeply moved by the story and connected to it in a way I would not have guessed. The author is also the artist; if you can enjoy detailed illustration and sensitive, nuanced writing, you will likely value and enjoy this book.

Great story not long enough could have been longer. Even the children wanted more out of the book. Thank you

As a nostalgic person with a respect for history, this book touched my heartstrings. Our young children paid close attention, admired the story, the breathtaking illustrations, and grasped the emotions and lessons of the book. As we raise children to respect tradition, history, and their elders, this is a good "assist."

My grandson asked for this book for Christmas. We read it together and it is an absolute treasure. Essentially, it is about the passage of time, how things change, and how, sometimes, precious meaning and memories can be brought back to brilliant and joyful life. It is a tale lovingly told and rendered.

Allen Say is a great author and artist. His work can be enjoyed by adults and children. I have most of books which are appropriate for children of various ages, some older exclusively. Mostly for all ages. Wonderful charming human fun instructive.

2-yr-old daughter loved it

Mit diesem Buch kann ich Kindern und ihren Begleitpersonen, denenich Kamishibai-Geschichten vorlese, sehr gut erklären, was ein Kamishibaiist und woher es kommt,auch wenn ich nur das englische Original habe, kann ich die Geschichtedarin erzählen und anschließend eine andere Kamishibai-Geschichtevorlesen.Das Buch ist wundervoll gezeichnet!

この表紙、ステキでしょ。紙芝居大好きの私はうれしくって。アレンセイさんの「カミシバイマン」のことが何かに載ってました。直ぐ、買いたい、見たい、と思いました。序文によると少年の頃、日本に居たアレンさんは日本のことを思うとき紙芝居屋さんのことを思うそうです。（なにしろ翻訳されていないので辞書を片手に見ました）紙芝居屋さんの説明が素晴らしいのです。自転車の後ろのシートに台を載せ下の棚には飴が入っていて、一番上に舞台がある。彼は始める前に紙をぱらぱらっとやって中味を確かめる。前の紙をトランプをシャッフルするように後ろへ持っていく…。本文に入るとそのままの絵だから字が読めなくても分かりますが。ただ、歳をとった紙芝居屋のおじいさんが街へ行ってもう一度紙芝居をすると以前飴を買うお金の無かった紙芝居好きの少年が寄ってきてみんなに取り囲まれ「あなたのお話で私は育てられました」と言って貰いところが良かった。途中、ＴＶが出てきて紙芝居が忘れられて仕舞うところが寂しかった。紙芝居屋さんはお金儲けの為にやっていた、だから大道芸はダメ、というグループが有るけど、生の声でお話を聞かせてくれたおじさんは思い出に残っていると思う。