Wabi Sabi by Mark Reibstein, illustrated by Ed Young.

Wabi Sabi is a cat who is doesn’t know what her name means.  When her master is asked by another person about it’s meaning, she replies, "That’s hard to explain."  Wabi Sabi heads out to find out what her name means.  But everyone she asks says that it is hard to explain.  Until she herself begins to experience Wabi Sabi, the beauty in the modest and simple and imperfect, she can’t understand it.

The book begins with the definition of Wabi Sabi and then the entire book is dedicated to exemplifying it.  Each double spread page is matched with a haiku poem that immediately connects the mysterious Wabi Sabi feeling with the reader.  Reibstein has created text that tells a story that lives well next to the tiny haiku treasures throughout the book.  Young’s collage art is the perfect example of humble items being beautiful.  He uses pine boughs, hair, dead leaves, and paper to create a world in this book that is pure Wabi Sabi.  Exquisitely done.

For classes studying Japan or those working on haiku units, this book is a gem.  The fact that it is also a work of art will draw in other readers, who will find themselves experiencing something at the heart of Japanese culture.  Appropriate for ages 6-9.