This book is set in Japan where an old man recognizes the signs of an oncoming tsunami. He takes a great risk to save the people in his village. This would be a great book to teach about earthquakes, tsunamis, and geography of Japan. ( )

I'm surprised this is a Caldecott Honor, rather than winner - must've been a good year for picture-books. Not only is the art 'delicate and strong' as the blurb says, but the story is an enlightening fable, too. I'm surprised how quickly the villagers turned on Grandfather, before realizing why he did the 'bad' thing, but otherwise it was a well-told and exciting tale. ( )

Used in a second grade unit on modern Japan, and to begin an engineering challenge about earthquakes and tsunamis. Interesting pictures and an exciting story make it a good read-aloud.

A graceful retelling of an ancient Japanese folk tale that is illustrated in a very unusual manner. The Far Eastern flavor is strong in this enduring classic story. ( )