I love introducing kids to artists. There are many ways to do this including books and activities as well as taking them to art museums. Today we are going to talk about a bilingual book about a young artist who has a famous father, Katsushika Hokusai. Hokusai is known for his beautiful Japanese woodblock prints in particular the wave ones. Today's book however focuses on the other artist in Hokusai's household--his daughter, Eijo! The book is Hokusai's Daughter: A Young Artist in Old Japan by Sunny Seki. It is bilingual in both English and Japanese. It is recommended for ages 5 to 14.
From the Publisher:
Creative Child Magazine 2024 Book of the Year - Bilingual Story Books for Kids
A girl with grit, determination, passion and a paintbrush—can achieve amazing things!
Whether working in his studio or out in the field, Japanese artist Hokusai had a constant companion—his youngest daughter, Eijo. Wherever they went, Eijo brought along her own bag of brushes and the same artistic brilliance and passion as her dad. Hokusai's Daughter tells the story of a clever girl who refuses to believe that only men can create great works of art.
Told that she can't become an artist because she's a girl, Eijo sets out to prove everyone wrong. She's determined to become the proverbial koi that swims up the waterfall and becomes a mighty dragon—fighting against the current to be the person she is meant to be.
Katsushika Oi, called Eijo, created many remarkable artworks and had a hand in her illustrious father's later work. This beautifully illustrated bilingual story book celebrates the power of grit and artistic expression, as it introduces young readers to a trailblazing figure who, like her famous father, left a lasting impression in the world of art. Hokusai's Daughter is a timeless tale that teaches kids to believe in themselves and follow their passion.
Includes an appendix to help parents share information with their kids about Hokusai—his influence and style—and his daughter Eijo, as well as traditions about koi and how woodblock prints are made. Samples of Eijo's work will include images from the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Menard Art Museum, and the Tokyo National Museum.
From Me:
There are so many things I love about this story and this book! First, the story is about a father and his youngest daughter. It shows the connection fathers had with their kids in the 1700s in Japan. It is something that isn't really shared in most stories from this time period. Eijo followed her father around and practiced her art. He gave advice and words of encouragement to her. He helped her become a better artist and there are times where she bails him out of situations with her own artwork. She is creative and becomes very talented. Her work is even in museum including the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
Eijo repeatedly hears that girls cannot do art. They can sew but not paint or draw. The boys her age tease her, and grown men tell her to go sew. She tries not to listen to them and uses these taunts as motivation to push herself even further. She shows she is a strong girl who is willing to fight for what she wants.
Eijo is also a creative thinker. When her father doesn't have time to do the traditional poster for Boy's Day she wants to do it for him. He gives her a sketch of the warrior who she calls the scary man that is usually on the poster. She however does her own thing. She makes a koi out of discarded fans that her father is painting. Her artwork becomes famous and gets her father in invitation to the shogun's palace. When he tells the messenger that the koi was made by Eijo the messenger laughs and says he is joking.
Her father brings her with him to the palace. When his idea does not work out it is Eijo who takes over and saves the day. I love how this book shares the strength and creativity of a young girl from a time where women were not really seen as capable. She followed her father and her dreams to be an artist, and the books shares her success. She is one of the few known women artists from this time period in Japan. It is so important for our kids to know there were girls and women throughout history doing various jobs even when they were told women couldn't do them.
The book shares a wonderful story and piece of history. Throughout the book there are references to Hokusai's artwork as well. I love that the book is bilingual as it has a place in both the English-speaking world as well as Japan. The story is well written and flows nicely. The artwork is colorful and fun. At the end of the book is an appendix sharing information about the artwork referenced along with pictures of the real artwork. There is also biographical information about both Hokusai and Eijo. It also shares some of the customs of Japan that Hokusai and Eijo brought about or at least contributed to. There is mention of how Boy's Day now is celebrated with koi kites as well as the fact that Hokusai drew some manga. Yes, manga existed even back then. I love how the appendix gives even more information about the Japanese culture as well as these artists.
This book is perfect for a lesson about artists, Hokusai, or Japan. It is also an amazing book to read during Women's History Month (March) or Asian Pacific Island Heritage Month (May). It gives a piece of Japanese history that I know I hadn't heard before. It is well written, and I think kids will enjoy hearing about the young girl whose art helps her famous artist father.
