Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon – Tree of Cranes

The Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon is a celebration of seasonal reads hosted by The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

Today we’re looking at an intercultural, inter-generational Christmas story brought to us by celebrated, award-winning and deeply treasured Japanese-American author/illustrator Allan Say. When I was growing up, Say’s semi-autobiographical novel The Ink-Keeper’s Apprentice was one of my favourite novels, and he is perhaps best known for his poignant picture book Grandfather’s Journey.

Tree of Cranes by Allan Say

Inspired by Say’s childhood memories, Tree of Cranes tells the story of a little boy growing up in Japan whose American-born mother blends Japanese and American traditions to create a unique Christmas celebration. The little boy watches as his mother brings a small pine tree into the house, which she then decorates with candles and carefully folded paper cranes. His mother then shares with him stories of her childhood in San Francisco, and the Christmases she celebrated with family and friends long ago. “When all the candles were lit, she fell silent. She was remembering. She was seeing another tree in a faraway place where she had been small like me.”

Immigration is a common thread throughout many of Say’s captivating works, and there’s a real poignancy and bittersweetness to Tree of Cranes. It’s a story of homesickness and longing, as the boy’s mother quietly reflects on her far-away hometown and the traditions she grew up with, but there’s also a real feeling of strength and resilience, as she works with what she has to introduce her young son to a celebration that still holds great meaning for her.  Gentle, elegant and evocative, Tree of Cranes feels as relevant today as it was when it was first published in 1991. As families move around the world, some traditions are lost, but others are re-imagined, adapted and shaped in new ways for new generations.

Check back in tomorrow for another diverse seasonal selection!