It occurred to me that when I said I became a reader just two years ago, it wasn’t exactly the truth. As a little kid, I loved reading books—picture books. I remember how excited I got each time I saw my dad coming home with several purchases in his hand, and one of them happens to be book for me. The sight of those tall, red plastic bags with the words “National Bookstore” printed on both sides always sent me running towards him. Dad always knew exactly what to get me, and I cherished my Big Book of Nature as much as I did my Autobots and my Lego. Books with big drawings and colorful artwork always put a priceless smile on my face.
Earlier this year, I received an adorable gift that brought back those moments of childhood excitement. The book is Rue de la Nuit by Japanese artist Misuzu Oyama.
Rue de la Nuit is the story of a girl named Puppon who steps into the night and falls into a Kafkaesque wonderland where everything takes a puzzling transformation. Puppon herself turns into a cat who follows a bewildering trail across streets of impossible geometries and rooms as vast as the evening sky. Roads seem to wind to no direction and every door opens to a world as bemusing as the one before it. Quite fittingly, this children’s picture book also bears the name Labyrinth. As a guide to the young reader, then, the left page of each spread contains a musical verse—in both English and Japanese—that narrates Puppon’s surreal adventure. With a little creativity (or singing voice), moms can make this a perfect bedtime story.
I can only say so much with words. So here’s a preview of some of the pages:
For more samples of her art, please visit Misuzu Oyama’s website.
I’d like to give special thanks to Riane Herlihy of PublishingWorks for sending me this wonderful book.
Rue de la Nuit: Labyrinth
PublishingWorks (2010)
What a treasure! I love picture books, although that seems too trite a term for this beautiful work. It would qualify for a spot on the Suggested Reading List for the Japanese Literature Challenge 4, would it not? We need to reach all genres, all ages! And, of course, I’ve moved the start date up to June. It seems that you’re not the only one who was wishing for the beginning.
It’s so wonderful we had/have parents who blessed us with books. I don’t know what kind of life I would have had if my mother had not taught me to read, or brought me to special book fairs in Chicago, before I went to Kindergarten.
Finally, way off subject, I loved Carl’s post on Keats, too.
Hooray for JLC4!
Yes, that’s absolutely right. We can have this on the Suggested Reading List! I do remember last year that you found it interesting when I posted about a Japanese sci-fi novel (which happens to be one of my favorites). So this time around, including children’s books and picture books would be a nice way to further reach out to other genres
About my mom and dad, yes, I’m very thankful that they tried to instill in me a love for reading. As I like to say, I grew up in a home full of books. It’s just that sometime during gradeschool, I lost interest in books and thus failed to get acquainted with serious literature. But I’m trying to catch up, and it’s been great so far... Thanks to all of you who inspire me and give great book recommendations
I’m off to add that title, and would you email me (or respond in a comment) the title of the sci-fi one I liked last year? Sorry I didn’t record it!
The bold colors and fanciful images in this book are magnificent, Mark David, and look outstanding on your blog.
As a child I had three very simple picture books, The Apple, The Fish, and The Circus by Dick Bruno which I adored (and still do). I don’t think we ever outgrow our fascination with picture books–which could be why graphic novels have become so popular.
I love the pictures you posted from this book-I really liked the last one-thanks for sharing this find with us
@Bellezza: No problem. It’s entitled “Ghost in the Shell: Innocence — After the Long Goodbye”. I’ll try to come up with other suggestions
@Suko: You’re right about that! Which reminds me, I still haven’t read this really gorgeous graphic anthology I bought last year. I’ve been always wanting to get to it but it’s just that I’ve been focusing on literary books this year. One of these days I’ll take a break and review it for all of you
@Mel: Oh that’s one of my favorites too! It’s the kind that’s sure to make children’s imaginations go wild
Those colours are SO intense! I love the elephant in the last image.
It’s making me want to go reread Shaun Tan! lol
David, LOVE it! I started collecting picture books years before I had children because of the artwork. This is beautiful, thanks for sharing.
@Eva: Yes the colors really are intense
I’ve heard about Shaun Tan recently and his works are just marvelous! (by the way, I think I should mention that it’s actually a moon and not an elephant, hehe).
@Claire: Oh I knew you’d like this. I was going to tell you about this before but I think I forgot to
Ghost In The Shell...got it, and of course, I added this to the suggested reading list as well. JUNE is coming soon; I’m doing a Happy Dance.
Thanks for posting on such great, and new to me, titles.
Gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing–the story sounds fascinating, and the artwork...well...
Glad you liked it ds! Thanks for dropping by
Cool! Picture books are really amazing, and entirely undervalued things.
It’s nice to hear you appreciate these books as well, Pilgrimchick. Hooray for picture books!
I love this blog! You read such wonderful stuff! Those pictures are beautiful. It reminds me of Gaiman. Gaiman and Van Gogh. O, and Kandinsky. In fact, this is what Van Gogh would probably have produced had he used fabrics instead of paint. Patchwork Van Gogh.