Title: Return to the Most Beautiful Village in the World
Author: Yutaka Kobayashi
Published: 11/1/2020
Publisher: Museyon
Pages: 41
Genre: Children's Fiction
Review: ebook from NetGalley and Publisher
Mirado has been traveling with the circus worldwide, but he still thinks of Paghman Village and his friend Yamo every day. When he hears the news that the long war will be over, Mirado decides to return to the village, heading east by train, bus, carriage, and finally by foot. Supported by the kindness of people he meets on the way, he finally arrives, but he sees Paghman Village was completely destroyed by the war—and he can't find Yamo. But one morning, as he plays his flute on the street, people gather around, and Mirado hears a familiar voice singing.
We did not read the first book, but I don't think you would have to just read this one. First, let me say the illustrations are really, very beautifully done. Even though Mirado wants to travel back home, I felt that this book was sad and happy in a way. Mirado wants to go home; he is missing his friends, village, and so much more. As he travels in many different ways, he is helped by strangers on his travels back home. He receives gifts and memories from those that helped him with his journey. When he finally returns to the village that has been destroyed, it does not look the same, but just maybe over time, with seeds and people coming together, the village could see once more rise from the ashes! Who knows?
This book was a good conversation started with K and A because we brought up why sometimes villages within other countries are destroyed and how sometimes they just are forgotten, and people move on. While people want to go back home to their village, it is their home. So I am thankful that this book opened that spark of asking questions.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
Yutaka Kobayashi is a Nihonga (Japanese-style paintings) artist and picture book author.
