August 2008 Archives
"The pale blue boxes of text, set along the outer edge of an otherwise blank white page, resemble lovely scrolls. The soft watercolors that complete the spreads have a dreamlike quality."
"Ideal for children 4 to 8, The Falling Flowers is the story of a young Japanese girl and her grandmother. Mayumie and her Grandmother take a train ride into the heart of Tokyo, then walk together down a quiet street in the middle of the city and find a grove of Japanese cherry trees all in blossom. The simple, elegant text by Jennifer Reed is perfectly showcased with Dick Cole's watercolors giving this original story a timeless and universal appeal. The Falling Flowers would make a truly fine and appreciated addition to any picturebook collection."
"The simple, elegant text by Jennifer Reed is perfectly showcased with Dick Cole's watercolors giving this original story a timeless and universal appeal."
-Children's BookwatchJennifer Reed lived in Japan for three years and was inspired to write, The Falling Flowers after her first spring there. She was in awe of the flowering cherry trees, and the strong bond so often found between Japanese grandmothers and their grandchildren. This relationship reminded her of her own bond with her grandmothers. Today, Jennifer writes children’s books, edits and is a professor of children’s literature, teaching others how to take their inspiration and create lasting stories. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two children. Several cherry trees grow in her back yard.
Dick Cole is an illustrator and watercolorist with over 30 years of experience. A graduate of UCLA and the Art Center College of Design, Dick has worked as graphic designer, art director, and illustrator in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. He has garnered awards from the three cities’ Art Director’s Clubs as well as the San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York Societies of Illustrators.
Shen’s Books is a publisher of multicultural children’s literature that emphasizes cultural diversity and tolerance, with a focus on introducing children to the cultures of Asia.
Through books, we can share a world a stories, building greater understanding and tolerance within our increasingly diverse communities as well as throughout our continuously shrinking globe.

















