One Leaf Rides the Wind

by Celeste Davidson Mannis, Susan Kathleen Hartung (Illustrator)

Introduces haiku through a collection of ten simple poems while exploring the diversity and beauty of a Japanese garden as one leaf, three miniature bonsai trees, and other plants and garden treasures are presented.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Childrens, Japan, Counting, Mathematics, Cultural

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 16, 2002

About the author

Celeste Davidson Mannis, the award winning author of several books for children, is convinced she has the best job in the world. "Writing for children is one of my greatest joys. Children are wonderfully open to new ideas. My goal is to explore aspects of our world - its people, cultures, history, and natural wonders - in a way that fuels their amazing intelligence and curiosity. Knowledge is power, and it's my fondest wish that through my books I can help provide children with a sense of their own potential and unique place in the greater world community."

Born in Los Angeles, California, Celeste now resides there with her much loved husband and daughters. She promises to go grocery shopping soon! Celeste holds undergraduate degrees in History and The History of Art, as well as a Masters in Business Administration, all from the University of Southern California. She has also studied British History and Renaissance Art History at the University of London.

Reviews

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful counting book that celebrates the beauty of nature using haiku poems as the narrative. The book is appropriate for children of all ages and we really enjoyed reading it together.

This book was selected as an alternate book for the August 2014 - Counting discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.

[Carolynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful counting book based on a Japanese garden. Each double paged spread contains a haiku portraying a part of the garden, an explanation of the image, and a full page painting, oil paint glazes on sealed paper. For example, the number 2: "Two carved temple dogs/ snarling over my shoulder./ Sit! Guard the garden." The painting is of a traditionally dressed little girl, two stone dogs, and entrance to the garden. The paintings are very attractive, but very traditional and rather formal. The illustrator, Susan Hartung, also illustrated _Christmas Mouseling_ and _Dear Juno_. There is an end note about Japanese gardens and haiku. This would be an excellent complement to a unit on Japan. The haiku are quite simple, but the explanations seem to be for older children. The jacket says the book is for ages 4-8, but it could probably be used with older children.

[Christina/ The Blog for Teachers, Readers, & Life! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ages: 5-9

One Leaf Rides the Wind is a beautiful book that teaches numbers and the Japanese culture through the art of Haiku poems.

Awards/Recognitions: Parents’ Choice Award, Los Angeles Times Best-seller, Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
Find more children's books that support diversity and tolerance in my post https://www.teacher-librarian-forlife...

[Mr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good one to read when older. About counting and ancient Japanese Gardens. Has little summary on each page giving more information about each item.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hm. I liked it, and I highly recommend it to classrooms, homeschooling families, and as a gift... but I can't give it four stars because for some reason I didn't *really* like it. I just didn't find it engaging. But I'm fairly confident that I'm having a personal reaction, and that if you want to read it, don't let me make you hesitate.

[Chris Nigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tackle a pleasant journey through the changing seasons with 'One Leaf Rides the Wind' by Celeste Davidson Mannis, a captivating picture book that celebrates the beauty of nature and the interconnectedness of all living things. In this book, "One Leaf Rides the Wind," readers are invited to follow the whimsical trip of a single leaf as it drifts through the air, experiencing the wonders of nature's cycle. Mannis weaves a tale that beautifully captures the essence of each season, from the vibrant colors of autumn to the gentle warmth of spring. Through encounters with various animals and elements of the natural world, the leaf learns valuable lessons about interconnectedness and the cyclical nature of existence. Mannis's prose, accompanied by Susan Kathleen Hartung's enchanting illustrations, creates a magical reading experience that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The major themes in the book revolve around interconnectedness and the cycle of life. Through the leaf's journey, readers are reminded of the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of harmony in the natural world. For example, as the leaf encounters different animals and experiences the changing seasons, it learns to appreciate the beauty and balance of nature. Additionally, the cyclical nature of the leaf's journey serves as a metaphor for the cycles of life and renewal, highlighting the beauty found in change and transformation. The main genre of this book is children's literature, specifically poetry or novel in verse. Children reading this book could learn about the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of respecting the environment. Through the leaf's journey, young readers can gain a deeper understanding of how all living things are connected and the impact that humans have on the natural world. Additionally, the book encourages curiosity and appreciation for the beauty found in the changing seasons, fostering a sense of wonder and respect for the world around them. This book was a WOW book for me because of its ability to transport readers into the heart of nature's beauty through lyrical prose and captivating illustrations. Mannis's storytelling effortlessly captures the magic of each season, while Hartung's artwork brings the story to life with vibrant colors and intricate detail. It's a book that not only entertains but also inspires readers to see the world with new eyes and appreciate the wonder of the natural world.

The author portrayed anti-bias perspectives in this book by showcasing the diversity and interconnectedness of all living things. By celebrating the beauty of nature and highlighting the importance of harmony and balance, Mannis promotes empathy and understanding of the world around us. The leaf's interactions with various animals and elements of nature illustrate the interconnected web of life, challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity. Through this lens, "One Leaf Rides the Wind" serves as a powerful tool for fostering empathy and compassion in young readers, encouraging them to embrace diversity and respect the natural world.

[Stacy Natal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A counting book based on a Japanese garden. It didn't draw me in, but I'd use it for the great Haiku.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story with beautiful illustrations. The perfect way to introduce small children to the haiku and another culture.

[Diana Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's no way about it...I just love this little book♥️♥️♥️

[Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Leaf Rides the Wind is a pleasing introduction into the structure of haiku poetry. The story provides descriptive imagery and visual representations that educate the reader about a variety of Japanese customs. As a girl counts objects in her garden, the reader is presented with a haiku on each page as well as a brief description of the poem’s subject.

This poetry book would be a wonderful resource for lower to middle elementary school students who are exploring the concept of syllables. It presents an opportunity to practice identifying syllable patterns and counting syllables as students read through the haiku poems. The descriptive imagery within the book presents students with examples of how an author can "paint a picture" with words. I look forward to using this story as a resource to help students produce their own imaginative poetry. Haiku structure can be a great place with to start with poetry because it provides students with a basic structure while leaving a lot of room for creativity.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl explores a Japanese garden. 11 Haiku poems introduce the numbers between 1 - 10 and cycles back to one. After hosting Japan-in-a-Suitcase this was a wonderful surprise. A bit more information is provided in smaller type at the bottom of the page for those so inclined.

[Lindsey Myers]

One Leaf Rides the Wind is a poetry book that is suitable for children of all ages and can be used in so many different ways.

Throughout this book you will find a haiku on each page that introduces counting. Not only is this a poetry book that can be used to introduce math but it also uses very descriptive words that can be used to help students use a wider range of vocabulary to enhance their writing. Both of those aspects can be implemented at different levels of education which makes it extremely versatile. Not to mention it uses haikus on each page, so it would be a great mentor text to begin integrating different forms of poetry into lessons.

Along with counting and descriptive words, this book also can inform students of a different culture. This book revolves around a young, curious, Japanese girl. The setting is in her garden and the book revolves around the different features throughout this garden. I could use this book with kindergarteners to begin introducing them to numbers, middle elementary to introduce descriptive words, or upper elementary to showcase the beauty within different cultures. If I were to use this mentor text as a way to showcase different cultures in the form of a haiku, I would want the students to write their own haiku that tells me more about their own culture. For example; in this book, the little girl takes her shoes off before entering her home, which is something that is apart of the Japanese culture. The students could write about dinners that they have with their whole family on Sundays, or maybe every year it is a family tradition to go to every NC State football game. This book is a great mentor text to use in so many different ways!

[Allison Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story written in poetic form

Title: One leaf rides the wind Author: Celeste Davidson Mannis

How would you describe the plot? This book takes readers through Japanese culture and numbers while following haiku rhythm

How would you describe the characters? A Japanese girl that teaches you about her culture.

What is the main conflict? Not applicable since this is more of an informational text.

What is the main theme? The diversity of different cultures around the world

How would you describe the author’s style? Rhythmic and informative

What point of view does the author use? first person

Share your thoughts on the design and layout of the book.
I really enjoy the illustrations and how they showcase Japan's culture.

What lessons could you teach with this text? This would be a great book for kids to read and then use as a creative writing project. This would also be a great book to use during a research project to look at other parts of the world

Please provide at least two of the Arkansas State Standards you would use in a lesson.

W.5.7 Research to Build and Present Knowledge. Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.

RL.3.10 Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity. By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poetry, at the high end of the grades 2-3 text complexity band independently and proficiently.

What is your overall assessment of the book? This book is a simple way to introduce a new culture into the classroom as well as a poetry style.

[Karen Carpio · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a realistic fiction poem book. The bok has received recognitions and awards such as IRA Children’s Book Award, Parents Choice Silver Honor Medal, Junior Library Guild Selection, and the Mazza Museum permanent collection recognition. The book is intended for children who are six to nine years of age, but I believe the book is appropriate to read to younger children because of the nature of the book. The book is set in a Japanese Garden and depicts a young girl going through it. The book is able to show various visual elements and also explain cultural aspects as well. The book is set in a haiku style which is a great way to present diverse forms of poetry to the young reader. There are a few words on each page due to the style of the poem, but along with the cute illustrations, it is perfect for the reader to read at a soothing pace. the book is also developmentally appropriate because it helps reinforce counting skills. I gave the book a four out of five rating because it was very soothing to read, it gives a sense of tranquility but also teaches children about poems, culture, gardens, and counting.

[Kiarra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One Leaf Rides the Wind," written by Celeste Mannis and illustrated by Susan Hartung, is a counting book that shows both the joy and the tranquility of the Japanese garden, while also introducing haiku poetry through eleven short and easy-to-follow poems. This book follows a young girl as she discovers the joys of haiku and the beauty of the garden. You'll adore the beautiful, authentically Japanese illustrations that teach children counting, easy-to-understand facts about Japanese gardens, and poems that introduce your child to haiku. This is an excellent classroom book for teachers who want to introduce students to different types of poetry. This lovely book features notes on Japanese religion and spirituality, which I believe will help young readers understand that Japanese gardens allow people to search inside themselves for peace and tranquility. I also appreciate how this book exposes children to facets about another culture, which should encourage them to learn more about haiku poetry. I enjoyed reading this book and will be adding it to my collection because I want to have a variety of genres and this is one genre that I have not thought about.

[Cayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

1-3

This is a collection of Haikus that have to do with Japanese culture. We start with one leaf and end with 10 lanterns and each haiku has a number involved in the poem.

I enjoyed this book because it gives us the opportunity to learn about another culture. I like that the author provided explanations about any word relating to Japanese culture that we may not understand. I think the illustrations are engaging and the poems are easy to follow and understand.

Haikus are a great way to think about syllabic awareness. As a class we can clap out each syllable in the sentence. I would shape my lesson around Haikus and elaborate on the Japanese culture. Maybe we could have a day where they experienced Japanese culture inside of the classroom. I would also have my students create their own haikus and share them with the class.
**I remember learning about Haikus, and I loved creating my own.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Using numbers throughout the poems, Celeste Davidson Mannis explores the world of nature around her. From flowers and leaves blowing in the wing, to hungry Coy fish nibbling at the fingers of the narrator, the story highlights the beauty around us. Once the author gets to 10, the poems revert back to one leaf blowing in the wind.

I had a hard time connecting with this book. It seems like it could be a good read for younger students, but it was a bit too spitual for me to really appreciate. Some of the context even had me slightly lost.

I would relate this book to another that makes you really appreciate the world around you, titled Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. Both books delve into a naturalistic and spiritual way of viewing the world around us.

"Six. Outside the teahouse, six wooden sandals gathered neatly in a row."

[Jenny Larges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Multicultural

Summary “One Leaf Rides the Wind”: This is a lovely book that would be appropriate for so many lessons: counting, Haiku, and Japanese traditions.

Rated: LG, BL 4.2, AR Quiz #59604

Characteristics that Support the Genre: This book focuses on Japanese traits and traditions.

Mentor Writing Traits:
Idea: The book melds the Japanese style of poetry (Haiku) with explanations of traditions (why there are 5 upward-arched roofs on a pagoda) through the eyes of a young, Japanese girl.

Voice: Aside from the Haiku, there's additional explanations on the bottom of each page to share further insight on Japanese traditions.

Classroom Integration: This will be a book I will add to my library for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade learners. It will be fun to introduce them to Haiku patterns and syllables, develop phonemic awareness, counting, and, ideally, have a Japanese guest speaker visit the class to show the students about a traditional tea ceremony or explain the symbolism of removing your shoes. SO MUCH to utilize from this lovely book!

[Jordan Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Leaf Rides the Wind was written by Celeste Davidson Mannis and illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung. I really enjoyed this book ,because it was illustrated beautifully and showed Japanese culture. This book would be great for readers that are learning how to count,because it has poems with a number of objects in it and the picture shows the objects. Younger readers could even go and count the number of a certain objects in the pictures. One Leaf Rides the Wind also teaches readers about Haikus or Japanese poems. This book would be great to show readers that are beginning to write their own poems. Lastly this book shows readers about Japanese culture and explains different traditions that happen in Japan.

[Kendall Robinson]

The book One Leaf Rides the Wind is great book for a Grade K class to learn about poetry, especially different forms and types of poem. This book is full of beautiful haiku's that highlight many aspects of Japanese culture. This book not only is filled with beautiful pictures and artwork but it focuses on the beauty and peacefulness of a Japanese garden and giving the student simple poem to focus on while reading. This would be great to allow students relate nature and poetry together to let the student see how creativity can expressed in so many forms. It'll be great to do shared paired reading with this activity allowing students to cross reference science in creating their own haikus on the nature around them.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes the reader through a Japanese garden counting different things. Each object has a haiku (though I didn't register that they were haiku until the very end; they're not that great) and a short paragraph of explanation. There's a lot of focus on the spiritualism represented in a Japanese garden/tea ceremony, so I edited most of the content as I read it to my young son. As a person who loves Japanese things, it's hard for me to recommend skipping this book, especially because of the beautiful illustrations. Maybe the book could be used in a unit about Japan, but I'll probably look for other resources.

[Julian A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Leaf Rides the Wind is a counting book that introduces haiku poems about the beauty and hidden secrets of the ancient Japanese garden, including one leaf, two temple dogs, three bonsai tree plants, four birds, five pagoda roofs, six wooden sandals, seven sweet cakes, eight pink lotus flowers, nine koi fish, and ten carved stone lanterns. At the bottom of the double-paged spread, each haiku provides an explanation of the image and how it reflects an important part of Japanese culture as taught from the perspective of a young Japanese girl. Thought this was a really fun book that taught me a lot. 

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celeste Davidson Mannis writes a collection of (5,7,5) haikus which explore moments a fictional young girl experiences while visiting a fictional Japanese garden. The illustrations are oil paint glazes on sealed paper, by Susan Hartung. Each two-page section features a single page illustration and an accompanying, single-page haiku. Beneath each haiku, in a smaller font size, are brief cultural explanations for older readers unfamiliar with cultural practices or histories. While some readers may not immediately notice the multi-layered written and visual narratives, other readers should find this an enjoyable and re-readable story to share.

[Luke Pacifico · Rating 5 out of 5]

1) IRA Children’s Book Award and Parents Choice Silver Honor Medal
2) Pre-K - 2
3) A collection of haikus that help children with counting. Beneath each poem are interesting facts about Japan.
4) Fantastic illustrations that have an awesome Japanese flair to them. The poems are easy for kids to understand, and the facts listed beneath the poems teach them about Japanese culture.
5) Haikus are awesome because they help kids learn about syllables. The 5-7-5 syllabic structure is a great way for kids to practice.

[Brent Chouanard · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Kindergarten through 2nd grade, this book could be used in a variety of ways. It could help form deep discussions of tier 2 vocabulary words where students can use the pictures to help them use clues to identify what they mean. It is also a counting book which would be good for very young students who could try to count the objects the poems identify on the page. The poems are very short so even very young students could try a close reading of the poetry and practice writing their own based on the style of this book.

[Emma Staten · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Leaf Rides the Wind is a counting book (1-10) introducing haiku poems relating to the beauty and hidden secrets of the ancient Japanese garden; one leaf, two temple dogs, three bonsai tree plants, four birds, five roofs of a pagoda, six wooden sandals, seven sweet cakes, eight pink lotus flowers, nine koi fish, and ten carved stone lanterns. Each haiku has an explanation of the image at the bottom of the double-paged spread and how it represents an important aspect of Japanese culture as taught from the perspective of a young Japanese girl.

[Leelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never wanted to keep a children's book before but this one is lovely. It's a counting book so we go through Japanese garden and count the different things one might find there. It is beautifully illustrated with warm colors. Each page has a haiku about the object and on the bottom of the page there's a fact that gives more information about what the object is/represents/how/why it is traditionally included in a Japanese garden.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

A counting book (1-10) that is also a poetry book (there's a haiku for each number) and also an introduction to Japanese gardens/culture.

The relevant number is present as a numeral and a word on each page. The illustrations are great for one-to-one correspondence counting of the items.

There's extra information about the topic of the page at the bottom.

I feel like this is a book that can grow with a child.

[Bryanna Rorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good math counting book that can be incorporated into class lessons. This book is about a girl making her way through a Japanese garden and teaches children through the art of haikus to younger readers around the age groups grades K-2 but is also a fun read for really any age. The pictures showcase tranquility and art from the culture as well so it would also be good reads for diversity in a classroom.

[Ali Tate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book because it teaches not only numbers but also all the information about the Japanese culture added at the end of each page. I would add this to my bookshelf in the classroom and share it with the class for sure math and history if it corresponds with the concepts expected. The story didn’t grasp my attention or keep me engaged as much as I hoped, but it is still a good book for the classroom.