Noodles on a Bicycle

by Kyo Maclear, Gracey Zhang (illustrator)

A vibrant historical picture book about Tokyo's bicycle food deliverers, or demae, who balanced towering trays of steaming hot noodles on their shoulders while navigating crowded city streets.

When the deliverymen set off in the morning, the children wait for the flicker of pedal and wheel. It's the demae—delivery men—setting off to deliver steaming trays of noodles to hungry customers all over the city. They are whizzing past other bicycles, soaring around curves, avoiding the black smoke of motorcycles. When the children see them, they want to be them. And so they practice with bowls of wobbling water stacked on trays. The day passes, and, finally, exhausted, the demae return home, to their families, and, yes, to steaming bowls of noodles.

This beautifully crafted, visually exciting story by a powerhouse author and illustrator team is sure to be adored by food lovers, young and old.

Genres: Picture Books, Food, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Japan, Historical, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 27, 2024

About the author

Kyo Maclear is an essayist, novelist and children’s author. She was born in London, England and moved to Toronto at the age of four with her British father (a foreign correspondent and documentary filmmaker) and Japanese mother (a painter and art dealer).

Her books have been translated into eighteen languages, published in over twenty-five countries, and garnered nominations from the Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction, the Governor General’s Literary Awards, the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Awards, the Amazon.ca First Novel Award, the National Magazine Awards, among other honours.

Unearthing: a Story of Tangled Love and Family Secrets (2023) was a national bestseller and awarded the Governor General’s Literary Award for Nonfiction. Her hybrid memoir Birds Art Life (2017) was a #1 National Bestseller and winner of the Trillium Book Award and the Nautilus Book Award for Lyrical Prose. It was named one of the best books of 2017 by The Globe and Mail, CBC, Now Magazine, the National Post, Forbes, the Chicago Review of Books, and Book Riot.

Her work has appeared in Orion Magazine, Brick, Border Crossings, The Millions, LitHub, The Volta, Prefix Photo, Resilience, The Guardian, Lion’s Roar, Azure, The Globe and Mail, and elsewhere. She has been a national arts reviewer for Canadian Art and a monthly arts columnist for Toronto Life.

Kyo holds a doctorate in environmental humanities teaches creative writing with The Humber School for Writers and the University of Guelph Creative Writing MFA.

She lives in Tkaronto/Toronto, on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the New Credit, the Haudenosaunee, Métis, and the Huron-Wendat.

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because of modernisation, the men who used to deliver huge amounts of soba noodles astride their bicycles whilst balancing towering trays on their shoulders of course no longer exist in contemporary, in today's (and particular in urban) Japan. But yes, these deliverymen, these demae (as they were, as they are called and refereed to in Japanese) would have been a pretty common and everyday sight from the 1930s to the 1970s in most cities of Japan, including in Tokyo (and where Noodles on a Bicycle takes place).

Now with their 2025 Caldecott Honour winning picture book Noodles on a Bicycle (which especially my inner child has absolutely loved, not to mention that she now totally wants to sit down with a huge bowl of soba noodles and slurp away, since especially Kyo Maclear's descriptive noodle and noodle consumption related words and expressions have made her hugely hungry), indeed, Maclear’s words and equally so Gracey Zhang's accompanying artwork, they render the historical era alluded to above and depicted in Noodles on a Bicycle engagingly and successfully with their vibrant, full of verbal as well as illustrative energy combination of text and images regarding the demae (who toil endlessly and tirelessly, but also joyfully, with a sense of playfulness to deliver food, to deliver soba noodles hot and cold to their many customers). And as such, Noodles on a Bicycle textually and visually documents the demaes’ labour, how they work, what entails their job in an appealing and also in a delightfully fun manner for young readers and/or listeners, while at the same time capturing the perceptions and experiences of living as a child in Japan (which author Kyo Maclear actually did during her childhood, when she used to spend her summers in Japan visiting with her mother's family, although Maclear does point out in her author's note for Noodles on a Bicycle that when she was spending her summers in Japan, the demaes' bicycles were often but increasingly steadily being replaced by motorcycles and even cars).

With Noodles on a Bicycle representing what the demaes do job and career wise from the perspective of young children (and who are narrating Noodles on a Bicycle), Maclear textually instills a sense of immediacy to their experiences, thereby contributing to the text's emotional impact and also drawing the intended audience (drawing young readers and listeners) right into the era of soba noodle deliverymen on bicycles (and as they are being shown and depicted in Noodles on a Bicycle), absolutely and wonderfully capturing the children’s sense of awe regarding the demae whom they very much and in fact totally admire. For to the children inhabiting the pages of Noodles on a Bicycle, the denae are larger-than-life and their seemingly magical acrobatic skills allow them to navigate deftly through the busy streets of Tokyo with their towering stacks of bowls and boxes for their customers, never spilling or losing anything prior to their arrival (but the children of Noodles on a Bicycle are also trying to emulate the denae, and while not all that successful with their own attempts at balancing bowls and trays filled with water while riding their own bicycles, the encouragement by the denae watching this is sweet and feels absolutely lovely as well as nicely encouraging). And indeed, albeit Noodles on a Bicycle has Kyo Maclear textually conveying huge and all-encompassing respect for the demae and for their very long hours of work (basically all day and well into the evening), Maclear's storyline for Noodles on a Bicycle not just emphasises their rigorous work ethic but equally so and just as strongly demonstrates that long working hours notwithstanding, the denae clearly and hugely enjoy their job of delivering soba noodles on bicycles and often have a lot of fun as well (such as for example having good-natured competitions regarding who can successfully and without any spillage deliver the most highly stacked soba noodle trays, dishes and the like).

Finally, Gracey Zhang’s colourfully energetic and filled with much visual movement accompanying artwork for Noodles on a Bicycle, her pictures complement Maclear’s text very effectively (and also really marvellously), aesthetically enhancing Kyo Maclear's words, aesthetically delightfully showing the featured characters’ emotions, as well as using humorous exaggeration to illustratively highlight and showcase the denaes' dexterity and strength (which might at times perhaps feel almost a trifle visually overdone but which in my opinion does work really well with what Maclear is verbally presenting in Noodles on a Bicycle and that Zhang is as such empathising visually what Kyo Maclear points out textually, namely that the denaes on their bicycles are highly skilled at delivering huge amounts of soba noodle trays from the Sobayas, from the soba noodle restaurants to various places, to various customers and all without accidents, without dropping or spilling their soba deliveries). But furthermore and importantly, aside from showing and expanding on specific moments regarding Maclear's plot for Noodles on a Bicycle, Gracey Zhang’s artwork for Noodles on a Bicycle is also depicting mid 20th century Japanese reality and culture (during the time of the denaes) really nicely and with Zhang's visual attention to authenticity making both my inner child and even more so my adult self hugely smile (and that the combination of Kyo Maclear's text and Zghang's artwork makes my rating for Noodles on a Bicycle solidly five stars, very deserving of its Caldecott Honour designation, warmly recommended and also one of the very best picture books I have read in 2025).

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author spins a little tribute to noodle restaurant deliverymen from a childhood memory of visiting Japan and seeing them navigating traffic on their bicycles with incredibly tall stacks of bowls of noodles and soup. A couple of actual photographs from 1937 and 1959 are included.

Unfortunately, I was less interested in Kyo Maclear's purple prose and poetic ode to a bygone tradition and really wanted step-by-step breakdowns of how the stacks were loaded and unloaded and how the bowls were delivered, collected, washed and reused. The old documentary vs. art film quandary.

[Lata · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gorgeous artwork wonderfully supports the story about soba deliverymen in Japan's past. These men balanced several trays and soup bowls on their shoulders while bicycling around the city. It was hard, painful, hot work, and kids would attempt to emulate the incredible balancing acts of the deliverymen's maneuvers on wheels.

I loved the feel of the city in the text, and the illustrations brought 1970s Tokyo to life with energy, gentle humour and love.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated picture book that shares the story of the soba deliverymen of days gone by who delivered noodles skillfully balanced on their shoulders while riding bicycles in Japan. It’s hard to fathom how they did it! I appreciate that a few photos of the actual deliverymen, one from 1937 and one from 1959 are included in the endpages.

[Karen Witzler · Rating 4 out of 5]

An urban food delivery system in Japan - fun, active, culturally informative picture book. Make sure your kids don't try this on their own bikes...

Caldecott Medal Nominee (2025), Charlotte Zolotow Award Nominee for Honor Book (2025)

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story and the delightful illustrations give such a clear picture of the time period, the adventure, the skill, and the hard work of this job of soba delivery man. There is so much heart in these pages.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noodles on a Bicycle is a super fun and cute book celebrating the lost art of stacking bowls of soup absurdly high and delivering them by bicycle. The kids all deeply admire the delivery cyclists and try to imitate them. It's very cute and fun. The art is a delight, and Kyo Maclear and Gracey Zhang continue to make an excellent team. It includes some historic photographs of cyclists with their deliveries stacked high as well as some notes about how this was all done, although it isn't really practiced anymore in favour of motorbikes and more plastic packaging--it also praises the economically sustainable aspects of using clean transport, reusable bowls, and lack of disposable plastic. I would definitely recommend checking this one out!

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fictionalized account of the Demae, deliverymen on bicycles, who carried towers of ceramic bowls filled with noodles to hungry people.

[itselv]

Since childhood, I've had this fascination with adult side characters in childrens' shows, and have always wondered about their life and how they spend their days down to the dullest moments.
Something here fulfilled this curiosity—the children are narrating the story, and in another book, they could be the main cast, but the adult Soba deliveryman is the protagonist here, and we are witnessing his mundane day in acts.

Beautiful and wholesome!

[Bri]

Fantastic!! Great illustrations, fun narration, and a thoughtful story of a bygone cultural practice.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, I loved the premise of this story. Food delivery by bicycle. But not just take-out containers, the food deliverers in this story are carrying trays with ceramic bowls of noodles. And not just one tray like a waiter or waitress, they are carrying multiple orders at one time. This one might leave you in awe. Sometimes fact is stranger than fiction. This story also offers an example of how a community could reduce their carbon footprint and produce less waste.

[Patricia Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressive that deliverymen on bikes could carry so much weight on their shoulders. That's a lot of skill and endurance.

[Srujan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was way more fun & educational than I had expected it to be! I always begin books that have won prizes or critical acclaim a bit warily. They haven't worked for me so many times that I do this to avoid disappointment. However Noodles on A Bicycle deserves the hype and the praise. This historical picture book outlines a day in the life of a bicycle food delivery persons in Tokyo between 1930s and 1970s who balance towering trays of steaming hot noodles on their shoulders and carry them to their destination on a bicycle. If I hadn't seen those actual photographs in the book, I would not have believed this would have been possible. You might begin the book with awe and admiration for their acrobatic skills, but when the day and the book ends, you are left pondering over the hardships in the e-commerce and home delivery model of business. You start thinking about the costs that this convenience comes with. I am raising kids in India in the era of 10 mins grocery promise. I don't even want groceries in 10 mins, the way our lives are set, nothing is that urgent and most purchases are well planned. I truly hope this book serves as a way for my kids to look at these conveniences and deliveries, as well as those who execute them, from a more humane and empathic lens. The exposure to Japanese culture from that era is only an added advantage. We would enthusiastically recommend this!

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating subject, which is definitely worth remembering and celebrating even though the days of the sobaya demae are long gone. Told from a child’s point of view, the story glorifies the acrobatic proto-door-dashers who balance towering trays of noodles and soup with circus-like precision while cycling through the streets of Tokyo. Dynamic illustrations show how these dedicated deliverymen fed their customers and families with heaping portions of soup and soba and a good measure of wonder.

[Bethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. Such a cool delivery system, an art, too bad it was phased out in the 1970s. Love the illustrations, the words are also so descriptive you don’t need pictures. Fun surprise ending. Interesting author note. Delightful fun window to the recent past.

[Book Buying With Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous art

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely would recommend it. Besides the beautiful art. It’s worth the read for the story and to learn something.

[Lina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice insight into a childhood memory. Almost as though you were there yourself, curious about the men balancing noodles on their shoulders as they rode.

[Guilherme Semionato · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVHQg...

[Relyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate DiCamillo recommended this book and she's never wrong. Oh my. I LOVE this book! I've already purchased it and plan to use it for library lessons next year.

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much a slice of life, showcasing a hardworking profession.

52 Book Club25 PB: 4)     Title starts with letter “N” 

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cool look at a Tokyo tradition circa 1930s-1970s

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the 1930’s to 1970’s in Japan, if a family was hungry for noodles during summer, especially soba with its delicious buckwheat noodles and cold broth, how would they get their dinner? In this book “Noodles on a bicycle”, Kyo Maclear talks about these food delivery heroes of Japan called the “Sobaya Demae”, or Soba restaurant deliverymen, during the mid-Edo period. The book starts off showcasing a man carrying as many as fifty bowls and trays of soba on one arm and the other arm riding the bicycle around Tokyo. First, the sobaya chef would wake up early to cut the noodles, make the famous house broth, and once they get a call from a landphone from a customer, the deliverymen stack the ceramic soups and bowls and wooden soba boxes on top of one another and then take off. They would ride through heavy traffic in the hot sun from place to place, such as universities or offices, all the way until nightfall. The story ends with the deliverymen going home to his children and his wife, eating soba with his family for dinner, resting up, and then waking up early once again to redo his shift as a Sobaya deliverymen. The major themes in this book were tradition and culture. The theme of tradition comes from the fact that this was a tradition because they served a traditional food called soba, which are buckwheat noodles eaten cold with dipping sauce or served in hot broth, and the reason why is because it was cheap, filling, and easy to transport without losing its flavor. They also used a traditional method of clean transport and reusable bowls (no plastic bags or styrofoam containers). This tradition of stacking plates on ones shoulder and riding a bike around residential areas delivery food was practiced until the motorbikes arose. The theme of culture comes from the fact that these Sobaya demae arose only in Japan, and even if there aren’t anymore left in Japan, are still celebrated and remembered. The main genre of this book is historical fiction because these “Sobaya demae” no longer exist and are from the past. Through reading this book, I learned about the difference between the deliverymen in the past and the deliverymen we know now. When we think of deliverymen, we think of those in a car or motorbike with a bag carrying the products and going door to door dropping them off. It’s interesting to think that deliverymen in the past, though, was a big part of Japanese culture, and these deliverymen would even compete with one another to see who could stack the highest trays in the most elegant manner. Their work was tedious, whether rain or shine, they would go door to door dedicating their lives to delivering soba noodles to other families. Another idea that I learned from this book is that these deliverymen were more than just people who delivered food, they were artists, architects, athletes, acrobats, etc., having more than one talent in order to become these distinct deliverymen. This book was a WOW book for me because I did not know these men existed at all and learning about them broadened my view of what Japan was like in the past and their importance in Japan’s culture and society.

The author used multiple literary devices and other forms of writing craft in this book. First, the author used the writing craft technique of onomatopoeia. An example of this is the line “We watch them balancing towers on their shoulders. An arm holding things steady as their bicycle tires bump, bounce, settle, swoosh.” This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by giving us a vivid, sensory experience and imagery of what it felt like to be one of these Sobaya Delivermen. We can understand the swoosh and bumps of the tires as we imagine these people holding heavy stacks of trays getting ready to take off to deliver the soba to customers. Second, the author used the writing craft technique of questioning. An example of this is in the line, “What is it like to work outside all day, cycling for a living, the dusk air hot and heavy and sticky like honey? When will they head home from work?” This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by giving the readers a chance to think about the lives of these deliverymen and how hard it is to be one as they have to constantly hold heavy trays in hot, steamy Tokyo weather during heavy traffic, away from their families. It shows how dedicating these hidden heroes are to Japans society. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because this book reflects the lived experiences of the author. They used correct terminology such as “Sobaya Demae” (meaning Soba Delivermen) and “konnichiwa”, which means hello in Japanese. Additionally, there is positive portrayals of every character in this book, especially, of course, the Sobaya demae and the author presented them in a non-stereotypical manner.

[Jhana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noodles on a Bicycle was written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Gracey Zhang. I found this book while searching for historical fiction titles for younger readers on my professor’s Wakelet page. This received a 2025 Caldecott Honor and was featured on ALSC’s 2025 Notable Children’s Books. I was able to find a read-aloud of the book on YouTube, and I appreciated being able to listen to the story while paying close attention to the illustration of each page.

This book is about Japanese demae (deliverymen) in Tokyo. The children featured in this story follow one deliveryman who heads out early in the morning to deliver soba (buckwheat noodles) from the Sobaya (buckwheat noodle restaurant). The children in the story are amazed by how the deliveryman balances the stacks of trays while he rides his bicycle to deliver soba. Through the story, the children describe the deliveryman as an acrobat as they follow him as he delivers noodles around the city. The children themselves attempt to follow in his lead, stacking bowls and trays to show their admiration for the deliveryman's work. Later in the evening, when the children return home, they tell their mother they want noodles for dinner. We soon realize that their Papa was the deliveryman that they followed throughout the day. He brings noodles home to their family, and we see just how much Papa’s hard work is appreciated. At the end of the story, we see the mother and father ending the night by washing and rinsing the trays and bowls to prepare for tomorrow’s delivery.

I appreciated the author’s use of vivid imagery and onomatopoeia to describe the energy and commotion of making deliveries throughout the city. The illustrations are realistic, featuring ink and gouache paintings that use warm colors, emphasizing the liveliness of the city and capturing the acrobatic movements of the deliverymen. Given that this book is historical fiction, it beautifully captures a day in the life of a Japanese deme while paying tribute to their craft and dedication to service. The author’s note provides more information about the history of Japanese demae, along with two historical photos of Japanese demae.

The picture book format makes this suitable for younger readers, but it can also be enjoyed by readers of any age. I envision this book being read aloud to readers ages K-2, paired with lessons about communities, family traditions, and culture. While this book highlights a significant part of Tokyo’s history, it also captures the themes of community and family.

[Edmy Roman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book while looking in Ruth's list for historical fiction. When I read Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear, I was immediately charmed by its blend of history, culture, and childlike wonder. The book tells the fascinating story of the demae—the noodle delivery men of mid-20th-century Tokyo—who were known for their incredible ability to balance tall, wobbling stacks of bowls while riding their bicycles through bustling city streets. The story unfolds through the eyes of neighborhood children who watch these deliverymen with awe, admiration, and curiosity. They view the demae as something between artists and acrobats, marveling at their precision and skill. The children even try to imitate the balancing act with bowls of water, only to discover how difficult the task really is.

What truly makes the book special is the warm emotional turn at the end, when one of the demae is revealed to be “Papa,” returning home to his own family after a long day’s work with their much-loved noodle dinner. As a teacher, I especially appreciate this ending because it reinforces themes of family, community, and pride in one’s work—ideas that resonate deeply with young children. Maclear’s storytelling invites students to explore a piece of Japanese cultural history while also connecting to universal experiences: watching grown-ups work hard, admiring the skills of others, and sharing meals with loved ones. This picture book would be a wonderful read-aloud for lessons on community helpers, culture, traditions, or even for inspiring discussions about perseverance and trying new skills.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maclear opens a window to the past in her new book about Japanese sobaya delivery men.

The children take great joy in watching the deliverymen (demae) build stacks of ceramic soup bowls and wooden soba boxes on their shoulder, then mount their bicycles to pedal their way to deliver the hot foods. They joyfully chase them down the street, then attempt to do it themselves to comedic ends. Waiting for the ring of the doorbell and their father to come home with their soba dinner.

Maclear's story opens up a tradition from the past - the precursor of DoorDash - during a time when life was a bit slower and less technology-driven. It is full of heart and fond memories. An Author's note explains more. A nice touch is showing demae making deliveries on both the front and the back endsheets.

Gracey Zhang has certainly done her homework for this one. Visually, the reader is transported to Japan of the 1950's. The bicycles, automobiles, and buses look right. The buildings with their noren curtains over doorways of restaurants, older people in traditional Japanese dress and shoes, and the interior of a Japanese home, with its shoji sliding doors, kids tucked in their tatami mat bed with quilt cover, and indoor slippers waiting by the front door.

Pair this book with The Bicycle Man and Kamishibai Man both by Allen Say and How My Parents Learned to Eat by Ina R. Friedman for a peek into the past of what life was like in Japan in the 1940's-1960's.

Highly Recommended for PreSchool-grade 5.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Kyo Maclear! Love the way this story pulls you in so that you're experiencing right along with the children as they watch the soba deliverymen with their fantastic acrobatic feats balancing towering stacks of noodle trays on their shoulders as they bicycle through town -- you're right there with the sights and sounds, excitement and admiration as the kids observe the deliverymen throughout the day. It surprised me that one of the deliverymen is their father; but that makes it all the more personal, and we get to see the behind-the-scenes experience, too -- what is it like when these "artists, acrobats and engineers" get home, deeply tired and achy from their day's work, yet greeted by children so eager to see their daddy -- and to partake of the delicious noodles they bring Don't miss the author's note at the back, as she shares her experience of childhood summers in Tokyo ordering soyba and watching these deliverymen (demae) arrive. I also really appreciate that two photographs of actual demae are included -- it really is astonishing what they could do!!!!! My kids were very impressed, too. The illustrations by Gracey Zhangare also marvelous -- and the Caldecott committee thought so, too ;-)

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A group of Japanese children watch in awe as the bicycle deliverymen from the nearby sobaya noodle shop balance stacks of wooden trays filled with ceramic bowls of noodles.

Bicycle deliverymen from soba noodle restaurants (sobaya) display acrobatic feats as they weave through traffic while balancing wooden box trays loaded with ceramic bowls of noodles. Neighborhood children observe their comings and goings and then attempt to imitate them using their own bicycles.

The illustrations were done in ink and gouache. There is a black-and-white photograph of a bicycle soba deliveryman from the 1930s on the front free endpaper and one from the 1950s on the back free endpaper.

Definitions of sobaya (a soba restaurant), demae (deliverymen), and soba (backwheat noodles) are given below the author's note at the back of the book.

This picture book was inspired by author's childhood experience of living in the Nishi-Ogikubo neighborhood of Tokyo where she would watch the soba delivery men riding bicycles while balancing up to 50 bowls of noodles in stacked wooden trays. Also, deliveries are now made with motorized vehicles, and the noodles are now packed in single-use petroleum-derived packaging.

Reading this story, I became hungry for noodles. I was also reminded of the modern day bicycle delivery people in the Netherlands who use bakfiets (box bikes).

[Aliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyo Maclear's "Noodles on a Bicycle" acknowledges and represents the Asian culture where the story takes place in the heart of Japan. A group of young children observe a deliveryman who constantly is on the go with his huge pile with deliveries of soba noodles (Japanese noodle-dish) to places around their town. In addition, they also reveal that the deliveryman is the childrens' father.

As the story is a Caledott Award-winner, the author emphasizes the significance of hard work, determination, and love coming from the perspective of a parent and their children. The message behind it truly states the meaning of what it means for an individual to be passionate about their interests, especially in terms of making and supporting their family.

This type of story would also touch the heart of many young children who share a special bond with their parents. The plot would also encourage young children to write a small reflection on special interests they do with their parents. For smaller kids, they can simply explain how they appreciate them similar to the characters. Nevertheless, their young minds would be intrigued by the pictures specifically on how the deliveryman has many packages of "soba noodles piled on top of each other".

(https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants...)- Caledott Honor Award source

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never would have thought this was possible. This is about noodle deliverymen in Japan. They stacked boxes of noodles and soup up taller than they are on their shoulders and got on a bicycle to deliver them all over the city. There are two pictures of actually deliverymen from the 30s and 50s at the beginning and end. It’s unreal. It looks back breaking.

I don’t know how they kept from dropping them all with wind and traffic and taking them up and down, but I guess when it’s your living, you do it. Soba are cold noodles, or they can be served in a hot broth as well. Who knew.

The story is about a bunch of kids watching, imitating and cheering on these deliverymen. We see them pick up, carry and deliver the food. It just blows the mind, truly.

The artist used ink, gouache paints for the artwork. You truly get a sense of the big city and just how high those boxes were on guys. That had to knock their shoulders out of alignment and cause much back pain later in life. Anyway.

A fun story about something I’m astounded by.

Kids who love interesting quirky things in life will love this.