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Chibi: A True Story from Japan
When Oka-san, a brown-and-gold duck, selects the Mitsui Office Park as the perfect spot for her nest, people flock from downtown Tokyo to watch the ducklings hatch. A modern-day Make Way for Ducklings, set in Japan.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
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84 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Brenner
108 books12 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Barbara Brenner is a respected, award-winning author, specializing in works of both juvenile fiction and nonfiction educational material that deals with animals, nature, and ecology. Her interests range from the natural world (i.e. Thinking about Ants) to American history (e.g. Wagon Wheels), all of which are reflected in the wide scope of her work. Brenner discussed with Contemporary Authors Online her influences and how they have affected her literary career, concluding that “all the circumstances of my life conspired to make me a writer--just lucky, I guess.”
Brenner was born Barbara Lawrence on June 26, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York, to Robert Lawrence (a real estate broker) and Marguerite (Furboter) Johnes. Tragically, her mother died when Brenner was just a year old, and, according to Brenner, this has been a large influence on her career, with Contemporary Authors Online showing how this has added a certain level of “sensitivity” to her work. She also defines Brooklyn as a place which gave much “color” to her work, and where her father’s ambitions for her helped to develop Brenner’s intellectual curiosity.
Brenner attended Seton Hall College (now University) and Rutgers University from 1942-46, whilst also working as a copy editor at Prudential Insurance Co. from 1942 – 46. Her freelance work as an artist’s agent prepared her for a literary life, as after the birth of her two children she began work on her first book Somebody’s Slippers, Somebody’s Shoes, published in 1957. She followed this book with an educational picture book entitled Barto Takes the Subway, designed to improve reading comprehension and sight vocabulary.
Her artistic development continued when she began to collaborate with her husband, illustrator Fred Brenner, on The Flying Patchwork Quilt. Her next book, On the Frontier with Mr. Audubon, was selected by School Library Journal as “The Best of the Best” among children’s books published over 26 seasons. In a review of On the Frontier with Mr. Audubon, Paul Showers wrote in the New York Times Book Review that “Brenner again demonstrates her gift for invention and respect for facts . . . [it is] written in the polite but colloquial language of the frontier sketching in Audubon’s biographical background and recording events of the journey as they might have been observed by a serious, very perceptive 13- year-old.” One of her best-selling titles was Wagon Wheels (published in 1978), which deals with the trials and tribulations of a close-knit African American family. This true to life story is “exciting and realistic” according to Gisela Jernigan (writing in the children literature journal Booklist), and was named a 1978 American Library Association Notable Book.
Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s Brenner continued to publish, many of her works being influenced by the careers and interests of her sons. Speaking to Contemporary Authors Online Brenner explains that as their sons are both grown, and their respective careers as a “biologist . . . and musician” have both had an influence on her writing (i.e. Dinosaurium 1993). In 1986, Brenner was honored with the Pennsylvania School Librarians’ Association’s Outstanding Pennsylvania Author Award. Brenner’s most celebrated book is a collection entitled Voices: Poetry and Art from around the World, for which she was chief editor. This book received an ALA Notable Book for Children mention and an ALA Best Book for Young Adults award. According to the Horn Book Guide from Spring 2001, “more than three hundred and fifty poems from six continents evoke the specific and the universal” with contributions from both “celebrated and unknown poets, Nobel prize winners, and children” allowing the book to demonstrate Brenner’s skill in celebrating “place” and the “shared feelings” of the people about whom the book is written.
Barbara Brenner is a respected, award-winning author, specializing in works of both juvenile fiction and nonfiction educational material that deals with animals, nature, and ecology. Her interests range from the natural world (i.e. Thinking about Ants) to American history (e.g. Wagon Wheels), all of which are reflected in the wide scope of her work. Brenner discussed with Contemporary Authors Online her influences and how they have affected her literary career, concluding that “all the circumstances of my life conspired to make me a writer--just lucky, I guess.”
Brenner was born Barbara Lawrence on June 26, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York, to Robert Lawrence (a real estate broker) and Marguerite (Furboter) Johnes. Tragically, her mother died when Brenner was just a year old, and, according to Brenner, this has been a large influence on her career, with Contemporary Authors Online showing how this has added a certain level of “sensitivity” to her work. She also defines Brooklyn as a place which gave much “color” to her work, and where her father’s ambitions for her helped to develop Brenner’s intellectual curiosity.
Brenner attended Seton Hall College (now University) and Rutgers University from 1942-46, whilst also working as a copy editor at Prudential Insurance Co. from 1942 – 46. Her freelance work as an artist’s agent prepared her for a literary life, as after the birth of her two children she began work on her first book Somebody’s Slippers, Somebody’s Shoes, published in 1957. She followed this book with an educational picture book entitled Barto Takes the Subway, designed to improve reading comprehension and sight vocabulary.
Her artistic development continued when she began to collaborate with her husband, illustrator Fred Brenner, on The Flying Patchwork Quilt. Her next book, On the Frontier with Mr. Audubon, was selected by School Library Journal as “The Best of the Best” among children’s books published over 26 seasons. In a review of On the Frontier with Mr. Audubon, Paul Showers wrote in the New York Times Book Review that “Brenner again demonstrates her gift for invention and respect for facts . . . [it is] written in the polite but colloquial language of the frontier sketching in Audubon’s biographical background and recording events of the journey as they might have been observed by a serious, very perceptive 13- year-old.” One of her best-selling titles was Wagon Wheels (published in 1978), which deals with the trials and tribulations of a close-knit African American family. This true to life story is “exciting and realistic” according to Gisela Jernigan (writing in the children literature journal Booklist), and was named a 1978 American Library Association Notable Book.
Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s Brenner continued to publish, many of her works being influenced by the careers and interests of her sons. Speaking to Contemporary Authors Online Brenner explains that as their sons are both grown, and their respective careers as a “biologist . . . and musician” have both had an influence on her writing (i.e. Dinosaurium 1993). In 1986, Brenner was honored with the Pennsylvania School Librarians’ Association’s Outstanding Pennsylvania Author Award. Brenner’s most celebrated book is a collection entitled Voices: Poetry and Art from around the World, for which she was chief editor. This book received an ALA Notable Book for Children mention and an ALA Best Book for Young Adults award. According to the Horn Book Guide from Spring 2001, “more than three hundred and fifty poems from six continents evoke the specific and the universal” with contributions from both “celebrated and unknown poets, Nobel prize winners, and children” allowing the book to demonstrate Brenner’s skill in celebrating “place” and the “shared feelings” of the people about whom the book is written.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 5, 2012
Summary
Chibi, A True Story from Japan, written by Barbara Brenner and Julia Takaya is a delightful informational/picture book. It is a an easy read about a mother duck and her ten ducklings that lived in a pond in the middle of an The Mitsui office complex in downtown Tokyo. The focus of the story was "Chibi" the smallest duckling that hatches and her family's survival from a terrible Typhoon. In addition, Mr. Sato is a character who takes a particular interest in this duck family and follows them and takes photos throughout the story.
Critique
Beautifully written and illustrated, this story has a timelessness to it and an enjoyable read for any age. It is succinct and candid. The simple water color and ink illustrations are reminiscent of traditional Japanese artwork. It is a story that embraces perseverence, bravery and loyalty. It is really difficult to believe that this took place, but I checked it out on Google and it did! The Emperor of Japan was so touched by this story that he had an elaborate floating home built for the duck family. After that Mitsui of Tokyo had additional duck houses on the little pond for returning ducks and their families. I reccomend this as a read-aloud for k-2 to introduce nonfiction texts. As a mentor text, this could help launch 2nd graders into nonfiction writing that not only tells a story, but does so with interesting text. For example the use of adjectives like "steep rocky" and "Kamo crossing" along with adverbs like "waddled" and "belly-whopper."
Chibi, A True Story from Japan, written by Barbara Brenner and Julia Takaya is a delightful informational/picture book. It is a an easy read about a mother duck and her ten ducklings that lived in a pond in the middle of an The Mitsui office complex in downtown Tokyo. The focus of the story was "Chibi" the smallest duckling that hatches and her family's survival from a terrible Typhoon. In addition, Mr. Sato is a character who takes a particular interest in this duck family and follows them and takes photos throughout the story.
Critique
Beautifully written and illustrated, this story has a timelessness to it and an enjoyable read for any age. It is succinct and candid. The simple water color and ink illustrations are reminiscent of traditional Japanese artwork. It is a story that embraces perseverence, bravery and loyalty. It is really difficult to believe that this took place, but I checked it out on Google and it did! The Emperor of Japan was so touched by this story that he had an elaborate floating home built for the duck family. After that Mitsui of Tokyo had additional duck houses on the little pond for returning ducks and their families. I reccomend this as a read-aloud for k-2 to introduce nonfiction texts. As a mentor text, this could help launch 2nd graders into nonfiction writing that not only tells a story, but does so with interesting text. For example the use of adjectives like "steep rocky" and "Kamo crossing" along with adverbs like "waddled" and "belly-whopper."
April 25, 2018
MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS finds a real-life counterpart in Japan!
CHIBI is a delightful book that shows how caring and compassion for animals can bring people together. The attention and concern lavished upon a little duck family that decided to nest in the middle of busy Tokyo is heartening. People took time out of their busy day to marvel at this wonder of nature, and even briefly closed down a busy highway to allow the ducks to cross the street to take up residence in a larger pond. They were especially taken with Chibi, the tiniest hatchling, and worried for all of the ducks' safety when a storm blew through.
No doubt many people came away from their experince watching the feathered family with a new appreciation and concern for ducks, and how nature finds a way in our cities.
CHIBI is a delightful book that shows how caring and compassion for animals can bring people together. The attention and concern lavished upon a little duck family that decided to nest in the middle of busy Tokyo is heartening. People took time out of their busy day to marvel at this wonder of nature, and even briefly closed down a busy highway to allow the ducks to cross the street to take up residence in a larger pond. They were especially taken with Chibi, the tiniest hatchling, and worried for all of the ducks' safety when a storm blew through.
No doubt many people came away from their experince watching the feathered family with a new appreciation and concern for ducks, and how nature finds a way in our cities.
October 16, 2017
Great for teaching sequence of events.
October 18, 2009
Ducks living on city ponds are a fairly common sight, but few capture the hearts of an entire nation the way Chibi, the smallest duck in the flock, managed to do. Thousands of people would gather near the Emperor's Imperial Gardens each day to watch the antics of little Chibi and her siblings. Among them was a news photographer who documented Chibi's accomplishments, including surviving a typhoon.
Japanese words sprinkled throughout the text are used in context well enough that their meanings are perfectly clear. A glossary and pronunciation guide provide further support. Illustrations support the text well, and the vision of the duck's home being swirled around by the typhoon is both beautiful and frightening.
Chibi: A True Story from Japan could be used in a second-grade through fourth-grade unit about animal habitats, paired with Make Room for Ducklings, or used in a unit about Japanese culture. If using it for the last, a good companion book would be Hachiko Waits, the true story of a faithful dog that also captivated the Japanese public.
Japanese words sprinkled throughout the text are used in context well enough that their meanings are perfectly clear. A glossary and pronunciation guide provide further support. Illustrations support the text well, and the vision of the duck's home being swirled around by the typhoon is both beautiful and frightening.
Chibi: A True Story from Japan could be used in a second-grade through fourth-grade unit about animal habitats, paired with Make Room for Ducklings, or used in a unit about Japanese culture. If using it for the last, a good companion book would be Hachiko Waits, the true story of a faithful dog that also captivated the Japanese public.
October 14, 2020
Chibi: A True Story from Japan follows Oka-san a mother duck and her 10 ducklings. Oka-san chooses to lay her eggs in the pond in the middle of a busy Toyko office park. The smallest duck becomes fondly know as Chibi. This draws attention from many people around them particularly, a photographer Mr. Sato. Mr. Sato and other onlookers watch the ducks as they are faced with multiple challenges and become important parts of their life. Barbra Brenner partners with Julia Takaya who learns of this true story while living in Japan. The textbook, Children's Book in Children's Hands by Temple, Martinez, and Yokota recommend this story as an international text that can be used to parallel other stories in instruction, such as Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey. I would recommend this as a read-aloud for upper primary (2-4). Opens discussion points for comparing texts and comparing/ learning about new cultures.
September 19, 2017
This was such a good, cute book! It was kind of long but it was a page turner. The story is based in Tokyo, Japan about a family of ducks and a old Japanese photographer. This book really plays in the emotions, it makes you feels sad, happy, worried and I loved it, I was really taken into the story and felt the emotions of the characters in the book, which doesn't very often. Another thing I loved about this book is that in the text there is Japanese words throughout the story. I find this really fun and interesting because it introduces a different culture to students and that cultures language.
April 4, 2020
I read this before I was on good reads, but was really taken with it, and it has stuck with me. A mallard decides to nest in downtown Tokyo - billed as a modern day Make Way for DucklingsMake Way for Ducklings.
April 29, 2018
I was very interested in reading this book as an international text because it was recommended to pair with the book Make Way for Ducklings (a favorite picture book of mine). This book is about ducklings trying to make their way through Tokyo followed by Mr. Sato who takes pictures of their journey. This book is a great read aloud for my students to be able to experience Japan.
January 28, 2019
Cute story about a duck family in Japan!!
September 2, 2022
I don’t usually go back to review old children’s books but this book was THE SHIT when I was in the third grade and I still fucking love ducks so there
December 4, 2022
Chibi is a book from Japan by Julia Takaya and Barbra Brenner. The illustrations in the book were created by June Otani. I first heard of this international book from the textbook Children’s Books in Children’s Hands by: Miriam Martinez and Junko Yokota.
This children’s book involves the story of ducklings who were born in the middle of downtown Tokyo. People from around the city became fans of these ducklings, and they watched as they grew. The people of the city grew to love Chibi, the smallest duckling. Over a few days of a lot of rain, Chibi and the rest of the ducklings got separated. The city people figured that Chibi was lost, but by the end of the story, he floated by on a piece of Styrofoam!
There were many “pros” to this text being illustrated. The illustrations depicted happy people, curious ducklings, and the pictures even created suspense as they showed the ducklings nearly getting run over by a car on the busy road! The pictures also showed the relief of Chibi’s audience once he came floating by and reunited with his family.
I gave this book a five star rating for its beautiful illustrations and light, happy story. I found the ducklings in the story to be adorable. I also enjoyed reading a book from Japan.
This book is set in another country (Japan) and is set around a Japanese word, “Chibi,” which means tiny. This book depicts people from Japan without any perceived stereotypes.
I would use this book in a 3rd-6th grade classroom to have an international book-option. I would even use this in my own classroom because I have one student whose mother is from Japan, and my student even knows Japanese. I think he would really appreciate the Japanese words used throughout the text such as “Chibi” and “Oka-San.” Using an international text is one way to show my student that his culture is important to me.
This children’s book involves the story of ducklings who were born in the middle of downtown Tokyo. People from around the city became fans of these ducklings, and they watched as they grew. The people of the city grew to love Chibi, the smallest duckling. Over a few days of a lot of rain, Chibi and the rest of the ducklings got separated. The city people figured that Chibi was lost, but by the end of the story, he floated by on a piece of Styrofoam!
There were many “pros” to this text being illustrated. The illustrations depicted happy people, curious ducklings, and the pictures even created suspense as they showed the ducklings nearly getting run over by a car on the busy road! The pictures also showed the relief of Chibi’s audience once he came floating by and reunited with his family.
I gave this book a five star rating for its beautiful illustrations and light, happy story. I found the ducklings in the story to be adorable. I also enjoyed reading a book from Japan.
This book is set in another country (Japan) and is set around a Japanese word, “Chibi,” which means tiny. This book depicts people from Japan without any perceived stereotypes.
I would use this book in a 3rd-6th grade classroom to have an international book-option. I would even use this in my own classroom because I have one student whose mother is from Japan, and my student even knows Japanese. I think he would really appreciate the Japanese words used throughout the text such as “Chibi” and “Oka-San.” Using an international text is one way to show my student that his culture is important to me.
August 16, 2011
This is the story of Oka-san, a mother duck who hatches ducklings in the Mitsui Office Park in Tokyo, Japan. This unusual event draws a great deal of local attention, especially when it becomes clear that Oka-san intends to lead her ducklings across an eight-lane avenue into the Emperor's garden moat. With some high drama, onlookers and police intervene to stop traffic and conduct the ducks safely across, continuing to watch over them as they settle into their new home. They become a kind of mascot of the community, and their fans even launch a search party when a typhoon sweeps some of the ducklings away. When the Emperor learns of what has happens, he orders a duck house to be built in anticipation of future storms.
The story is lucidly written, with pleasant illustrations that give the reader a glimpse into the city of Tokyo. The text is sprinkled with Japanese words and honorifics, with a glossary supplied at the back of the book, and additional background information is provided in the appendix. It's interesting enough to be read for entertainment, and is especially well suited as a supplement for a study of Japanese geography or culture.
In many ways the story parallels the American classic Make Way For Ducklings, but Chibi, based on true events, has a more journalistic feel. Older readers may find it interesting to compare the cultural elements and worldview implications inherent in the two stories: the cheerful benevolence of peanut-sharing humans in the American story are fairly different from the almost reverential attitude of the Japanese duck-watchers, who worry about the ducks and even build a shrine when one is killed by the storm. Whether or not that discussion emerges, this story will probably be best enjoyed by an elementary audience.
The story is lucidly written, with pleasant illustrations that give the reader a glimpse into the city of Tokyo. The text is sprinkled with Japanese words and honorifics, with a glossary supplied at the back of the book, and additional background information is provided in the appendix. It's interesting enough to be read for entertainment, and is especially well suited as a supplement for a study of Japanese geography or culture.
In many ways the story parallels the American classic Make Way For Ducklings, but Chibi, based on true events, has a more journalistic feel. Older readers may find it interesting to compare the cultural elements and worldview implications inherent in the two stories: the cheerful benevolence of peanut-sharing humans in the American story are fairly different from the almost reverential attitude of the Japanese duck-watchers, who worry about the ducks and even build a shrine when one is killed by the storm. Whether or not that discussion emerges, this story will probably be best enjoyed by an elementary audience.
March 22, 2016
Inside Cover:
Oka-san (Means "Mom"), a brown-and gold duck, circles high above the Tokyo skyline searching for the perfect spot. And there it is -- a pool of water with ivy all around it.
Word spreads like wildfire -- there is a wild duck nesting in Mitsui Office Park! People flock to downtown Tokyo at all hours -- watching, taking pictures as the ducklings hatch one by one. There is a "Duck Watch" on the evening news.
The last to hatch, named Chibi (Japanese for "tiny") by Mr. Sato, a news photographer, is definitely everyone's favorite. When Oka-san makes a sudden move with her brood across the busy eight-lane highway to the more spacious Imperial Gardens, Mr. Sato is there to protect them. He is there when the rainy season arrives and Chibi disappears during a typhoon.
Will Sato-San be able to find Chibi in time? All of Tokyo waits and worries. This suspenseful, true story of the most captivating duck family to tie up traffic since "Make Way for Ducklings" offers a lively look at everyday life in Tokyo today.
Oka-san (Means "Mom"), a brown-and gold duck, circles high above the Tokyo skyline searching for the perfect spot. And there it is -- a pool of water with ivy all around it.
Word spreads like wildfire -- there is a wild duck nesting in Mitsui Office Park! People flock to downtown Tokyo at all hours -- watching, taking pictures as the ducklings hatch one by one. There is a "Duck Watch" on the evening news.
The last to hatch, named Chibi (Japanese for "tiny") by Mr. Sato, a news photographer, is definitely everyone's favorite. When Oka-san makes a sudden move with her brood across the busy eight-lane highway to the more spacious Imperial Gardens, Mr. Sato is there to protect them. He is there when the rainy season arrives and Chibi disappears during a typhoon.
Will Sato-San be able to find Chibi in time? All of Tokyo waits and worries. This suspenseful, true story of the most captivating duck family to tie up traffic since "Make Way for Ducklings" offers a lively look at everyday life in Tokyo today.
October 13, 2011
I grew up on this book :)
April 16, 2012
The Japanese version of Make Way for Ducklings -- not in a copying way - just in a coincidental way - with the cutest little pictures!
November 20, 2014
A motherly tale of a duck who choses a pond in downtown Japan to start her family. Read with Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey.
October 14, 2011
based on a true story. you really finding yourself cheering on these little ducks and mama duck.
October 4, 2013
Sweet story, so emblematic of the Japanese in every way. My 4 yr old and I really enjoyed it.
Read
August 6, 2017It was definitely cute, a must read for children, YA, or even adults!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews