Mai and the Missing Melon

by Sonoko Sakai, Keiko Brodeur (Illustrator)

An exploration of Japanese food, culture, and history that celebrates the special relationship between a child, her grandmother, and the power of kindness, for kids 3-7, by the author of Japanese Home Cooking , Sonoko Sakai.

This charming story invites the reader on a journey through rural 1960s Japan following a little girl named Mai on the Enoden train, past the oceanside populated with fishers, and to the classic shrine-like home of her grandmother, or obachama. 

Loosely based on an event in Sonoko’s childhood, Mai wishes to share the gift of a sweet muskmelon with her grandmother but loses it on the train along the way. Obachama shares the Japanese folktale of The Stone Buddhas as an example of the power of good intentions to cheer Mai up. 

After the story, Mai hears from the train station master that the melon has been found, and she and her obachama are able to enjoy the sweet muskmelon together.  

This sweet story explores the cherished relationship between a young girl and her grandmother–two great friends despite the age gap–while the expressive art takes the reader through the Japanese countryside, past the sea, bamboo forests, and temples, drawn from the author’s own childhood memories.

Genres: Picture Books, Japan, Food, Childrens, Family, Cultural, Asian Literature

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 24, 2023

Reviews

[Mai H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

My name is Mai, so I had to request this, right?

This is a super cute, super short, beautifully illustrated book about a perfect melon that gets lost on the train when Mai decides to take it to her grandmother.

Don't be shocked she is taking the train by herself. In Japan, first graders walk to school by themselves. They wear yellow hats so other people can help them if they look lost or confused.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book was so beautiful and what a wonderful story. I love the simple yet effect illustrations. And I love that the front cover has the texture like a melon. Now, I’m not a melon fan, but this book was worth it. Great message to be kind and you will be rewarded with kindness. Can’t wait to give this to my friend.

[Jennifer H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this delightful eARC. A sweet story of Mai, who receives a gift of a melon and wants to share with her beloved grandmother. This provides a beautiful look into Mai’s life in Japan, with a lovely message and gorgeous illustrations.

[Erica Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story about kindness and karma—good deeds leading to positive outcomes. Rich with the feel of Japan.

[Harvee Lau · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute book with precious illustrations of nine year old Mai who visits her grandmother to share her muskmelon, a rare and expensive food item in Japan.

The story should interest the targeted age group, as the importance of family, in this instance, the grandmother, is the focus, as well as the kindness between the two in sharing the delicious fruit treat.

The illustrations more than make the book, along with the story. I enjoyed them just as much as the story itself.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started: 1/17/2024
Finished: 1/17/2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review:

I want to first thank Shambhala Publishing, and everyone else that was involved in supplying galleys through a giveaway here on Goodreads. It was my pleasure to read this picture book, Mai and the Missing Melon, written by Sonoko Sakai, and illustrated by Keiko Brodeur.

I loved that this book provides a glimpse into Japanese culture, perfect for children to learn more about another culture, or see themselves reflected in the story. This book follows Mai as she journeys to see her grandma, her Obachama. Having obtained a melon that she wants to share with her Obachama, Mai takes a train to her home. Along the way, Mai learns an important lesson from her Obachama about kindness.

With a charming painterly and atmospheric art style, the artwork within the picture book is a great companion to the story itself. I think young readers will have a fun time exploring Mai’s visit with her Obachama!

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The animations in this book are well done. This book allows for children to travel through Japan and learn a little bit more about Japanese culture. New foods and words are introduced to children that are not familiar with Japanese culture. However, for individuals that don’t know Japanese culture well, it would be nice to have a phonetic pronunciation of these words available to the reader in the book. These pronunciations could be added beside the words in brackets or placed either at the back or front of the book. Overall I think this is a cute story that gives children a glimpse into another culture. The author’s note at the back of the book is a nice addition to the story and is educational for both children and adults.

Thank you to Shambhala Publications Inc., Bala Kids and NetGalley for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mai and the Missing Melon is very much a sweet slice of life story about a girl who wants to share a treat with her grandmother. It is always nice to see a story the highlights the importance of family as well as doing good deeds for others. I think many people will find it interesting how something as common as a melon in the US is actually rare treat in other countries. I encourage readers to also take the time to read the author's note. As someone who loved going to my own grandmother's home and sharing watermelon as a treat, it was lovely to know that the story was based on the author's own experience.

[Librarian Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mai and the Missing Melon is a sweet story about Mai, a young girl in Japan, who takes the train to visit her grandmother, her obachama, bringing a special melon for them to share. Mai falls asleep on the train and in her rush not to miss her stop, she forgets the melon! She and obachama go off in search of the melon. The author's note at the end explains that this story draws from her own childhood in Tokyo and how in Japan, melons are an expensive delicacy. This picturebook is on the longer side and would probably be better for older preschoolers/ younger elementary school aged children.

#MaiandtheMissingMelon #NetGalley

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely story about kindness, a melon, and a trip a little girl makes in Japan to visit her grandmother. She wants to share her a rare delectable treat with her grandmother, so she brings it on the train to see her. But she falls asleep and forget its on the train. In going back to retrieve it, her grandmother reminds her that, even if mistakes are made, giving kindness always brings kindness back to you.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book was a delightful surprise! Mai travels by train to visit her grandmother, bringing with her a perfect muskmelon she is excited to share. But she accidentally leaves the cherished fruit behind on the train resulting in a desperate hunt for the melon and a lesson in why it is important to always show kindness to others. The illustrations are simple but engaging and the setting, 1960s Japan, is well set.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful little book with a vital message. Adults and children will both enjoy reading this, particularly if they have a love of or connection to Japan. The illustrations are wonderful and filled with small details that could spark conversation while reading. It's just plain lovely and would make a great holiday gift.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It is charming!

[lizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable! Mai and the Missing Melon is a well written, adorable book for children and people of all ages to enjoy. I loved the storyline and felt that the illustrations fit the vibe of the book perfectly.

[Tiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely and delightful book. It is about Mai and her visit to see her grandmother, Obachama. The illustrations are adorable and humorous, the text is lively and gentle. Makes me want to visit Japan.

[Emily Vandeveer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodreads Giveaway: “Their bellies were full of melon, but their hearts were even more full of love.” 💕

What a cute story about a girl, her grandmother and a lost melon. The Japanese words in the story, helped me and my son learn a little more about their culture! 💚

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Freeman Award winner. Mai is taking the train to Kamakura to visit her grandmother, taking along a cherished ripe melon. A dose of Japanese tradition, and a sweet story of a grandmother and granddaughter.

[Adriana Martinez Figueroa]

Thank you to PRH and Edelweiss for access to this e-ARC!

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute! A young girl goes to bring a melon to her grandmother, but forgets it on the train. While they wait and hope for it to be returned, the grandmother tells a Japanese folktale.

[Joey · Rating 3 out of 5]

我觉得画的部分有点弱。善有善报这个道理我也不买账......我觉得行善不可以抱有期待，行善就只是empathy才对

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story. I wish this book was around when my kids were younger. The best bonus was learning a little something extra about another culture. Priceless.

[Mary Jeneverre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book for young readers

[The Bookish Narwhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers go on a delightful journey through Japanese food, culture, and history. Mai and the Missing Melon by Sonoko Sakai is a beautifully illustrated picture book that celebrates the special bond between a child, her grandmother, and the transformative power of kindness.

Meet Mai. She is a spirited young girl in Japan who embarks on a train adventure to visit her beloved obachama (grandmother). In her rush not to miss her stop, Mai accidentally leaves behind a special melon meant for sharing with her grandmother. The melon becomes a symbol of love, memory, and connection.
This book is culturally rich. Through Mai's eyes, readers experience the sights, sounds, and flavours of Japan. From the bustling train stations, to the rolling hills, and the warmth of family traditions. As Mai grapples with her forgetfulness, the story gently reminds us that acts of kindness can mend even the most unintentional mistakes.

Sakai's narrative is tender and evocative. She perfectly captures the essence of childhood innocence and the enduring wisdom of generations. Keiko Brodeur's illustrations add a whimsical touch and are a visual treat. This is more than a children's book. This is a heartwarming exploration of love, memory, and the magic that happens when we slow down and appreciate life's small moments. Share this enchanting tale with anyone who wants to learn about melons, empathy, family bonds, and the joy of giving.

Thank you to NetGalley and Shambhala Publications, Inc., and Bala Kids for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.