Sato the Rabbit, a Sea of Tea - (Hardcover)

About the Book

Originally published in Japanese by Shåogakukan in 2014 under title: Usagi no Satokun: kocha no umi.

Book Synopsis

The winsome Sato continues his magical adventures, traversing snowy landscapes and crossing a sea made of tea. Yet, no matter where he ventures, his participation in the natural world, and the magic that he finds within the ordinary, infuse each new day with possibility.

Selected for the Society of Illustrators 2022 Original Art Show

In this third installment of the whimsical series originally published in Japan, the titular Sato continues his adventures, exploring both expansive landscapes--snowy fields, forests, oceans made of tea--and tiny microcosms of worlds, found in unlikely places--like within a freshly-baked pie! In Sato's reality, which is in many ways similar to our own, seemingly commonplace occurrences are portals to new and fantastical experiences, and every object possesses an intrinsic magic and aliveness. Like all of the installments in the trilogy, this collection of vignettes reminds us to look closely at what is small and often overlooked, and to open ourselves to wonder.

Review Quotes

Selected for the Society of Illustrators 2022 Original Art Show

"At times embodying Lewis Carroll's absurdity, Ainoya's stories also evoke the quiet pleasure of Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad series. Alternating vignettes and full-page illustrations immerse the reader in each boldly illustrated scene, with a lush, eye-catching palette that deserves repeat viewings to observe varying textures and lines in the artwork... Sato's adventures will resonate with young readers who imagine their rooms and backyards to be brand-new worlds filled with fantastical elements. These readers will find a kindred spirit in Sato. And the digestible stories are the perfect length for bedtime. Bright, playful tales for bold young adventurers in a world of make-believe."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"A surreal symphony of vibrant colors and images, Sato the Rabbit is a whimsical trilogy of picture books for readers age 4-8... All three books in Sato the Rabbit are a satisfying ode to the deep power--and beauty--of the imagination."--Nanette McGuiness "World Kid Lit"

"The third and final book about Sato the Rabbit takes readers on more fantastical adventures... Reality gives way to gentle trips of the imagination, into worlds conjured by shapes and colors... Each short chapter with simple descriptive text is a foray into Sato's unique imagination. Lovely watercolor-like jewel tone colors in soft shapes make each imaginative adventure a happy event, free of danger. I love the elemental objects that kick off each journey, and the surprise where each one takes the reader... There is no overarching story, but for those who enjoy pure whimsy, it is a fun journey. For older fans of imaginative picture books, ages 4-8, who enjoyed Kaya Doi's Chirri & Chirra series." -- "Youth Services Book Review"

About the Author

Born in Yokohama, Yuki Ainoya studied Japanese painting at the Tama Art University Faculty of Art and Design. She was the winner of the the Crayon House Children's Book Grand Prize in 1990 and the 12th Japanese Children's Book Award in 2007 for the original Japanese edition of Sato the Rabbit (Shogakukan). In her spare time, she likes playing the accordion and hula dancing.

A Seattle native with a life-long connection to Japan, Michael Blaskowsky spent seven years living on the Japanese island of Hokkaido after graduating from Eastern Washington University. His translations cover a wide range of topics, with a focus on literature, the arts, gaming, and the sciences.