Waiting for Hanami

K-Gr 3–Sai goes with her family to hanami, a cherry blossom viewing. The story focuses on hanami through the eyes of one child. Possibly unfamiliar words for readers, such as sakura, are supported with context clues: “When the sakura bloom, it’s important to arrive early, even earlier than the sun.” Illustrations show Sai holding a picnic basket and walking toward trees with light pink cherry blossom petals. After finding the perfect spot, she and her dad lay out a blanket, and together they look up at the beautiful blossoms. Multiple shades of pink complement the text. Sai’s day also includes a big family reunion, where she talks to a relative named Avi about her work in her parents’ kimono shop. After talking among themselves, Sai and Avi go together to hear and record stories from other family members. Finally, the two of them lie down under a tree. “Finally...they look up.” An author’s note provides greater detail about the cherry blossoms. This is a strong standalone story, but what makes it a gem is the author’s ability to highlight Japanese culture in a seamless way that works well with the story.