"...the illustrations by Gallup are just stunning! Thoughtful 'dreamscape' paintings accompany each haiku, bringing them to life." -A Little Literary Love blog "Classic haiku works by Japanese poets-appearing in their original script as well as Romaji and in English translation-are compiled in this artful collection. Ramirez-Christensen invites readers to contemplate the poems' meanings...The poems gracefully encourage reading, contemplation, and creativity, and Gallup evokes wonder through her gently surreal imagery." -Publishers Weekly "Each two-page spread of this enigmatic collection of poems features a three-line verse by a haiku master-printed in English, Japanese, and romanized Japanese syllables-accompanied by a full-page painting of a surreal, imaginative scene...Haiku is a mainstay of classroom poetry sections, and this volume does an unusually good job of putting the form in context and emphasizing its evocative, quiet beauty." -Booklist "I love how this book combines the words of the haiku with the picture from the artist." -Crafty Moms Share blog "Each poem is paired with a stunning original painting that reflects the strength and beauty of the words, opening the door to the world of imagination. Illustrator Gallup's superb artwork vividly captures the nature of the poet's meaning...Well-constructed and thoughtful, this collection is a recommended title." -School Library Journal "An extraordinary and unique bilingual picture book, My First Book of Haiku Poems: a Picture, a Poem and a Dream will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to family, elementary school, and community library poetry collections and bilingual picture book collections." -Midwest Book Review "Haiku is often a gateway to writing poetry for youngsters, and this brief, image-focused form encourages sharing and discussing at home and school. Artist Tracy Gallup's luminous 'dreamscapes' beautifully convey the tone of curiosity and wonder in these 20 poems from Japanese masters such as Basho, Buson and Issa. Esperanza Ramirez-Christensen provides graceful translations, guiding questions, short biographies and historic background. A gem of a book!" -Washington Parent magazine

My First Book of Haiku Poems introduces children to inspirational works of poetry and art that speak of our connection to the natural world, and that enhance their own natural ability to see an entire universe in the tiniest parts of it. Each of these 20 classic poems by Issa, Shiki, Basho, and other great haiku masters is paired with a stunning original painting that both portrays and inspires a child's inner life, and opens a door to the world of their imagination. A fully bilingual children's book, My First Book of Haiku Poems includes the original versions of the Japanese poems (in Japanese script and Romanized form) on each page alongside the English translation to form a complete cultural experience. Each haiku poem is accompanied by a dreamscape painting by award-winning artist Tracy Gallup that will be admired by children and adults alike. Commentaries offer parents and teachers ready-made food for thought to share with young readers and stimulate a conversation about each work.