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Longtime McIntosh & Otis client and famed Caldecott Medalist Ed Young again teamed up with Mark Reibstein, following their earlier successful collaboration on WABI SABI.
Reibstein and Young’s latest picture book, YUGEN, is a beautiful story written in haiku-based text and pictures. YUGEN tells the tale of a boy’s bond with his mother, and is inspired by the Japanese concept of “yugen,” a word for the mystery and beauty of the universe and human experience. It released to good reviews on January 29, 2019.
PRAISE FOR YUGEN:
* “Text and pictures skillfully combine to portray the emotions of a small boy who is left to wonder if his absent mother will ever return. The Author’s Note defines the Japanese word yugen as ‘subtle and profound,’ which will be how readers describe their feelings about this second author/illustrator collaboration.” ―Booklist, starred review
“The collaborators offer a stirring and graceful expression of love, loss, and quiet longing.” ―Publishers Weekly
“This unconventional picture book offers opportunities to discuss poetic form, Japanese culture and customs, artistic style, and storytelling—making this book perfect for older readers as well. Beauty is ever present in this book, amid loss and mystery.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“A gorgeously crafted, complex work. A strong choice for robust poetry collections.”―School Library Journal
You can purchase this poignant story from these retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Seven Stories Press.
You can also visit Ed’s website for more information on the illustrator!