Natsumi's Song of Summer

By Robert Paul Weston, Misa Saburi (Illustrator)

Two cousins bridge cultures and fears over summer's buzzing cicadas.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 227 ratings

40 pages

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In Japan, Natsumi eagerly awaits her American cousin Jill's visit. Despite language and cultural barriers, they bond over summer joys. But when Jill hears the cicadas' buzz, Natsumi fears her beloved insects might scare her cousin. Can their newfound friendship withstand this test, or will the cicadas' song create a rift? Discover a heartwarming tale of connection and the magic of summer.

From the publisher

This sweet and gentle picture book celebrates summer in Japan, as one little girl shares her love for bugs with her cousin who is visiting from America. Two young cousins who are separated by language, continent and culture meet for the first time when Jill’s family travels from America to Japan to stay with Natsumi’s family during the summer holidays. Natsumi’s nervousness about meeting her cousin from across the sea quickly disappears when she discovers that her cousin is a lot like her: they both love summertime’s hot sandy beaches, cool refreshing watermelon, festivals and fireworks. Then Jill asks Natsumi about the strange buzzing sound that comes from the nearby trees, and Natsumi is nervous once again. What if Jill is frightened of Natsumi’s cherished cicadas, the insects that sing the music of summertime? This is a tender, evocative story that celebrates the special pleasures of summertime and of reunions with faraway family and friends.

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