“‘Yugen,’ as the child narrator of this haunting story is called by his mother, is a Japanese term that means ‘subtle and profound.’ In their second collaboration, Young and Reibstein (Wabi Sabi) embody that concept through haiku and quiet images that reflect on presence and absence … The collaborators offer a stirring and graceful expression of love, loss, and quiet longing.” —Publishers Weekly
“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
“Step into a dream of a story by the team that created Wabi Sabi (2008). Reibstein and Young reunite in this sophisticated, dreamy, lyrical tribute to maternal love and loss, the eternity of memories, and the power of nature to depict human emotions … 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
