Overview

In the Alishan forest of Taiwan, flamecrest birds sing their personal songs of love, home, memory, and hope. This year, Akemi, a young flamecrest bird, has been selected to sing her special song on the Lunar New Year. But Akemi is unable to create her song. Encouraged by her mother, Akemi sets off on a journey to learn more about herself. She travels through Taiwan's beautiful landscape, from towering mountain peaks to narrow gorges and mirrored lakes. With each adventure, she discovers that her inner strength is reflected in the beauty of the natural environment, and she finally has her song ... one of confidence in herself, love for community, and appreciation for the beautiful world in which she lives.

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9781069093509

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Reviews

""Akemi, a fledgling flamecrest, has been chosen by her elders to sing on the morning of the Lunar New Year. Her mother and her father's songs are about home, love, and hope. She worries, what shall she sing? Her mother sends Akemi off on her quest. The young bird visits Jade Mountain, the tallest peak in Taiwan. There, she finds strength. Next, she flies to the Taroko Gorge and discovers courage. Finally, she flies to Sun Moon Lake, where she meets her Nai Nai, her grandmother. She listens to Nai Nai's song and displays her own determination to complete her task. Akemi and Nai Nai return to the family tree in the Alishan forest just in time for Akemi to sing her very own sing of being as mighty as a mountain, as fearless as a waterfall, and as determined as her parents and grandmother. Her song if full of home, love, and hope. This allegorical story wanders much like the ribbons of musical notes that float among the trees, and like Akemi herself, from place to place; yet, there is a sense of cohesion. This is primarily achieved through the graceful watercolour illustrations, which softly and majestically depict the natural scenes with double-page vistas and delicate spot illustrations. Particularly alluring is the double-page spread of Akemi and her mother, who stand out in their yellow, white, and olive plumage (males have a bright orange crown) against a profusion of pink plum blossoms. The included backmatter briefly describes all the flora and fauna that appear in the story. A map of Taiwan indicates the locations of the places Akemi visits. As she listens to other songs and observes the wonders of nature, Akemi unlocks her own voice, her own song in this gentle and evocative story."" Theo Heras, Canadian Children's Book News

Author Information

Joanne Kwok is a Toronto-based writer and arts professional. In her personal life, she enjoys the company of her playful Bichon Frise, Minnie, who often provides a welcome source of inspiration. Akemi's Song is her first children's book. Born in Hong Kong and now residing in Canada, Yiting is a nature-inspired artist and storyteller passionate about uncovering the enchanting magic found in everyday beauty. Yiting earned her Master's degree in Architecture from McGill University, and has since embarked on a dual path as both an Architectural Designer and a dedicated artist. By combining her design sensitivity with her passion for art and illustration, she has earned recognition for her art and mural commissions, as well as her participation in public art projects across Alberta. While her most used mediums are watercolour and acrylic, Yiting is currently expanding her artistic repertoire into ceramics, further enriching her ability to express her artistic vision.

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