A Bowl Full of Peace

An absolutely heartbreaking, breathtaking book. I was moved to tears. The story is incredibly strong on its own, but the stunning illustrations complement it perfectly. An essential purchase.

What a powerful book! This is the heartbreaking true story of an atomic bomb survivor from Nagasaki. Sachiko, her parents, and sister fled Nagasaki after the bombing only to return 2 years later and find her grandmother's special leaf-shaped bowl, completely intact, buried in the rubble of their home. She holds on to the bowl as the years pass as a symbol of hope for world peace. A moving account of a very important moment in history.

Thank you Netgalley for an advance copy of this book. I've never read a book about the bombing of Japan presented as a picture book. First, the story on its own is poignant and compelling. The illustrations only magnify the brilliance of this book. I am always looking for picture books to use with older students and THIS WILL BE ONE THAT I BUY specifically for my 4th to 8th graders.

This is a beautifully illustrated true story of a family living in Nagasaki during the bombings in the Second World War. The story centres around a green bowl that has been passed down through the family for years and somehow survives the attacks.

I will be buying this book when it comes out and cannot recommend it highly enough.

A lovely family story. I like that it comes from a Japanese view of the Second World War. A side I’ve never heard of before. Can definitely use this in the classroom.

I am a big believer in exposing children to multicultural literature. This book will be added to the library collection as an exploration of grandmothers and grandchildren and cultural traditions. With the major theme of history of items, my students and I can open a dialogue about what special things our families save that belonged to our ancestors. Why do we save these special things? What are the rules in your house about the special items? This book is an essential read for expanding your knowledge of other cultures and another way these stories can be shared with children.

A powerful, moving, and important book about the devastating effects of nuclear war on the planet and it's survivors. A must-read for engendering empathy.

This miracle story must be shared! Not only did Grandmother's bowl survive the bombing of Nagasaki but Sachiko survived the death of her entire family to tell her story with hope for peace. Grandmother's bowl brought the family together for meals and now it can bring others together with its story. The author's note and Illustrator's insight provided a powerful conclusion for why this story had to be told.

This is a beautiful and profound story. It is never too young to start teaching children about history and how we must all strive for peace.