Chirri & Chirra, in the Tall Grass - (Hardcover)

About the Book

In their second adventure, two young girls become very small and explore the world hidden away in a mound of tall grass.

Book Synopsis

A Wall Street Journal 20 Best Children's Books of the Past 20 Years Selection!
A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2017!

Chirri and Chirra go on an imaginative adventure where they discover the small, overlooked mysteries of the natural world.

In their second adventure to reach the US market, Chirri and Chirra become very small, and so are able to explore the magical world hidden away in a mound of tall grass. Filled with friendly, industrious bees and equally inventive bugs, this is a book that brings the lovely particularity of life in Japan--marked by food and nature--to young readers here.

Review Quotes

Featured in New York Magazine's 2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Best Books to Gift to Little Kids! "It's simple, and the colored-pencil illustrations are very charming -- the best imaginative treats."--Illustrator Sarah Jacoby "New York Magazine's The Strategist"

STARRED REVIEW! ★ "Utterly charming."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

• A Wall Street Journal 20 Best Children's Books of the Past 20 Years Selection
• A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2017
• A New York Magazine 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Selection

One of the Wall Street Journal's "20 Best Children's Books of the Past 20 Years: Most Beguiling Picture-Book Series!" "These enchanting books are like a dream of childhood--full of kindness, adventure and eccentric delights."--Meghan Cox Gurdon "The Wall Street Journal"

"A beautifully rendered portrayal of the magic of childhood."--Miranda Rosbach "My Bookbloom"

"Chirri & Chirra is an utterly charming series of children's picture books...low on the angst scale and high on the charm meter. Doi is known for her softly styled drawings on rich creamy paper. She creates the illustrations in these books with colored pencils, pastels, and crayons, crafting them to give an old-world feel, a time of innocence and simplicity. The exquisite art radiates joy and has a dreamy quality to it that reflects how children imagine their ideal world to be. These delightful books are a welcome escape for young children from their anxieties."-- "International Examiner"

"Doi's books are completely unique. The two characters react to nature and the foods offered them with wonder and curiosity. There is no fear here, just adventure and joy."--Tasha Saecker "Waking Brain Cells"

"Doi's gauzy images revel in the details described. It's a delicious vision of the rewards of curiosity, exploration, and having the freedom to chase adventures wherever they lead."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"I love a book that is just so clearly written to access the world inside a child's mind... It's an adventure to nowhere and everywhere and is so visually enchanting."--Comedy writer and bestselling author Bess Kalb "New York Magazine's The Strategist"

"Take a fantastical voyage through a luscious green meadow with rosy-red cheeked Chirri and Chirra. In this second book about the twins, the girls are yet again only distinguishable because one has blue buttons on her dress and the other has red. It is in these tiny details that Doi excels. The use of color pencils to masterfully guide readers on a leisurely paced tour is reminiscent of days gone by... Doi creates an enchanted world that harkens back to a quieter time. There is never any sense of danger or anxiety, either in the artwork or in the spare poetic text. Through pacing and a soft-focus lens, pale cream-colored pages in a small rectangular format, and the bleed over onto the next page, Doi sets the tone of a gentle read. Nature is celebrated in a bucolic setting. In this dollhouse come to life, children will enjoy picking hidden surprises out from the illustrations. This book is best enjoyed one-on-one, so readers can luxuriate in the artistic nuances... A highly recommended purchase for any size collection where readers will delight in the whimsical nostalgic artwork."-- "School Library Journal"

"This second installment of Chirri and Chirra's tiny adventures is just as magical and gentle as the first! Scrumptious, sweet, and full of warmth, Chirri & Chirra, In the Tall Grass will make readers want to dive right into the book to nibble on honey sponge cakes and sip on freshly squeezed mixed-leaf juice alongside the diminutive duo. Dring-dring! Here comes my favorite summery picture book!"--Hannah DeCamp, Children's Buyer "Avid Bookshop (Athens, GA)"

About the Author

Born in Tokyo, Japan, Kaya Doi graduated with a degree in design from Tokyo Zokei University. She got her start in picture books by attending the Atosaki Juku Workshop, held at a Tokyo bookshop specializing in children's books. Since then she has created many picture books featuring her delicate color-pencil drawings. She lives in Chiba Prefecture and maintains a strong interest in environmental and animal welfare issues. Since the earthquake of 2011 she has been active in recovery and shelter efforts for abandoned pets.

Yuki Kaneko was born and educated in Japan. She is a sculptor, a translator, an urban naturalist, and a botanist. She works on New York City's High Line and lives in Brooklyn with her family.