Chirri & Chirra, on the Town - by Kaya Doi (Hardcover)

About the Book

Having explored blossoming fields, a magical mound of tall grass, crystal caves and underground passageways, here Chirri and Chirra explore life in town!

Book Synopsis

A Wall Street Journal 20 Best Children's Books of the Past 20 Years Selection!

Having explored blossoming fields, a magical mound of tall grass, crystal caves and underground passageways, here Chirri and Chirra explore life in town.

In this fifth book of perhaps the most charming series ever, Chirri and Chirra venture down forest paths and through alleyways into a yarn shop and an old woman's house, where they enjoy hot drinks and soup. When they're done, they find a wonderful surprise hidden in the branches of a tree. Memorable for Doi's luminous appreciation of the natural world as well as her respect for beautiful edibles, this new installment is sure to delight!

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"

• A Wall Street Journal 20 Best Children's Books of the Past 20 Years Selection
• A New York Magazine 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Selection
• Winner of Multicultural Award, 2021 Northern Lights Book Awards

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"

"Dring-dring, dring-dring! Chirri and Chirra's bicycle bells summon readers on another serene adventure. This fifth book... is something of a departure for the Japanese series, taking them into the human landscape of a nearby town instead of a tiny, fantastical one in surrounding nature. But that doesn't make it any less adorable. Doi employs her characteristic smudgy style, rounded, flowing shapes surrounded by soft borders of white that reinforce the cozy feel. Darling."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"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 brings back the bobbed-hair twins introduced in Chirri & Chirra, The Snowy Day and other titles. Here, the pair ride their bikes to purchase yarn, and travel to a weaver who quickly creates decorative scarves for them as they sip hot drinks. Leaving, they hear 'Chiri-Chirira' and think someone's calling them. The girls bike again, but stop at a 'beautiful house' where a granny invites them in for snacks. They hear the call again, and follow the sound to discover a bluebird couple celebrating their trio of newborns with a bevy of colorful birds. VERDICT: This cozy tale is as soothing as the soft crayon-and-pastel illustrations. Best shared one-on-one to pore over the delicately detailed images."-- "School Library Journal"

"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"

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.

David Boyd holds a master's degree from the University of Tokyo and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Princeton University. His translations have appeared in Monkey Business International, Granta, and Words Without Borders, among other publications.