Mira and Baku is a children’s story about a young girl with the help of a magical friend searching for her missing father. The story sets during the Japanese Canadian incarceration in World War II. Truly is a remarkable story to read. ~ Momma Braga
Synopsis
It’s a week until Mira’s birthday, and she’s getting worried. Where is Papa? He has never missed her birthday before. When Mira’s friend Baku, a creature from Japanese folklore, offers to help, they journey over farmlands and forests, mountains and river mouths, gathering clues to Papa’s whereabouts – clues that echo Mira’s memories and overheard conversations in the camp where she lives with Mama.
#MelAndNikkiReview
Mira and Baku is a children’s story about a young girl with the help of a magical friend searches for her missing father. The story sets during the Japanese Canadian incarceration in World War II.
A tender and moving picture book which explores the profound impacts of family separation and the different forms comfort can take for a child processing loss. Truly tugs at your heart strings!
For this #MelAndNikkiReview, we give Mira and Baku 5 rocks out of 5! A captivating story that tugs are heart strings as Mira searches for her father who is no longer with them. The symbols used in the story to show the different forms of comfort were beautiful. It was a great way to open up the conversation on loss and how we can cope with it. A great read for the family!
We loved reading the author’s note with a brief look into the WWII and the treatment of Japanese Canadians. A story that is worth telling as the author said it perfectly which we had to share.
It’s important we share stories about this period of history, so we remember what can happen when we’re fearful of each other….
Engaging with each other’s stories can make us less afraid and help us understand and accept one another.
If you would like to purchase a copy of this book, click here.
About the Author
Sara Truuvert is a Canadian author of Japanese-Estonian descent. She grew up in Toronto and now lives in Ottawa, Ontario, where she writes everything from short fiction to poetry to science articles. Mira and Baku is her first picture book.
Michelle Theodore is an illustrator born and raised under the prairie skies in Edmonton, Alberta. As a landlocked yonsei, she is often reminiscing about coastal summers with family, inspired by her times on beaches collecting sand dollars and eating homemade salmon jerky.
Until next time…Happy Parenting!
~ Momma Braga
*Please note that this book was provided in exchange of an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.
