My First Book of Haiku Poems ― A Picture, a Poem and a Dream; Classic Poems by Japanese Haiku Masters

My First Book of Haiku Poems introduces children to inspirational works of poetry and art that speak of our connection to the natural world, and that enhance their own natural ability to see an entire universe in the tiniest parts of it. Each of these 20 classic poems by Issa, Shiki, Basho, and other great haiku masters is paired with a stunning original painting that both portrays and inspires a child's inner life, and opens a door to the world of their imagination.

A fully bilingual children's book, My First Book of Haiku Poems includes the original versions of the Japanese poems (in Japanese script and Romanized form) on each page alongside the English translation to form a complete cultural experience.

Each haiku poem is accompanied by a "dreamscape" painting by award-winning artist Tracy Gallup that will be admired by children and adults alike. Commentaries offer parents and teachers ready-made "food for thought" to share with young readers and stimulate a conversation about each work.

Esperanza Ramirez-Christensen is a professor at the University of Michigan and an award-winning teacher and scholar of classical Japanese literature. She has written extensively on the subjects of Japanese poets and poetry and Buddhist philosophy.

Tracy Gallup is an author, illustrator and lifelong artist. She has a BFA from Eastern Michigan University and an MFA in painting from Syracuse University. Tracy worked as an elementary school art teacher for many years, and celebrates imagination and childhood in her own artwork. She is the author and illustrator of 9 children's books, including Paint the Night, A Roomful of Questions, four books in A Crazy Little series, King Cat, and also illustrated the book Beastly Banquet. She lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan with her husband. As a child, Tracy had and loved her very own collection of Tuttle books.