Tonbo

Ages 4 to 8, Grades P to 3

In this semi-autobiographical story, told through the eyes of a man who ages backward, Caldecott medalist Allen Say reveals the power of memory to shape one’s art.

As an old man takes a morning walk, he is startled by a paper airplane overhead. He follows it to a strangely familiar town. There he meets a man who calls him “son” and high school boys who ask him to play catch. When he sees a glimpse of his reflection, he realizes a shocking fact: he is a young man. Could it be that he is getting younger and younger with each person he meets?As he searches for the plane, he is led deeper into his memories. Where will he find the plane? And what will he discover?Lushly rendered in oil paintings that nod to the American realism movement, Tonbo will encourage a new generation of artists to take up the creative path.

About the Author

Allen Say was born in Yokohama, Japan, and came to the United States when he was sixteen. His many treasured books for children include Tree of Cranes, Allison, and the Caldecott Medal–winning Grandfather's Journey. He lives in Portland, Oregon.