A Boy Named Isamu: A Story of Isamu Noguchi

by James Yang

If you are Isamu, stones are the most special of all.
How can they be so heavy?
Would they float if they had no weight?

James Yang imagines a day in the boyhood of Japanese American artist, Isamu Noguchi. Wandering through an outdoor market, through the forest, and then by the ocean, Isamu sees things through the eyes of a young artist . . .but also in a way that many children will relate. Stones look like birds. And birds look like stones.

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Biography, Childrens, Nature, Nonfiction, Japan

31 pages, Hardcover

First published June 15, 2021

About the author

James Yang is an award-winning artist and designer, and the author of Stop! Bot!, the winner of the 2020 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished American book for beginning readers. His follow up book, A Boy Named Isamu , is the APALA 2022 Honor Title Picture for Asian American literature . He uses pencil sharpeners, pens, and a computer--which is an electronic machine--in his studio. James Yang grew up in Oklahoma, and now lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

"You think about how were alone but not lonely." There's something special in the illustrations in this story about a little boy who enjoys spending time in nature.
Told in second person, this is the story for those who are looking for mentor texts to introduce the ues of person.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tagged this book as a biography but it’s not quite a biography. It’s not about Japanese American artist Isamu Noguchi’s life, but rather a story about what he was like as a child. This story honors all the quiet introverted children in our lives and classrooms. My favorite line in the book is, “You think about how you were alone but not lonely.”

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artful, inventive, immersive, loved it.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely celebration of introversion and the power of quiet! :-) It reads more like a story than a "biography" and I see where some reviewers were a bit disappointed. I can see the point that there aren't a lot of facts involved. For me, though, it is successful because it gave me the sense that I had met Isamu -- that I understood his inner thoughts and feelings. In a case like this, I feel that is more important than being able to recount a list of accomplishments and important dates of a person's life.

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Isamu, the world is a noisy place; he finds solace, peace and joy in the natural world around him - be it grass or stone, wind or leaf. For him, this is where he can find himself and see a beauty that perhaps the rest of the world is too busy to notice.

In a fascinating turn of narrative form, that is second-person narrative all the way through, the author asks us to imagine ourselves as Isamu and question whether we could act and feel the same way he does as he navigates his environment. At first, I wondered whether this was a book about a neurodiverse child trying to find their place in the world around them (in some ways, it is) but an author's note reveals that this is Yang's attempt to imagine the life of Isamu Noguchi - a famous Japanese American artist.

One reviewer used the word 'pensive' to describe this picturebook and I think that's the perfect word.

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute picture book about a little boy going on a quiet adventure alone but he wasnt lonely.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful non-fiction picture book about a single afternoon in the life of artist Isamu Noguchi as a child. It is so full of wonder and curiosity! I love it when I find a non-fiction title that would make a great story time read, and this one absolutely fits the bill. I'll keep it in my mind once we're doing in-person programs again, because it would be perfect for a Saturday morning family program! A couple of years ago I saw an exhibit called Serious Play: Design in Midcentury America where I got to see photos, models, and maquettes of his playscapes, playgrounds, and play structures. I was completely captivated by the small scale version of Slide Mantra and I really hope to get down to Miami one day to see the real thing in person. In the meantime, I'm going to brainstorm some extension activities for my eventual program!

[Shanell Turk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Boy Named Isamu: A Story of Isamu Noguchi is a story about enjoying the simplicity of nature and life "alone, but not lonely." In this book you are taken on a walk through nature to collect memories and bits of nature to bring home in your memory. James Yang, the author does a beautiful job of communicating Isamu Noguchi's believe that you find in the book that a child's way of experiencing the world is an important part of being a an artist. The pictures are colorful and as the child walks through the busy market and out into nature and beside the sea, children are shown bits and pieces of Japanese culture, though the biggest focus in on finding simplicity in nature. I think this would be a great introduction to discussing a slide show of his artwork in an elementary art class.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography of Isamu Noguchi as a child. Readers see him study life and become enthralled with stones and other natural shapes as he wanders near his home. Some of his artwork is actually woven into the illustrations.

[Mr. George The Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art is different...as is the artist. Our creative souls are as varied as our interests and personalities. I enjoy this tale of individual needs and creativity.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pensive and unique story that introverts will relate to in particular. A child takes joy in observing nature on his own, sights that will someday influence the art he creates.

[Holly Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not really a biography, but in the author's note, James Yang explains,
"This story is how I imagine Isamu Noguchi (a famous Japanese American artist born in Los Angeles in 1904 who made sculptures of paper, wood, and stone, as well as creating landscape design) explored nature, because as some children know, alone time can be the most special time of all". Loved the distinction at the end about lonely vs. being alone. I didn't know anything about Isamu, so I'll be researching!

[Lata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrations: Lovely. 4 stars.
Story imagining a young, quiet Isamu Noguchi, entranced by the shapes and sounds of objects in nature: 3.5 stars

Overall: 3.5 stars.

[Paige]

Lovely illustrated introduction to an artist whose work I was not familiar with but now know and appreciate along with the acknowledgement of spending time alone but not being lonely.

[angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

a sweet tale of a boy between worlds finding friendship and connectivity in his alone time.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life and sensibilities of one gifted Asian-American artist, as told by another gifted Asian-American artist.

A day in the life of young Isamu Noguchi while growing up in Japan gives great insight into his curiosity of the natural world and understanding of how being alone can be inspiring - not lonely.

Yang's spare text sings with the joy and wonder of life that Noguchi must have experienced. What is also incredible about this book is that Yang captures the subtlety, boldness, and traditional/modern feeling of Noguchi's art-to-come in the artwork - yet keeps true to Yang's art style. A perfect match!

While this provides great insights into Noguchi, older readers looking for a picture book biography about him should look at Christy Hale's book The East-West House: Noguchi's Childhood in Japan (Lee & Low, 2009).

This would also be useful for parents and counselors working with shy or solitary children.

Highly Recommended for PreSchool-grade 3.

[Sarah Alley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really steps into the pace of a child in the outdoors, and I could relate it to my childhood self. Really a sweet story about a Japanese American artist and what he was like as a boy.

[A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting prompts for creative thinking, but I struggle to see the kid-appeal in the text/storyline. Probably better used for older readers?

[Deborah]

This book is perfection.

If you are expecting a traditional biography, you will be disappointed. But this narrative, written directly to the child reading it (in 2nd person—"If you are Isamu..."), is a biography of a child's emotional being—a bio of the personality that grew into the sculptor and designer that Noguchi became. The quiet, simple, singing prose here perfectly embodies the kind of child he was and the kind of art he made. The back-matter gives just enough info to prompt interested readers to look for more.

"[Noguchi] once said, 'When an artist stopped being a child, he would stop being an artist.'" Yang has managed to be a child here. Lucky readers.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had a very dreamy quality and made me want to learn more about the artist.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ode to being alone but unlonely and of noticing the simple wonders around you.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the illustrations more than the story. The author's note mentioned Isamu is a family artist. I kind of wish that was at the beginning. Maybe I would have paid more attention.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dynamic. A welcome addition to picture books about sculptors and an homage to quiet, reflective children.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Impressive digital illustrations complement text detailing the imagined childhood experiences and perspective of the boy who would grow up to become celebrated artist Isamu Noguchi. Somehow the text and images seem to channel Isamu as he is drawn to stones and to bamboo, feeling a connection to nature and what others might see as inert objects. It's clear that even as a young boy, he had a different vision of the world around him, seeing "birds that look like stones...and stones that look like birds" (unpaged). The book also makes it clear that Isamu was perfectly content spending time alone, soaking up sights and experiences that may make their way into his dreams and artwork. Back matter includes additional information about this creative spirit. Add this picture book to a collection devoted to artists, creative individuals, and those who march to their own beat.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Yang was very inspired by the work of Isamu Noguchi. This book is an imaginary day in the life of young Isamu who grew up to become a famous artist and landscape architect. His father was Japanese and his mother was American. He was born in America but moved to Japan at an early age and then returned to America later for schooling. He created stone sculptures, beautiful gardens, and even furniture! He also experienced prejudice in both America and Japan. This book talks about how being alone with nature is not the same as being lonely.
It's a soothing read and the illustrations are lovely. I especially liked the birds that looked like stone - and the stones that looked like birds. Plus - I love the fact that I had not heard of Isamu Noguchi's art and this book encouraged me to find out more about him.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC!

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Yang introduces readers to Japanese American artist Isamu Noguchi by imagining what it would be like to walk through nature with Isamu. An author's note in the back of the book gives more information on the artist and his life.

I can't decide whether this is biographical fiction or just a creative introduction to Isamu Noguchi. The story itself only very subtly tells you anything about the artist, so definitely read the author's note to learn more about him. The book is a subtle ode to the peaceful and restorative time of being in nature and the creative process and how some people need alone time. Yang's artwork is also simple, but plays homage to Noguchi's work. Now I am going to get on the internet and look for more examples of his work.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Yang's mixed-media illustrations and story imagine what it might be like in Isamu Noguchi's life. In his author's note, Yang writes that "Isamu was a famous Japanese American artist who made sculptures of paper, wood, and stone, as well as creating landscape design." In this story, we follow Isamu through the noisy market with his mother, then on to various places in nature while he questions and imagines. For example, as the cover shows, Isamu listens to the stone to ask "What is it saying?" I imagine the fun it would be to take this book and read it aloud in nature somewhere. What would children connect to? What might they imagine and ask?

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book is both strange and appealing. The second-person narrative voice speaking to the artist throughout the book is definitely an unusual choice for a children's book, and the story focuses on imagining the artist's experiences with nature as a child, instead of sharing fact-based information. However, the illustrations are very interesting, and the book has a nice message for introverts about the validity and importance of spending time by yourself in nature. There is a historical note at the end with information about the artist. I would have been much more interested in a picture book biography, rather than this fictionalized book, but it is still worthwhile.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Yang imagines how Isamu, a famous Japanese-American artist who made sculptures of paper, wood, and stone, would have been as a child. In particular, he imagines how Isamu would have perceived nature around him, enjoying solitude and quietness as he ventured through the market, the forest, and the beach while touching and examining the things of nature he'd find along the way.

I think this book would speak a lot to introverts, those who though alone, are not lonely as well as encourage kids to go out into nature and enjoy the calm and peace that can be found in exploring the gifts nature has to give.

[Amber Wessies Owrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reminded me vaguely of "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" because it was written in second person. However the similarities end there. I found this book to be a bit odd and a bit lacking in plot. It follows Isamu who is a famous artist who enjoyed nature and solitude. The reader follows Isamu as he walks around pondering his environment.
I really did not understand the point until reading the author's note at the end which helped clarify some things. Isamu was a Japanese American who was too American for his Japanese friends but too Japanese for his American friends. Although this is included in the author's note, I don't think it relates to the story much.