Caldecott medallist Allen Say will debut his latest book, Kamishibai Man, at a special reading and book signing program set for the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo on Saturday, October 8, beginning at 2 p.m.

Japanese-born Say was awarded the Caldecott Medal for his book Grandfather’s Journey in 1994. The award is presented by the Association for Library Service for Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children each year. Say’s book about his own grandfather’s immigration to America earned him top recognition.

In Say’s latest book, the Kamishibai Man was someone who used to ride his bicycle into town, tell stories to the children and sell them candy. Gradually, fewer and fewer children came running at the sound of his clappers. Finally, he makes what seems to be one last batch of candy, and he pedals into town to tell one more story—his own. Using two very different yet remarkable styles of art, Say tells a tale within a tale, transporting readers seamlessly to the Japan of his memories.

The program is free to National Museum members or with admission. To make reservations or for more information, pleases call the Japanese American National Museum at (213) 625-0414.

Japanese American National Museum
369 East First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
www.janm.org