Incredible Friends

Shortlisted for the 13th Wenjin Award, third place in Douban's 2017 Highest-Scoring Books, and winner of the 20th Japan Picture Book Award. A picture book about autism based on a true story.
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※Editor's Recommendation※
Winner of the 20th Japan Picture Book Award, "Incredible Friends," an autism-themed picture book based on a true story, tells the story of an extraordinary friendship spanning 20 years. "I" met Xiao An, an autistic teenager, in second grade. When I first met him, I was wary and puzzled. But as our relationship deepened and I began to change, we became close friends. We've walked together through many years, growing up and experiencing so much together. In my heart, Xiao An is my incredible friend.
This picture book on autism deals with profound themes, yet tells a simple and moving story. Based on a true story that took place on Awaji Island, Japan, the story follows two young boys, Kazuma Jii and Yosuke Oda, who appear in the book as "Koan" and "Yusuke Ota." They have known each other since kindergarten and continue their friendship until today, at the age of 29. Picture book author Masahiko Tajima spent three years on-site on Awaji Island to complete this work. Upon its publication in Japan, it garnered widespread attention and became a rare and compelling work.
★A true friendship story that helps children understand others who are different from themselves and makes caring a habit.
"I" and Xiao An, a teenager with autism, started out as misunderstandings, then grew up together for 20 years. This friendship has changed my life. This story will teach children that there is something called "difference" in the world. Learning to respect and care for those who are different from themselves will make them better people, allow them to receive unique "gifts" in life, and make the world a better place.
★ Representative works by the twin brothers Masahiko Tajima, one of the internationally renowned "twin stars" of picture books. Masahiko Tajima and Seizo Tajima are renowned picture book writers, winners of the prestigious Japan Picture Book Award and the Golden Apple Award. Growing up in rural Tosa, Kochi Prefecture, their observations of nature nurtured their unique artistic sensibility, leading them to their careers as picture book writers. The film "Dream Village," based on the brothers' childhood memories, won the Silver Bear at the 46th Berlin Film Festival.
Tajima Masahiko's painting style is simple and fresh, employing traditional Japanese dyeing techniques, known as katazome, on handmade bamboo paper, a style that is truly unique. He has won prestigious international picture book awards, including the Golden Apple Award, and excels in depicting themes of nature, childhood, and the emotions of youth.
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※Introduction※
In second grade, I transferred to a school on a small island. On opening day, a boy talking loudly to himself caught my attention. It turned out to be Xiao An, a child with autism. Initially, I was puzzled and wary of him, but as we got to know each other better and began to change, we became close friends. Later, as we grew up, we worked together as mail carriers and experienced many things...
To me, Xiao An is an incredible friend who has always been with me.
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※Recommended by celebrities※
For ordinary people, autistic people have many unique qualities, and they may also cause some inconvenience to those around them. However, if we look at them from a different perspective, we will surely discover their innocence and loveliness, and understand their difficulties and hardships. I sincerely hope that after reading this touching picture book, more people will be willing to understand autistic children more and extend their hands to accept and embrace this group.
The story of the friendship between Li Xin, a "Golden Microphone" award winner and host of Shanghai People's Broadcasting Station, from youth to adulthood is incredibly simple and moving. This book showcases the everyday interactions between people. Regardless of your differences, we all experience the joys and sorrows of life and grow together. This is why the story is so deeply moving.
— Akiko Kakegawa, editor-in-chief of the Japanese picture book review website ehonnavi

2017-07-01

北京联合出版公司

the new wave

20

9787550297760