About the Author

Born in Tokyo, Japan, Kaya Doi graduated with a degree in design from Tokyo Zokei University. She got her start in picture books by attending the Atosaki Juku Workshop, held at a Tokyo bookshop specializing in children's books. Since then she has created many picture books featuring her delicate color-pencil drawings. She lives in Chiba Prefecture and maintains a strong interest in environmental and animal welfare issues.
David Boyd is assistant professor of Japanese at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. His translations have appeared in Monkey Business International, Granta, and Words Without Borders, among other publications.

Reviews

“3- to 8-year-olds will read with envy. In cozy, soft and inviting pictures, we see Chirri and Chirra receive flowers strung on necklaces to use as tickets when they join all manner of cats at a Full Moon Festival… Conjuring realms of kindly animals and witty, serendipitous delights, Kaya Doi’s work exudes real childhood magic.”
*Wall Street Journal*

STARRED REVIEW! ? “This is a gentle magical adventure with two intrepid explorers who love to try new things. The lovely soft colored pastel art shows a happy world with no adults and lots of friendly cats. The smaller size makes the story that much more cozy, with the landscape orientation offering lovely panoramic views of the trip. It’s hard not to smile while reading this sweet story. Fans of the previous adventures of Chirri and Chirra will be thrilled with this new offering.”
*Youth Services Book Review*

“In this latest addition to the popular Japanese series, Chirri and Chirra ride their bicycles into an enchanted forest on a moonlit night. There they join the Full Moon Festival and have a fanciful adventure… Their friendly cat hosts provide entertainment, magic, and friendship. Muted illustrations in pencil and pastel complement the gentle story, which will be enjoyed for its playfulness and humor. A very worthwhile, calming addition for story time or one-on -one reading. This exceptionally tender work will be a soothing read-aloud at story hours.”
*School Library Journal*

“Chirri and Chirra have another fantastical adventure in this latest installment of the Japanese series... The text is spare and descriptive, while the charming, softly focused illustrations add detail and dimension. Chirri and Chirra are game for adventures and trusting of the characters they meet. Nothing remotely frightening interferes; it is all pure, gentle magic, fantasy, and lively imagination throughout. Sweet, wonderful make-believe. More of this duo, please.”
*Kirkus Reviews*