Cool Melons-Turn to Frogs The Life and Poems of Issa

An inspiring introduction to the life and poems of Issa, Japan’s best loved haiku master. Contains biography, illustrations, calligraphy, and the author’s translations of over thirty famous poems.

Matthew Gollub is a nationally known children's author, speaker and performer. He has created 18 picture books which together have garnered 25 national awards and distinctions. His musical narrations on audio CDs accompany some of his most popular books including The Jazz Fly and Jazz Fly 2: The Jungle Pachanga. A dynamic drummer and bilingual presenter, he has also performed at over 1,000 elementary schools nationwide, inspiring students and families to read for fun. He lives with his family in Santa Rosa, CA.

Kazuko Stone was born in Tokyo Japan and immigrated to the US in 1974. Over the past 40 years she has written and illustrated over 3 dozen children's books, which have been published in 6 languages and distributed in many countries worldwide. 
​She currently lives in New York City and has 2 cats, which served as inspiration for her latest book.

"Readers would be hard-pressed to find a more eloquent...and inspiring approach to understanding (and writing) this deceptively simple art form." -- Publisher's Weekly, starred review

"As restrained, graceful, and concise as the art form it honors." -- The Horn Book, starred review

"Readers will get a glimpse of the poet's extraordinary range of subject and feeling, as well as cogent instruction in how to read and understand these deceptively simple verses." -- Kirkus Reviews

“Choices” Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC)

“Editor’s Choice” San Francisco Chronicle

Best Children’s Books of the Year Bank Street College of Education

Asian Pacific American Award for Literature Children’s and Young Adult Category

Children’s Book of the Year Outstanding Merit Bank Street College Children’s Book Committee