Author Profile
Mark Reibstein
2 Books
Mark Reibstein is an educator and author who specializes in picture books that explore profound concepts with poetic simplicity. He is best known for 'Wabi Sabi', which introduces readers to Japanese aesthetics through the journey of a cat. His stories often emphasize mindfulness, nature, and the beauty of imperfection.
Jump in
Wabi Sabi is a little cat living in Kyoto, Japan, who never gave her name much thought until a visitor asked what it meant. When her master explains that the answer is hard to explain, Wabi Sabi sets off on a quiet quest through her beautiful city to find the truth for herself.
Why it pulls you in
You will travel alongside Wabi Sabi as she meets different animals and discovers a special way of seeing the world. Through simple haiku poems and stunning collage art, you will learn that real beauty isn't always shiny or new. Instead, it can be found in things that are old, worn, or perfectly imperfect.
The big picture
This peaceful story introduces the ancient Japanese philosophy of finding joy in the ordinary. Whether it is a cracked tea bowl or a damp leaf, you will begin to see the hidden treasures in your own backyard through the eyes of one very curious cat.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
56 Pages
Step into a world of quiet wonder where every word and image carries the weight of a heartbeat. Through the rhythmic pulse of American Sentences, a poetic form based on haiku, you will follow a young boy and his mother as they explore the profound Japanese concept of yugen. It is more than just a word; it is the feeling you get when you look at a deep autumn sky or the way shadows stretch across a silent room.
This gentle story captures the mystery of the universe and the tender human experiences that connect us all. As you turn the pages, you will find a landscape of longing, remembrance, and the kind of beauty that stays with you long after the book is closed. It is a contemplative journey perfect for anyone who has ever looked at the stars and felt a sense of awe.
With its elegant simplicity and deep emotional resonance, this book invites you to slow down and see the hidden magic in the everyday world around you.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
21 Pages
