A Pond, A Poet and Three Pests, written by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by Lauren Tamaki. Groundwood Books, 2025. $21.99 ages 8 and up

 

"A lily growing in the water noticed 
the curious behavior of the carp, 
then the poet,
a calm presence on the bank. 

A flower lives only one season, unless 
he's the subject of a poem."

Those who have read and shared the works of 17th-century Japanese poet Basho will know his haiku about a pond and a frog. One night, while out walking, Basho found a place full of peace where he could sit calmly and think. It didn't take long for the pond dwellers to recognize their quiet visitor. 

A golden carp surfaces and recognizes Basho as 'the most famous poet in the land'. Wishing to be noticed as a subject for his next haiku, the carp seeks attention for her golden scales and her shameless ability to flutter her grandiose tail. Basho's eyes remain closed in contemplation. Next is a water lily whose life lasts through only one season. He is determined to have Basho smell the enticing perfume that radiates into the air as his petals unfurl. A Basho poem would result in the fame that has eluded him. Calling loudly to the poet, he sees that Basho's nose is unmoved by the scent. The final inhabitant is a mosquito whose penchant for blood lands her very close to the poet's ear. She has stories to tell if only Basho will listen. There is no reaction. 

Peace returns and Basho remains contemplative. A frog, who has been watching the drama unfold from the nearby bank, decides that he will not let it spoil his midnight swim. He leaps. Basho's eyes open wide - 

"Old pond - 
Frog jumps in. 
           Splash!

               Matsuo Basho (1644 - 1694)"

In a following note, Ms. Adderson describes haiku and adds further material about the poet, his life and his teaching. She ends with an invitation for readers to try their hand at sitting alone in nature and responding to what their senses are telling them. The natural setting of the pond environment is beautifully captured by Lauren Tamaki using acrylic ink in colors that are predominantly green and blue. Close-ups of the poet reflect his ability to thoroughly concentrate until his creative energy is sparked, leaving him wide-eyed and fully focused on new work.