A Bowl Full of Peace: A True Story. Written by Caren Stelson and illustrated by Akira Kusaka. Carolrhoda Books, Thomas Allen & Son. 2020. $23.99 ages 9 and up

 

"War for Sachiko means less and less of everything.
Now Grandmother's bowl offers only
bits of mackerel floating in broth,
but the family is still together. 
Even sister Misa and little Toshi learn to press 
their hands together.

ITADAKIMASU."

No one knows where or when Grandmother's bowl began its journey from mother to daughter, down through the generations. What they do know is that it is a valued part of every dinner Sachiko's family eats together. Those meals fill them up. As WWII brings more pain and suffering, it also causes a severe food shortage. Soon, the bowl is filled with balls made of wheat, and softened with hot water. Sachiko is only six years old when the atomic bomb drops on Nagasaki, and her life is forever changed. The family's home is destroyed; one brother dies and two more later die from radiation sickness; the family must move away. Two years later, a return to Nagasaki blesses them with the discovery of Grandmother's bowl in the rubble - in perfect condition. 

I read Sachiko's story (Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor's Story) 4 years ago, and was left with such a sense of sorrow for her losses, and also of admiration for her bravery and stamina in the face of such loss. In this picture book, Caren Stelson has taken one part of Sachiko's story and written this book for younger readers. She tells the story with quiet assurance, and offers an ending that is full of hope. Digital paintings help readers to recognize the setting for the story, and for the real importance of the bowl's central position at the dinner table. Its presence is shown in repeated scenes, always offering a sense of calm during dark times.   

An author’s note describes her meetings with Sachiko to learn her about her family, and bringing her story to a wide audience through the first book. She discusses life in Japan during the war and emphasizes the importance of finding the bowl, and the gratitude with which it was used. Archival pictures, including one showing Grandmother's bowl, as well as a description of some of the history of the war itself are an important part of this back matter. An illustrator's note is added, written in English and Japanese. It is followed by a short list of  recommended books for further research. 

 “Itadakimasu” -  “we humbly receive this food”.