Abstract

The new picture book, “In My Forest,” was created by Seizo Tashima and Arthur Binard. Seizo Tashima established the “Hachi & Seizo Tashima Museum of Picture Book Art” and is the author of many children’s books. The museum was a popular attraction at the “Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale 2018” held at Tokamachi city and Tsunan town.
Arthur Binard, a poet, visited the Hachi settlement in Tokamachi City to experience life in the snow country for over two years. This led him to create the In My Forest picture book with Mr. Tashima.
Together, they illustrated the four seasons of the forest from the eyes of a pit viper. The powerful, vivid pictures and unique words bring to life the voice of the forest, echo the feeling of waiting for spring to return after winter, show the night as seen through the snake’s heat-sensing organ, and illustrate the beauty of the inner workings of life.

Author’s Information

Arthur Binard: Born in Michigan, USA, in 1967, he grew up with fish and aquatic insects in the Great Lakes. He studied English and American literature at Colgate University, and upon graduation he came to Japan and began writing poetry in Japanese. He has published poetry collections, photo picture books, and translated books.

Seizo Tashima: Born in Osaka in 1940, he spent his childhood in Kochi Prefecture. While living on the Izu Peninsula and creating picture books, he established the Museum of Picture Books Art in Tokamachi City, Niigata, and the Blue Sky Aquarium in Oshima, Kagawa.
He has received numerous awards, including the Golden Apple Award at the Biennial of Illustration Bratislava. He was also a nominee for the 2018 Hans Christian Andersen Award.