Review by Booklist Review
Using simple yet lyrical text, Yasuda chronicles the life of Junko Tabei, a Japanese mountain climber and the first woman to scale Mt. Everest. Junko loved hiking as a child and as an adult joined a mountaineering club in Tokyo. She led a mostly female expedition to Mt. Everest and remained a passionate climber throughout her life, tackling peaks in numerous countries and working to preserve mountain landscapes. In addition to her climbing accomplishments, Yasuda recounts many lesser-known details; for example, Tabei crafted some of her own equipment because standard sizes for men were too large. Shimizu's colorful artwork (digitally enhanced India ink and Japanese calligraphy brushwork) employs a broad color palette, accurately depicting vistas in Japan and Nepal. The illustrations often portray dramatic scenes from the narrative--particularly the avalanche that buried Junko's tent just below Everest's peak, her subsequent arduous climb up a final narrow ridge, and her triumphant pose at the summit. Smoothly written and appended with additional resources, this will appeal to adventure enthusiasts and women's history buffs.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Yasuda opens this biography of Junko Tabei (1939--2016), the first woman to summit Everest, with a description of a childhood trip to a mountain, where she first awakens to the excitement of climbing "up, up, and ever up!" Evocative, simile-rich prose (mountains are "whitecaps on a deep-deep sea") follows Tabei to university in Tokyo, where most mountaineering clubs won't accept women. Later, Tabei plans a women's group trip to Everest, sewing some of her own clothing when mountaineering gear proves sized for men. Dazzling, visually complex spreads by Shimizu give the artwork the feel of woodblock prints; the daring of Tabei's expedition is conveyed in part by an image of the climber striding through midair as she waves goodbye to her family before the trip. Both suspenseful tale and portrait of mountain stewardship, it's a memorable story about living life on the edge of possibility. An author's note, timeline, and glossary conclude. Ages 4--8. (Sept.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2--5--"Junko's hill was her entire world" opens this biography of an amazing mountaineer. At age 10, after climbing Mount Chausu, Junko Tabei found her passion. As an adult in Tokyo, she joined a mountaineering club that accepted women and spent her weekends climbing. She married a fellow mountaineer, started her family, and continued climbing. Tabei also "knitted other women climbers together, just as a ridge joins mountain tops. Like her, they wanted opportunities above the clouds." Tabei dreamed of climbing Mount Everest, and with careful planning, she and group of women set off to climb the tallest peak. Near the end of their climb, "a dragon's roar shook the night. AVALANCHE!" They survived, but most of their supplies were gone, with only enough oxygen for Tabei and Ang Tsering Sherpa, her guide, to finish the ascent. They succeeded and Tabei became the first woman to ascend Everest. Tabei continued to climb, but also returned to Nepal to help clean up trash left by climbers, plant orchards, and advocate for protecting the environment. Shimizu's stunning, traditional Japanese art style in muted colors draws readers in with surprising details and touches of whimsy--a young Tabei is shown with mountains and peaks in her hair. The language is poetic and descriptive. Author's note, time line, glossary, sources, and bibliography are included. VERDICT Tabei's life and accomplishments are succinctly delivered with engaging text and brilliant illustrations to celebrate this trailblazing woman. Strong first buy.--Tamara Saarinen
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Review by Horn Book Review
In this inspiring picture-book biography, readers meet renowned Japanese mountain climber, educator, and environmentalist Junko Tabei (1939-2016), the first woman to successfully summit Mount Everest. Tabei's love for hiking started as a child when she climbed Mount Chausu. As an adult, Tabei moved to Tokyo to attend university, married a fellow hiker, started a family, and founded a women's-only mountaineering club. Pushing back against sexist expectations and limitations, Tabei's club fundraised for years and made their own equipment for their 1975 Mount Everest trek. Yasuda's evocative prose makes readers feel as if they are outdoors with Tabei, from the serene early hikes to the dangerous, avalanche-fraught Himalayan climb. Shimizu's brilliant India ink and digitally colored art further immerses readers in the natural world, pairing breathtaking mountain views with folktale-like images that emphasize community, such as Tabei and other women soaring through the sky or Tabei radiating love while planting an apple tree to support Nepali villagers. This volume is a master class in perseverance, respecting the environment, and supporting others. Back matter includes an informative author's note, a timeline, a glossary, and a bibliography. Michelle LeeNovember/December 2024 p.123 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Climber, climate activist, mother, and inspiration. Growing up in Japan, Junko Tabei (1939-2016) was eager to scale mountains even as a child. From her first climb of Mount Chausu at age 10, Junko knew this life was for her. As an adult, she often heard the message that mountains weren't for women, that she should stay home with her family. A determined Junko "became a mother who climbedfor her daughter" and set an ambitious goal--becoming the first woman to climb Mount Everest. "Ganbarimasu!" she and her fellow female climbers say, a Japanese word translated as "We will give it our best." With the help of Tibetan Sherpas, an all-female team of climbers, and her own ingenuity using kimonos to create gear, she reached the top, despite a devastating avalanche. But this would not be Junko's last mountain to climb, nor her last trip to Everest. Concerned about the environmental cost of the litter left on the famous mountain and the future of the Tibetan people, she gave back and inspired through words and deeds--cleaning the slopes and planting trees. Yasuda's captivating, poetic prose weaves powerful metaphors and cultural touchstones into this powerful biography. Shimizu's dreamy illustrations layer calligraphy-brushed outlines in India ink with digital color to immerse readers in blue skies, pink blossoms, and white mountain snow--Junko's home. A joyous celebration of a life built on resilient dreams. (author's note, timeline, glossary, bibliography, source notes)(Picture-book biography. 4-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
