Our Book Hunting Expedition post this Sunday is quite special as we are officially launching our bimonthly theme this May/June 2013: From Asia With Love – A Feast of Asian Literature!
This is also in solidarity with two major kidlit festivals happening this side of Asia: the Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) in Singapore from 25-30 May 2013 and the Little Lit Festival organized by the National Book Development Board (Philippines) happening in Manila right after AFCC (30-31 May 2013).
I am privileged to be part of both conferences. Perfect time to explore Asian literature!
Moving Out and Book Finds
We have just recently moved houses. While our new place is only a few blocks away from our old one, I continue to be amazed at the accumulation of stuff collected over a period of five years. Naturally, I had to make sure that I move my books out first and that they are strategically located in our new place.
Our little car transformed into a veritable bookmobile.
Filled to overflowing.
I can hear our poor Picanto’s groan with the weight of all these books.
And there they are – stacked willy-nilly for the meanwhile.
Because of this, I was able to unearth a few books that I will be featuring for our bimonthly theme – yes, I went book hunting on my own bookshelves yet again!
I have gorgeous award-winning and internationally-recognized picture books from the Philippines that I am excited to feature. I also have the usual suspects: Mitsumasa Anno, Allen Say, Demi (among others). I have several books that I bought while I was in Mumbai two years back, and two gorgeous picture books from our featured storyteller, Naomi Kojima (watch out for our announcement soon).
Library Find
Since I have been hearing so much rave about this book from people I respect (our featured Academic last year, Ninotchka Rosca, loves this book. So did Edward Gorey who had nothing but beautiful things to say about Lady Murasaki). And so I looked for it in our libraries, not realizing how massive it is. I have no illusions that I would finish the book in six weeks’ time, but it is good to have it in my shelves. Perhaps just breathing it in would give me inspiration.
Gathering Books 
We had a comic book version of The Tale of Genji, if I remember correctly. But I don’t remember actually reading it. I wonder if it’s still around…
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I would add the ‘Zen’ books by Jon Muth, Myra. Does he count since he is in the US? His bio says he has studied in Japan. I love the books, and look forward to learning so much from this new theme! Best wishes in your move!
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