ORIGAMI, TRANSFORMED
Program for middle grade, high-school, and adult audiences

Learn how the thousand origami crane tradition started in Japan in 1797 and how it took on special meaning with the story of SADAKO AND THE THOUSAND PAPER CRANES. Since both of Naomi's parents are survivors of Hiroshima atomic bombing, she can share her family's experiences during World War II as well as what 1001 cranes displays mean to today's Japanese Americans. The talk will center on how traditions and symbols change over time. The use of metaphors in literature will also be discussed. The session will conclude in the folding of paper cranes. The author will provide paper, but the classroom should have other decorations and supplies on hand—markers, glue, glitter, stickers, etc.

(With the addition of PowerPoint, Naomi will be able to show slides from a Japanese book from the 18th century, photos of her and her parents in Hiroshima [post-World War II], and images of present-day 1001 crane displays.)

For educators interested in having Naomi speak to your school, contact:
Lisa McClatchy
Random House Author Appearance Coordinator
212-782-9369
Fax: 212-782-9682
liske (at) aol.com

For library and other special events, contact:
bachi (at) naomihirahara.com

For bookstore events, contact:
Kelly R. Galvin
Senior Publicist
Random House Children's Books
212-782-8827
kgalvin (at) randomhouse.com