The Chirri and Chirra books are surreal. You can hear the translation as sometimes the wording does not flow naturally on the ears. You will enjoy the story, but you probably should suspend belief. If you are looking for realism, Kaya Doi’s books are probably not what you are looking for. However, if you like a casual, somewhat natural mix of fantastic and realism, the Chirri and Chirra books are perfect. And the illustrations are very sweet with soft, happy colors, a lot of detail not immediately related to the story, and old-school with classical touches.
Chirri & Chirra, the Snowy Day is about the first snow of the season. And as Chirri and Chirra go out for a bike ride to enjoy it, they encounter the creatures of the forest casually giving cups of hot drinks and creating fun games. They play with the creatures of the forest (frozen flower buds as marbles anyone?), take hot spring baths (scented with said marbles) and finally grow tired. But their new friends have one more surprise for them.
The animals of the story are what makes this surreal and fantastical. They do not directly talk to Chirri and Chirra, nor do Chirri and Chirra converse in dialogue we are used to, but they act and interact as if they are as “human” as you and I. Are you supposed to think that, like much Japanese culture mythology, these animals have human traits, or are Chirri and Chirra imagining this and making these adventures for themselves?
The series of Chirri and Chirra books (On the Town coming in September of this year; Underground coming in June of this year; In the Tall Grass and just Chirri and Chirra) are sweet books. They are probably more suited for one-on-one reading, and most ages will enjoy. Translated by Yuki Kaneko.
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