The previous blog entry A Sunflower Sighting… reminded me of another “sighting” brought to my attention years ago by Susan Griffith, Chair of the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Committee. Following is the email she sent back in January 11, 2008 in response to another email from Yuya Honda, director of ‘Dreams&Hopes’ Art Project in New York City.

In short, A Place Where Sunflowers Grow made its way into the hands of students at Kamida Elementary School, Neayagawa City, Osaka, Japan! Scroll down to see photos.

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“Just in case January has got you down, thinking maybe your work in the
world isn’t noticed–who cares, anyway?  Look at these and think again!

Indeed, this is a forward of a forward from Linda B. Belle, Executive
Director of the Jane Addams Peace Association who asks that we
distribute this widely.

Have a great weekend,

Susan Griffith”

——– Original Message ——–
Subject:     JAPA book Exhibition in Japan, 2008

“Dear Sir/Madam

I am a director of ‘Dreams&Hopes’ Art Project in New York City.

I exhibit ‘A Place Where Sunflowers Grow’ with NYC children art works at
Kamida Elementary School in Neyagawa City, Osaka, Japan. I introduced
Jane Adams Peace Association.

Many Children in the public school learn War & Peace through the book.

I attach the pictures, and please freely use this photographs for peace.

Exhibit&Photo: Kamida Elementary School, Neayagawa City, Osaka, Japan
Date: January 10th, 2008

Please inform the pictures in your web-site, *and this is the first time
to inform the peace book in public school in
Japan.*

YUYA HONDA
IT & Art Director, Jardin Galerie Ltd. New York, NY”

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Kamida Elementary School, Osaka Japan. Photo courtesy of Yuya Honda.

Kamida Elementary School, Osaka Japan. Photo courtesy of Yuya Honda.

Kamida Elementary School, Osaka Japan. Photo courtesy of Yuya Honda.