The composition of Chinese poetry (kanshi) in the Japanese court dates to the mid-seventh century. During the Heian age (794-1185), kanshi emerged as one of two preeminent poetic genres employed by aristocrats, scholar-officials, and priests; over the centuries it developed into one of Japan's most enduring literary forms. This anthology, comprising some 300 kanshi by 80 poets, is the largest collection of translated kanshi ever produced. It includes an introduction to the kanshi genre, biographies of the poets, and extensive annotations. The poems sketch a graceful panorama of life in the Heian capital and in the provinces, offering rare glimpses into the private concerns, tastes, and aspirations of the well-born people of the times.Kanshi continued to flourish in Japan through early modern times, remaining vital down to the Taisho era (1912-1926). Its longevity was partly a function of its permeation to the townsmen class and to a larger range of female practitioners. Although the era of kanshicomposition has passed, some 5 million Japanese continue to participate in kanshirecitation circles. While Japanese vernacular literature has been studied extensively and is relatively well-known in the West, kanshi have received little scholarly attention in either Japan or abroad. It is hoped that the present anthology will bring this important genre more squarely into both the mainstream of Japanese studies and the consciousness of Western readers.

In this eye-catching, interactive introduction to the miracle of metamorphosis, children can count backwards from five to one as colorful caterpillars change into gorgeous foil butterflies with each turn of the die-cut pages!

Caterpillars Dotty and Stripe do everything together. They play, they eat leaves and do all sorts of caterpiller-y things, and then one day, after spinning themselves into snuggly cocoons, they wake up as beautiful butterflies! But soon they realise that, for the first time ever, they look different. Should Dotty only play with butterflies that look like her' And Stripe only play with butterflies that look like him'

Shunned as an outsider and mistreated due to an undiagnosed learning disability, the young and imaginative Mari-Jen Delene retreats into silence. Around her, the fictional community of Ste. Noire, Cape Breton, hosts a vividly drawn cast of characters: the uncompromising and bitter Mother Superior; the dangerous Uncle Jule; the kind-hearted holocaust survivor Daniel Peter; and Mari-Jen's rebellious and powerfully intelligent brothers, who sleep next to a map of the world they yearn to explore. Elegantly written and profoundly touching, Butterflies Dance in the Dark stands as a testament to the vibrant resiliency of youth and the enduring powers of the imagination.

The composition of Chinese poetry (kanshi) in the Japanese court dates to the mid-seventh century. During the Heian age (794-1185), kanshi emerged as one of two preeminent poetic genres employed by aristocrats, scholar-officials, and priests; over the centuries it developed into one of Japan's most enduring literary forms. This anthology, comprising some 300 kanshi by 80 poets, is the largest collection of translated kanshi ever produced. It includes an introduction to the kanshi genre, biographies of the poets, and extensive annotations. The poems sketch a graceful panorama of life in the Heian capital and in the provinces, offering rare glimpses into the private concerns, tastes, and aspirations of the well-born people of the times.Kanshi continued to flourish in Japan through early modern times, remaining vital down to the Taisho era (1912-1926). Its longevity was partly a function of its permeation to the townsmen class and to a larger range of female practitioners. Although the era of kanshicomposition has passed, some 5 million Japanese continue to participate in kanshirecitation circles. While Japanese vernacular literature has been studied extensively and is relatively well-known in the West, kanshi have received little scholarly attention in either Japan or abroad. It is hoped that the present anthology will bring this important genre more squarely into both the mainstream of Japanese studies and the consciousness of Western readers.

"200 Zen Stories: Cultivating Positivity and Inner Peace" takes you on a journey to explore the timeless wisdom of Zen stories. These captivating stories will empower the readers with essential life skills while instilling a sense of joy, mindfulness, and compassion. This book will help children to: - Unlock a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them - Develop resilience, emotional intelligence, and empathy - Cultivate an awareness of the present moment and embrace their emotions with acceptance - Find calm amidst the storms of life - Greater sense of positivity, compassion, and wonder as they navigate the wondrous tapestry of life This book contains 200 captivating Zen stories that will engage young minds, inspire them to reflect on deeper truths, and open doors to profound insights. With simple yet profound narratives, these stories offer invaluable teachings on the nature of existence, the human mind, and the pursuit of inner peace. Embark on this adventure to explore the timeless wisdom of Zen stories!