Yuko-Chan and the Daruma Doll

Yuko-chan and the Daruma Doll, a gorgeous book by author/illustrator Sunny Seki, takes readers on a journey into ancient Japan and the story behind the famous Daruma Doll.

Natural disasters are all too common in Japan--but the Japanese always find a way to rise to the challenge. This charming, beautifully illustrated fictional tale is set during a time of devastation following the historic eruption of Mount Asama in 1783. Yuko-chan is an adventurous orphan who, despite being blind, is able to do amazing things. She serves tea to refresh careworn monks as they deliberate about how to feed the villagers whose crops were destroyed by the eruption. She confronts a temple burglar in the dead of night. And she crosses treacherous mountain passes to deliver food to hungry people in nearby villages.

While on a mission to help people in a neighboring village, Yuko-chan trips and tumbles down a snowy cliff. While waiting for help, she grows very thirsty and reaches for her tea gourd. But the gourd keeps slipping from her shivering fingers. Much to her surprise, the gourd lands right-side-up no matter how it falls--the tea has frozen in the bottom of the gourd. Inspired by the self-righting tea gourd, she later creates the famous Daruma doll toy, which rights itself when tipped--a true symbols of resilience.

Thanks to Yuko-chan's invention, the villagers are able to earn a living and feed themselves by selling the dolls. Whenever you see a Daruma doll, remember what it represents--to never give up, no matter the obstacles!