One Leaf Rides the Wind

One Leaf Rides the Wind follows a young girl exploring a tranquil Japanese garden, where each spread introduces a counting concept alongside an original haiku — from one drifting leaf to ten glowing stone lanterns lighting her way at twilight. Celeste Davidson Mannis's gentle, lyrical poems paired with Susan Kathleen Hartung's soft, detailed illustrations create a meditative reading experience that doubles as an introduction to Japanese culture and the haiku form. This is a wonderful choice for students because it teaches counting, poetry, and cultural appreciation all at once, in a calm and beautifully designed picture book that rewards slow, careful reading.

Publishing Details

Author : Celeste Davidson Mannis

Illustrator : Susan Kathleen Hartung

Author Nationality : United States

Physical Details

Type of Book: Picture

Cover: Softcover

Pages: 32

Size: 9.4 x 8.3 inches

Year Published: 2005

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: 1st

Genre: Non-Fiction

Sub-Genre: Poetry

Theme: Numbers, Culture, Nature, Asian American