ALA Booklist (Sat Nov 01 00:00:00 CST 2003)

Instead of wearing something new or cool on her first day of school, Suki wears the kimono that reminds her of days with her grandmother. Her two older sisters pretend they know don't her, but Suki makes a new friend who accepts her funny clothes. In the classroom, the effervescent Suki demonstrates Japanese dance to the class and receives a warm ovation, and the wry final page celebrates the value of being different. Sister-in-spirit to Kevin Henkes' Lily, Suki is a lively, irrepressible girl, who gives new charm to a familiar story line. The succinct narrative includes Japanese words that are easily understood in context. Watercolor illustrations reveal that Suki's new teacher, Mrs. Paggio, also has a flair for distinctive fashion. A fine choice for multicultural units as well as youngsters dealing with differences. Suki's story will appeal to other independent-thinking girls as well.

Horn Book

Strong-willed first-grader Suki decides to wear to school the kimono her grandmother gave her. Ignoring some classmates' laughter, she bravely demonstrates a Japanese dance and is rewarded with sincere applause. Suki's warm relationship with her grandmother comes through in the elegant, lively watercolors that extend the text, which is as light on its toes as Suki.

Kirkus Reviews

<p>On the first day of school, Suki is determined to wear her favorite clothes, even though her two older sisters don't approve. She doesn't care about new or cool outfits, just about wearing the kimono, geta, and pink scarf her obachan gave her. Many kids at school do tease Suki, but she continues to hold her head up. When it's her turn to tell about her summer, she describes the festival she attended with her grandmother and begins to dance as her obachan taught her. Now instead of teasing, Suki has the respect of her classmates. And in a twist of irony, the sisters who told Suki she'd be teased for her outfit come home grumpy because no one noticed their new clothing, while Suki dances home with the wind in her pink scarf. Jorisch's watercolor illustrations are reminiscent of Japanese brush paintings. Her characters' faces are extremely expressive and perfectly portray their feelings. A wonderful story about being yourself, with the added bonus of teaching readers a little about Japanese culture. (glossary) (Picture book. 5-8)</p>

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-"To spunky little kids everywhere," the dedication states, and it is an apt sentiment. Young Suki indeed fits that description. On her first day of first grade, she chooses to wear her beloved Japanese kimono to school, despite the objections of her older sisters and the initial laughter of other children on the playground. Fortunately for Suki, for whom the kimono brings back fond memories of her grandmother's visit over the summer, her day ends in triumph, with her teacher and classmates won over by her impromptu dance performance. Overall, this is an appealing story of courage and independence. Delicate, playful watercolor-and-ink illustrations perfectly capture the child's neighborhood and the characters' facial expressions; scenes of a Japanese summer festival are a particular delight. The handful of Japanese words scattered throughout the text are briefly defined at the beginning of the story, resulting in a smooth telling that seamlessly integrates the unfamiliar terms.-Sue Morgan, Tom Kitayama Elementary School, Union City, CA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.