Peer pressure and sabotage in 1900 Japan-Based on a true story

"The Invisible Seam," a picturebook by Andy William Frew (ill. Jun Matsuoka), is set in Japan circa 1900. The tale of an apprentice kimino-maker who confronts peer pressure and sabotage, the story emphasizes the stern virtues of obedience and self-discipline -- themes rarely addressed in the touchy-feely world of children's literature, where self-expression and freedom are more often viewed as the cardinal virtues.

The Invisible Seam -- A Rare Children's Book Advocating Self-Discipline and Dedication to Duty

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI (PR WEB) -- After a literary diet rich in the sweets of freedom and self-expression, some children may benefit from a taste of more nutritious, high-fiber stuff like self-discipline, obedience, dedication to duty, respect for elders, and hard work. Set in Japan at the beginning of the 20th Century, The Invisible Seam (ISBN 1-931659-02-8), by Andy William Frew, serves up these sterner virtues in a tale based on a true event.

When young Michi is apprenticed to Mistress Shinyo, an aging kimono maker, Michi promises her Aunt Tsuru that she will always do her best work, and that she will keep her heart free of bitterness. At the House of Shinyo, Michi works hard and demonstrates such a gift for needlework that the other apprentices lose face. In retaliation, they sabotage Michi's work on an important commission for a white kimono, stealing all her thread but the red. Instead of reporting the theft to Mistress Shinyo, Michi remembers her promises, rejecting bitterness and resolving instead to stitch so carefully that no red will be seen. When the powerful client sees the finished kimono, she is delighted, and her sharp-eyed servant observes, "How clever. Inside, the red thread challenges me to find a flaw in the stitching. Outside, even the seams are invisible."

Shaken by the near-disaster, Mistress Shinyo is about to punish Michi for the risk she took, when the other apprentices come forward and confess their responsibility. Michi's magnanimous plea to Mistress Shinyo to forgive the apprentices brings reconciliation between all parties and a promise of future harmony and success for the House of Shinyo.

The Invisible Seam has its roots in a true incident in Japan around the year 1900. The character of Michi is based upon the great grandmother of the author's mother-in-law, from whom the author learned of the red thread episode.   

Soft, realistic watercolors by Tokyo-based illustrator Jun Matsuoka add context and poignancy to Frew's storytelling. Matsuoka studied the clothing and hair styles and sewing equipment of the period, and visited Japan's Izu Peninsula to sketch its well-preserved historic architecture, ensuring an accurate depiction of this largely true tale.

Both delicate and compelling, The Invisible Seam is an eloquent reminder that honorable living within society requires such demanding and unfashionable virtues as respect for authority, dedication to one's principles, hard work, and forgiveness. Foreign in time and place to its primary audience of American readers from 6 through 10 years, the book will nevertheless hit close to home in its examination of peer pressure and personal integrity.

A teacher's guide is available for free download at www.moonmountainpub.com/cat.html

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About the author: Andy William Frew is the author of an eccentric book of days, Frew's Daily Archive. He lives and teaches school in Rhode Island and maintains a close relationship with his Japanese mother-in-law, from whom he has gained insights into Japanese culture.

About the illustrator: Jun Matsuoka was born in Japan and educated in the United Arab Emirates and Toronto, where she earned a BFA from York University. She lives in Tokyo, where she does magazine illustration and paints watercolors. The Invisible Seam is her first book.

PUBLICATION DATA
The Invisible Seam
By Andy William Frew
Illustrated by Jun Matsuoka
Publication date: May 15, 2003
Hardcover   $15.95
ISBN 1-931659-02-8
8 1/2 " x 11", 32 pages
Moon Mountain Publishing
Book Trade Distribution: Words Distributing Company, Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Bookpeople
Audience: Ages 6-10 (Grades 1-5)
Special interests: peer pressure, Japanese culture, needlework, kimonos