Buy new:
-16% $15.96
FREE delivery Sunday, May 12 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$15.96 with 16 percent savings
List Price: $18.95

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Sunday, May 12 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Wednesday, May 8. Order within 23 hrs 35 mins
Only 13 left in stock (more on the way).
$$15.96 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$15.96
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$15.16
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, May 13 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Wednesday, May 8. Order within 23 hrs 35 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$15.96 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$15.96
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Jon-Erik Lappano
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Tokyo Digs a Garden Hardcover – Picture Book, March 1, 2016

by Jon-Erik Lappano (Author), Kellen Hatanaka (Illustrator)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 31 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$15.96","priceAmount":15.96,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"15","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"96","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"3wV%2FfkSjmeui2hkLns%2FXFaba63Qv4jaMPKozBpLyB4LnbczuC%2BAspnf9oZWrV4CCqTy9HHoGuPe91jg5FO3Dh1tuAauD6HDC878cB%2BPpCmaRPh3NCfkwBDBJUrIIrp%2BOMuzX%2BSWx%2F1mbXvyxUc2IOA%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$15.16","priceAmount":15.16,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"15","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"16","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"3wV%2FfkSjmeui2hkLns%2FXFaba63Qv4jaMwioE1GUsiIAE5vEeKhqDnGc%2F6FYnBnefsXjQFC1rJFsTCSL8F2Id%2B1EppZO8CDDrzt5JkMPsNGyu8dPQNotNLPR2PJgUDi%2FmovhXIBEC8%2B1YJzeGyRL1SFx%2FSMJ1VsvPbfUQzRdZo4oxs8YDCR0ZaO7dED1Whmlc","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Winner of the 2016 Governor General's Literary Award for Young People's Literature ― Illustrated Books

Tokyo lives in a small house between giant buildings with his family and his cat, Kevin. For years, highways and skyscrapers have been built up around the family’s house where once there were hills and trees. Will they ever experience the natural world again?

One day, an old woman offers Tokyo seeds, telling him they will grow into whatever he wishes. Tokyo and his grandfather are astonished when the seeds grow into a forest so lush that it takes over the entire city overnight. Soon the whole city has gone wild, with animals roaming where cars once drove. But is this a problem to be surmounted, or a new way of living to be embraced?

With Tokyo Digs a Garden, Jon-Erik Lappano and Kellen Hatanaka have created a thoughtful and inspiring fable of environmentalism and imagination.

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.1
With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.6
With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7
Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.

Previous page
  1. Reading age
    3 - 7 years
  2. Print length
    40 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    AD600L
  6. Dimensions
    8.38 x 0.44 x 11 inches
  7. Publisher
    Groundwood Books
  8. Publication date
    March 1, 2016
  9. ISBN-10
    1554987989
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1554987986
  11. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Frequently bought together

Tokyo Digs a Garden
$15.96
Get it as soon as Sunday, May 12
Only 13 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt: (Nature Book for Kids, Gardening and Vegetable Planting, Outdoor Nature Book) (Over an
$7.19
Get it as soon as Sunday, May 12
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Lola Plants a Garden (Lola Reads)
$5.59
Get it as soon as Sunday, May 12
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 3—Young Tokyo lives with his mother, father, grandfather, and cat in a small house that his grandfather has lived in since childhood. When Grandfather was a boy, the house was on a hill surrounded by the beauty of nature. Now, the house is surrounded by the tall buildings of a city. One day, Tokyo is gifted three seeds, which he plants in a tiny space by the house. The very next day, there are wildflowers growing. The following morning, the city is overtaken with trees, shrubs, and flowers. Throughout the week, the garden grows so much and so many animals move in that it is difficult for the people of the city to go about their business. Grandfather suggests that Tokyo come up with a solution. His decision is one that he feels is best for all. This bright and colorful picture book inspires imaginative thinking. Readers will wonder what the three seeds could possibly produce and will be thrilled as they see the lush garden begin to grow. The illustrations, created digitally with watercolor, ink drawings, and collage, are big and blocky and could be used in and of themselves as an art lesson on the illusion of space through collage. The text is neither too simple nor too complex but just what is needed to relate this imaginative tale of environmentalism. VERDICT This title could be used in a wide variety of academic disciplines, including science, art, social studies, and language arts.—Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE

Review

. . . a thing of beauty. ― The New York Times

...fantastic...Highly recommended -- Andrew Kaufman ― Globe and Mail

The text is neither too simple nor too complex but just what is needed to relate this imaginative tale of environmentalism. ― School Library Journal, review

A challenging 21st-century fable sure to spark discussions. ― Kirkus Reviews

TOKYO DIGS A GARDEN will resonate with many urban children and their parents who may seek the rural outdoors whenever possible. ― CM Magazine

In this haunting modern-day fairy tale from newcomer Lappano, nature, long pushed out of a city, pushes back. ― Publishers Weekly

The resulting absolutely delightful sustainability-manifesto is made even more stupendous with Hatanaka’s witty, entertaining, sly illustrations . . . ― BookDragon

Kids of all ages will respond to the deep messages embedded in the fertile soil of Tokyo Digs A Garden. ― Midwest Book Review

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Groundwood Books (March 1, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1554987989
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1554987986
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD600L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.38 x 0.44 x 11 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 31 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Jon-Erik Lappano

Jon-Erik Lappano

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Jon-Erik Lappano is an award-winning Canadian author of books for children. His debut picture book, Tokyo Digs a Garden, was the winner of the 2016 Governor General’s Literary Award, and a finalist for the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award and the Sakura Award. Jon-Erik has a Masters of Education from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from York University, where he studied environment, culture and communication. Other things Jon-Erik can be found doing in the on and off hours include drinking too much coffee and forgetting why he walked into rooms. Jon-Erik lives in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, with his wife, three daughters, and a growing assortment of pets.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
31 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Lee L.Kiesling
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2016
Verified Purchase
Perfect for youngsters
Helpful
 Report
KidsBooksWorthReading
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a good story.
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2017
Tokyo lives in a city. His grandfather tells him of the days before the city had "eaten up" the hills, forests, meadows, streams, and everything in them. "Cities had to eat something, after all." One day, and old woman gives Tokyo a few seeds and tells him that the will grow into whatever he wishes. He plants them and the next day they had grown and within a few days the wilderness had overcome the city. Rivers in the streets. Trees overgrew the buildings. Animals everywhere. The grandfather says, "What are we going to do?" And Tokyo says, "I think we will just have to get used to it. Gardens have to grow somewhere, after all." 💚 Oh how we wish we could create the dream world Tokyo created with only a few seeds. But we are doing our part this year by creating flower seed bombs to drop around our city. 🌱🌿🌼 #kidsbooksworthreading #kidsbook #kidsbooks #picturebook #kidlit #childrensliterature #kidsbookstagram #joneriklappano #kellenhatanaka #groundwoodbooks #houseofanansipress
Helpful
 Report
'chelle
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Art for a Magical Tale
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2021
Tokyo lives with his family and his cat Kevin in the city that grew up around their tiny house that used to be in nature. Then one day, an old woman gives Tokyo three magical seeds. Fascinating art accompanies this magical tale about nature, ice cream, cities, and adaptation. Suitable for ages 3 to 7.
Helpful
 Report
Loe
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful to for both your eyes, years, and spirit
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2020
This book is a rare combination of poetry, story telling, and unique art. I'm inspired every time I read it.
Helpful
 Report
aija holz
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this tale as did my 3 year old
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2016
a lovely tale of our urban times reversed and nature taking over the city and instead of people having to get used to cities spreading and taking over, they have to get used to and adapt when nature invades the city. I loved this tale as did my 3 year old. It sparks his imagination and any book that does that is a winner! the illustration and the color palette is what made me pick up this book among others - just beautiful!
Helpful
 Report
Gabrielle Snyder
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2016
Beautiful and thought-provoking! Great for both kids and adults!
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!
Reviewed in Canada on March 17, 2016
Verified Purchase
Thoughtful, smart and beautiful! It is easy to get lost in the gorgeous illustrations but the story is so good you can't help but want to turn the page and keep reading. It is so nice to have a book that both our children love and that we love reading to them. Hoping to have more books by this author and illustrator in the future.
One person found this helpful
 Report
shawna Lane
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book
Reviewed in Canada on February 13, 2019
Verified Purchase
This and “tough guys have feelings too” are our faves and we buy them for everyone as gifts.
Great story and beautifully illustrated. I have always wondered what would happen if nature was able to push through the cracks?
Report
Emma Allister
5.0 out of 5 stars Great kids book
Reviewed in Canada on October 20, 2020
Verified Purchase
Brilliant illustrations and a great moral story for young kids 2-5 yo
Report
Reviewer
1.0 out of 5 stars Damaged product, poorly packaged. Great books otherwise.
Reviewed in Canada on April 23, 2021
Verified Purchase
Book was received soiled, with visible black stains on cover. All three books were in box with zero packing materials, leaving them free to rattle inside and corners on all were damaged. I'd return them and repurchase, however two were for a birthday present, with not enough time to send back. Books themselves are awesome.
Customer image
Reviewer
1.0 out of 5 stars Damaged product, poorly packaged. Great books otherwise.
Reviewed in Canada on April 23, 2021
Book was received soiled, with visible black stains on cover. All three books were in box with zero packing materials, leaving them free to rattle inside and corners on all were damaged. I'd return them and repurchase, however two were for a birthday present, with not enough time to send back. Books themselves are awesome.
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on June 15, 2016
Verified Purchase
Beautiful story
Report