Chirri & Chirra

Born in Tokyo, Kaya Doi graduated with a degree in design from Tokyo Zokei University. She got her start in picture books by attending the Atosaki Juku Workshop, a program at a Tokyo bookshop specializing in illustrated books. Since then she has created many picture books with her softly styled, color-pencil drawingsShe now lives in Chiba Prefecture and maintains a strong interest in environmental and animal welfare issues. Since the earthquake of March 2011 she has been active in recovery and shelter efforts for abandoned pets.

"'What a perfect day,' says Chirri as this story begins, and she’s right. Chirri and her sister Chirra go on a day-long bike ride through a gently rolling pastoral world. Amenities appear just when they need them: the forest café and the bakery, the bridge over the stream, the tree (perfect for napping under), and, finally, the forest hotel, where an animal symphony concert takes place. Adult humans are completely absent, which leaves room for the fox waiter, the raccoon baker, the pig flautist, and all the other animals of this peaceable kingdom. Creatures of all sizes are accommodated, with tiny teacups for honeybees to drink their sweet violet tea and hotel rooms suitable for all travelers, from lizards to bears. The crayon/ pastel illustrations in gentle, saturated colors on delicious creamy paper are reminiscent of Marie Hall Ets in In the Forest. There’s no tension here, no roadblocks, no problems for the girls to solve, just a summer idyll for those kids who cannot resist making acorns into hats for fairies and whose favorite part of any story is the description of what the characters ate. What does the rabbit have for lunch? Carrot buns with lemon jam. Of course."—Sarah Ellis, STARRED REVIEW, The Horn Book Magazine"Doi creates her illustrations with colored pencil, pastel, and crayon, crafting them to look like mid-20th-century lithographs. A serene, feel-good outing with a cozy, old-fashioned feel." —Kirkus Reviews"Doi's illustrations are a large part of the appeal of this book. The two girls are matching except for the buttons on their dresses. The illustrations celebrate the different sizes of creatures and also the food and drink that the girls have along the way. Just the acorn coffee and clover tea will have your mouth watering. Expect plenty of tea parties and sandwiches after reading this." —Waking Brain Cells"With a sweet story and darling illustrations, softly drawn and softly tinted on creamy paper, Kaya Doi's U.S. debut picture book, Chirri & Chirra (Enchanted Lion, 40 pages, $15.95), takes 3- to 8-year-olds into a magical forest filled with genial animals and scrumptious things to eat. [...] A day of happy adventure ends with the girls checking into a forest hotel and joining their fellow guests in a starlit serenade in this charming first volume of a planned three-book series." —Meghan Cox Gurdon, The Wall Street Journal"We are thrilled to share this utterly delightful book by well-loved Japanese author and illustrator, Kaya Doi. It's an overwhelmingly charming and quirky read, as only the Japanese know how. This beautifully perfect oblong tome contains the most adorable and warm illustrations." —Picture Books Blogger