A unique narrative unfolds through the perspective of a man aging backward, highlighting the profound influence of memory on artistic expression. The semiautobiographical tale, crafted by Caldecott medalist Allen Say, explores the intricate relationship between recollection and creativity, offering a thought-provoking examination of how our past shapes our present and future.
Allen Say Book order
Allen Say is a beloved artist whose narratives often draw from his personal childhood experiences. His stories are celebrated for their masterful storytelling and evocative art, capturing the imaginations of readers worldwide. Say's work is consistently praised for its authenticity and profound emotional depth, establishing him as a distinguished voice in contemporary literature. Readers connect with his unique style and compelling tales, which offer deeply resonant and memorable experiences.






- 2024
- 2023
A young boy, aware of his grandmother's forgetfulness, helps her recall a time when she was a kindergarten teacher teaching her students about hummingbirds and their nests.
- 2023
Caldecott Medalist Allen Say's tale of a young boy who saves a baby bird from the local bullies is filled with compassion and empathy.
- 2020
Almond
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
The New Girl at school plays the violin so beautifully that Almond gets lost in the music, but she also feels sad because she does not know if she herself has any talent at all--until the school play, when with the encouragement of her mother, her teacher, and the New Girl, she finds she has a talent for acting.
- 2020
- 2017
SILENT DAYS, SILENT DREAMS
- 63 pages
- 3 hours of reading
A fictionalized biography of James Castle, a deaf, autistic artist whose drawings hang in major museums throughout the world.
- 2016
Der Kamishibai-Mann zieht mit seinen Geschichten und Süßigkeiten die Kinder in Japan an. Sie versammeln sich um sein Fahrrad mit der hölzernen Bühne, um die Wunder des "Papier-Theaters" zu erleben. Ein einladendes Erlebnis voller Fantasie und Tradition.
- 2013
The Sign Painter
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
The story follows a boy seeking work who becomes an assistant to a sign painter. They embark on a project to create a series of billboards in the desert, each featuring the enigmatic word "Arrowstar." As they approach the final sign, the boy spots a stunning structure in the distance, prompting a journey to uncover its reality and significance. The narrative explores themes of curiosity, discovery, and the quest for meaning in the unknown.
- 2013
The Favorite Daughter
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Set against the backdrop of cultural identity and self-acceptance, the story follows Yuriko, who struggles with bullying due to her unique name and Japanese heritage. As she navigates the challenges of fitting in, her father's encouragement helps her embrace her individuality and recognize her own worth. The narrative highlights themes of self-discovery and the importance of family support, complemented by vibrant full-color illustrations.
- 2013
The narrative follows the journey of Allen Say's grandfather, who ventured from Japan to explore North America, traversing diverse landscapes. Through elegant watercolor illustrations, Say captures his family's rich cross-cultural history, showcasing the beauty of their experiences. This special twentieth-anniversary edition includes downloadable audio and an introduction by the author, highlighting the timelessness of the story that earned him a Caldecott Medal in 1994.