Listening to Trees / With Haiku and Haibun
Author VisitsHolly Thompson
21 May 2025 (Wednesday)AGES 8 & UP
Journey through nature, craftsmanship, and poetry! We’ll begin by reading Listening to Trees: George Nakashima, Woodworker, learning about Nakashima’s profound connection to trees and his travels around the world. Inspired by his story, students will explore haibun—a beautiful blend of prose and haiku famously used by the 17th-century poet Bashō to capture moments from his journeys. Students will then try their hand at writing their own haiku or haibun, blending observation, reflection, and creativity. This session nurtures mindful listening, appreciation for nature, and poetic expression—all in one!
Holly Thompson (US)
Holly Thompson is author of three verse novels for young people: Falling into the Dragon's Mouth; The Language Inside; and Orchards — winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, and the picture books Listening to Trees: George Nakashima, Woodworker; The Wakame Gatherers, Twilight Chant and One Wave at a Time. A graduate of the NYU Creative Writing Program and Regional Advisor Emeritus of SCBWI Japan, Holly writes poetry, fiction and nonfiction for children, teens and adults; teaches writing at Yokohama City University and UC Berkeley Extension; and visits schools in Japan, the U.S. and places in between. Visit her at www.hatbooks.com
Part of AFCC Author Visits.
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