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The story is about the life of a seeing-eye dog called John, who was born with a star mark on his tummy. John soon leaves his "birthplace" parents for his "puppy raiser" parents, to become a seeing-eye dog. When John grows up, he has to leave his "puppy raiser" parents in turn, moving then to his "trainer'" parents. John is trained there and becomes an accomplished seeing-eye dog. Then John starts to work for a blind person, who is not keen on dogs. Gradually, as time passes, they grow to enjoy each other's company. After spending some precious time with John, sadly the owner dies, leaving John behind. John then works as a demonstration dog, showing children his skills, until he gets old. They all enjoy each others' company. Eventually John goes back to his "puppy raiser" parents again.
Then old John becomes ill. Despite intensive care by the parents, old John finally dies. A large number of people are significantly involved in John's life and they never forget him. John continues to remain a cheerful and sparkling memory in their hearts forever. According to Ishiguro, the author, this book is the core of his best-selling book "Life of Quill," showing the bond between dogs and people. To share the warmth of a dog's life with as many children in the world as possible, Ishiguro chooses one of the simplest ways of communicating it: an illustrated book. The virtue and value of the illustrations cannot be praised enough. They are endearing and simply beautiful.

Category Level

Illustrated Book
Children's
Animals

Editorial Review

Loss of a personal relationship, even with a pet, causes sorrow. But that should not overshadow the joy of growing to know and love and serve each other. This life-affirming little book, with its endearing illustrations constitutes a strong springboard for such hope. The story centers on a seeing-eye dog, which undergoes many hellos and good-byes during his life. It was made into a film that deeply touched the hearts of millions of Japanese people. This book is for all children... and it is also for all adults. For those depleted by the frantic rat-race of modern life, it is like a balm upon the mind. You will be shaken awake by its freshness.

Submitted by Keiko Fukano

About the Author

Kengo Ishiguro:
Editor (born in Kanazawa, Japan, 1961)
His other notable publication is "Life of Quill," which is based on the true story of a dog named Quill that was raised to become a guide dog. The book has achieved bestseller status, recording sales of 700,000 copies in two years. Mr. Ishiguro has authored other leading publications in the popular genre, including "Puppy Walker," "Bani and Kids," and "The Structure of the Japanese Education System: You Don't See This in Chart-Style Tests." He has also contributed to "Walking with Dogs," issued by the Japan Seeing-Eye Dog Users Association. Mr. Ishiguro also has edited "Good Dog News," "100 Views of the Mambonsai," and other works.

Tatsuro Kiuchi:
Illustrator (born in Tokyo, Japan, 1966)
After graduation from International Christian University (Division of Natural Sciences, the College of Liberal Arts), Mr. Kiuchi moved to the United States and studied illustration, culminating in his graduation from the Art Center College of Design. He returned to Japan in 1992 and has been working as a freelance illustrator. His work can be found in numerous books and prints. Mr. Kiuchi's leading accomplishments include "The New Journey to the Center of the Earth," "Kanizukaengi," and others. His work has been honored at the International Exhibition of Original Book Illustrations at Bologna and by the Society of Illustrators, ADC New York, Communication Arts, and others. He is a member of the Tokyo Illustrators Society.