Libby Hathorn is an established children’s writer of more than 80 works for children, with many awards and commendations in Australia and internationally. Her works have been adapted to stage, screen and opera. Libby has several CBCA awards; was awarded an AWGIE for the libretto of her picturebook Grandma’s Shoes; and the Lady Cutler Award 2020 for services to Australian Children’s Literature. Her most recent book, No Never, written with daughter Lisa Hathorn-Jarman, won the 2021 CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award (Early Readers). Poetry has been a mainstay of her life and work, so composing a picture book text, to her, is much like writing a poem.

Sadami Konchi is a bilingual Japanese-Australian illustrator and painter, who enjoys using her unique watercolour style to depict ordinary people and animals whilst assisting the disadvantaged in non-profit organisations. She has a B.A. in linguistics and sociology, and studied picture book illustration at Sydney University. A 2022 May Gibbs Fellow and twice Doug Moran semi-finalist, she’s earned many national and international fine arts awards. Her publications include the picture books Moon and My Dog Socks and book covers for the texts Linguistic Diversity and Social Justice and Intercultural Communication.

‘An outstanding presentation of the haiku master Bashō’s fascinating journey north. The lyrical and inclusive nature of the text combines seamlessly with the fine artwork and its authentic representation of Japanese landscape. Together, writer and artist invite readers to share the journey and to delight in it.’– Beverley George, Editor, Windfall: Australian Haiku

Libby’s gentle and thought-provoking text highlights the emotive nature of words, and how poetry can capture so succinctly the essence of our world. The story is brought to life by Sadami’s gorgeous watercolours that eloquently depict the simplicity of life in 17th century Japan. An important book to have not only as an introduction to haiku and Matsuo Bashō, but also as a reminder that, in our fast paced world, words matter, and it’s good to slow down, quietly take note of what’s around us, and enjoy life’s journey.– Kerry Gittens, thebooktree

I admire Libby Hathorn’s abilities to make a story about Basho’s great poems—haiku that were created from the inspiration he gained while walking along the narrow road to the deep north with companion, Sora. How vividly Libby describes Japan, the children, the scenery, and the culture. I also admire Sadami Konchi’s exquisite forms and colouring. I was very impressed by the way this picture book brings together two abilities to create a splendidly beautiful and artistic world! Really this picture book is not just for children but also for adults too.– Aya Yuhki, Tokyo

Inspired by the great master, we must not teach children the ‘rules’ of haiku. The spirit of haiku, this subtlest of art forms, is beyond rules—let children play with words and images in the way that only children can; encourage them to become poets themselves along the road of their own great journey.– Simon Hanson, Secretary, Australian Haiku Society

In this heart-warming book, we discover that the journey can be home, that frogs should be free, and that poems last forever. The illustrations are lovingly drawn by the immensely talented Sadami Konchi.– Ingrid Pillar, Distinguished Professor, Macquarie University

What a charming story about the wonderful poet Bashō! Great for schools and great for families! This book will take you and your children all the way along the Narrow Road to feel the astonishing beauty of Japan. – Chiharu Ito, Teacher, Tokyo