Launch for Naomi's Tree by Joy Kogawa

The book launch for Naomi's Tree (Fitzhenry & Whiteside) written by Joy Kogawa and illustrated by Ruth Ohi is on Thursday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. A signing and reception will follow the launch. At The Japan Foundation, Toronto Event Hall, www.jftor.org, 131 Bloor Street West, 2nd Floor, Colonnade Building. Free.

***Refreshments Will Be Provided***

Naomi's Tree is the story of a Japanese family whose lives in Canada are uprooted by the events of World War II. Based on the story of Naomi and Stephen in Naomi's Road, Naomi's Tree is the story of an important time in Canada's history, a time that should never be forgotten. It's also about enduring love, with its almost mystical ability to soothe the spirit.

Come celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Japan-Canada Relations with one of our most famous Japanese-Canadians, Joy Kogawa.

Joy Kogawa was born in Vancouver in 1935. Like Naomi, Joy and her family were sent to internment camps in Slocan, British Columbia, and later to Coaldale, Alberta during the Second World War. She eventually moved to Toronto, Ontario, where she lives today. Joy has received numerous honourary doctorates as well as national and international writing awards. In 1986, Joy was named a member of the Order of Canada.

Ruth Ohi is the illustrator of over forty books for children. Her presentations and workshops make her a favorite for school and library visits. She has illustrated No Monster's Here, Into My Mother's Arms, and The Bye-Bye Pie which won the Blue Spruce Award. Ruth also lives in Toronto with her husband and kids.

For more information contact:

Maximillian Arambulo
Publicist
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
Tel: 905-477-9700 x 263
Fax: 905-477-2834
max [at] fitzhenry [dot] ca

Or

The Japan Foundation
Tel: 416-966-2935
info [at] jftor [dot] org