From intriguing title to touching conclusion, this little book is sure to enrich the lives of all who read it - - and I encourage all to do so, children and adults. It is the true stry of a 35-year-long, and still lively, international correspondence between a Japanese man and an American woman which began when he was 14 and she was 10.

Compiled by Julie Zimmerman, it is told through the actual letters of Kimiaki Tokumasu which often refers to the letters she wrote, so tales and comparisons of their schools, travels, holidays, families and countries emerge. Snapshots and sketches sent by Kimiaki - - and later his wife and children - - illustrate the book.

Zimmerman has arranged excerpts according to subject matter with chapter titles quoted from Kimiaki's delightful English - - "Permit Me to Introduce Myself", "Cherry Blossom Fall Myself Touch", "very Busy with Many Exams", or "I found Greatness of Mt. Fuji".

A Daruma is a doll with round blank eyes. Kimiaki sent one to Julie at the beginning their friendship and she carried out the tradition of drawing in one of the blank eyes and making a wish. When the wish comes true, the other eye would be colored in. Her wish was that the two penpals wuld someday meet in person which happened many years later when Kimiaki and family visited the Zimmermans in Maine.

Not only is the book dedicated "To the children who build world peace, friendship by friendship," but all royalties are donated to organizations which promote international tlerance and understanding. In the last chapter, "A Peaceful nation Called the Earth", Kimiaki writes, "Correspondence is one of the most effective means to make friendship between peoples. I hope this book will encourage children to start correspondence with their penpals in other countries. As I have kept your letters since the year 1957, I want, someday, to publish another Wishing on Daruma in Japan, using your valuable letter.

Though I have no Daruma to wish upon, I wish that both these wishes come true.

"Julie Zimmerman and Kimiaki Tokumasu's "Wishing on Daruma" is an appealing gem for all ages. The lively correspondence shared by a young Japanese boy and his American penpal is revealed in back to back selection of highlights from letters exchanged by the two. The letters built a 35 year friendship and were to awaken both to the wonders outside their individual worlds: the strong presentation will appeal to any who have enjoyed accounts of intercultural interactions."

Midwest Book Review