The Sound of Silence
Katrina Goldsaito · 2016
6-8 岁F&P M
🏆 The Atlantic 65 Essential (2025)
View on Open Library ↗About This Book
Yoshio lives in noisy Tokyo. When a koto musician says his favorite sound is 'ma' — the silence between notes — Yoshio searches the city for his own favorite silence. He finds it in a snowy park.
Why This Age
The abstract concept of 'listening for silence' requires the contemplative capacity of a 6-8 year old. Connected to Japanese aesthetics and zen philosophy.
How to Use
- Try a silence experiment: sit quietly for one minute and list every sound you hear
- Discuss: 'What's YOUR favorite silence?'
- Look up what 'ma' means in Japanese art and music