6/10/2019, 2:32 p.m
A Portland author’s beautifully illustrated story about a sumo wrestler named Cherry Blossom helping his community in the aftermath of a major earthquake.
He could pick up an opponent by his mawashi belt and lift him out of the ring. He was agile! He could dodge with his big body, then, quick as lightning, thrust his opponent beyond the dohyo. But for all his strength, Cherry Blossom felt powerless when an earthquake struck his beloved country.
The many faces of strength, courage, love, loss, and how this informs our actions in times of adversity are at the center of the story of a beautifully illustrated new book, “Cherry Blossom” by Portland author and preschool teacher Ruth Welsford.
Riddled with acts of bravery and heroism, the title character, Cherry Blossom and his fellow sumo arrange food, water, and other supplies for victims of the disaster and are thanked in turn for their kindness.
Cherry Blossom is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other bookstores.