Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun facts for kids

Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun is a fascinating children's book written by Rhoda Blumberg in 1985. This large-format book tells the exciting true story of Commodore Matthew Perry and his famous "Black Ships." These ships played a big role in convincing Japan to open its doors to the rest of the world in 1854, after many years of being closed off.

The book is filled with amazing pictures from that time. About two-thirds of these illustrations were created by Japanese artists, showing their view of these historic events. The rest were drawn by artists who traveled with the American fleet, giving a different perspective.

Commodore Perry and Japan

The book focuses on a very important time in history when Commodore Matthew Perry, an American naval officer, led a special mission to Japan. His goal was to establish trade and diplomatic relationships between the United States and Japan.

The Black Ships Arrive

In 1853, Commodore Perry arrived in Japan with a fleet of powerful, steam-powered ships. The Japanese people had never seen anything like them before. These ships were painted black and looked very imposing, earning them the nickname "Black Ships." Their arrival caused a lot of excitement and some fear among the Japanese.

Japan's Closed Doors

For over 200 years, Japan had followed a strict policy of isolation. This meant that very few foreigners were allowed into the country, and Japanese citizens were not allowed to leave. The government wanted to keep Japan safe from outside influences and maintain its unique culture. This policy was known as "Sakoku," which means "closed country."

Opening Up to the World

Commodore Perry's mission was to end this isolation. He carried a letter from the U.S. President, asking Japan to open its ports for trade and to treat shipwrecked American sailors kindly. After much discussion and a show of naval power, Japan eventually agreed to sign the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854. This agreement marked the end of Japan's long period of isolation and opened the door for it to become a major player on the world stage.

About the Book

Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun helps young readers understand this important historical moment. It explains the reasons behind Japan's isolation and the impact of Perry's visit in a clear and engaging way. The book uses many original illustrations from the 1800s, which makes the story even more real and exciting.

Awards and Recognition

This book has been recognized for its excellent storytelling and historical accuracy. It won several important awards, including:

• The 1986 Golden Kite Award
• The 1985 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award
• It was also named a 1986 Newbery Medal honor book, which is a very prestigious award for children's literature.