Hachiko Waits
Illustrated by Machiyo Kodaira
Published by Henry Holt & Co., 2004
 
Hachi walks with his master to the train station every day, goes home, and comes back to the station to meet his master's train when he returns from work. But one day his master doesn't return. Hachi goes home and comes back to meet the train every day for many years. His loyalty and devotion touch the heart of the Japanese people and change the life of a young boy named Yasuo forever. Based on the true story of the famous Akita who lived in Shibuya, Japan from 1923-1935, this is a must-read for dog lovers of all ages.

Illustration © 2003  
Machiyo Kodaira    
artandsoulproject.com

Read "Behind the Film - Hachi: A Dog's Tale" by Vicki Shigekuni Wong.

Why I wrote this book
 
I have always been an animal lover and when I was growing up, I had a wonderful dog named Angus who looked just like Toto in the Wizard of Oz. Because my relationship with my dog meant so much to me, I wanted to write a book about how a dog's love and devotion can change a child's life. When I heard the story of Hachiko, I was so moved, I knew this was the story I wanted to tell.
 
Photo: Here I am with Nico, a Champion Akita owned by Polly Severance of Northfield, MA. Isn't Nico beautiful?

For a teacher's guide to Hachiko Waits, please send an email to Lesléa with your name, the name of your school, and your school's address. She will send it out to you right away!