Opal Dunn

Opal Dunn is an author known for her work in children's literature, particularly books that introduce languages and rhymes. She co-founded the first International Children's Bunko in Tokyo in 1977, an organization dedicated to supporting children with international backgrounds and fostering their understanding of different languages and cultures. Dunn's work often focuses on early childhood education and language acquisition, with titles like "Un Deux Trois: First French Rhymes" and "Hippety-hop, Hippety-hay." She lived in Tokyo for nine years in the 1970s, where she developed her passion for helping young children learn languages and explore cultures. Her initiatives aimed to help 'returnee children' (kikokushijo) smoothly re-enter Japanese society while maintaining their fluency in other languages. The Bunko model she created has been replicated worldwide.