Japan

Luminous illustrations and haiku descriptions reveal the elements of a Japanese garden – pagodas, carved temple dogs, birds and bonsai, lotus flowers and koi, stone lanterns to light the way. (Picture book)

Delightful collection of Japanese tales – Momotaro the peach boy, long-nosed goblins, the magic teakettle, Mr. Lucky Straw, toothpick warriors, Little One-Inch and the green devil. Twenty enchanting stories illustrated in a charming folk art style. (Chapter book)

Also, More Japanese Children's Favorite Stories

Taro's just a boy when his father, a samurai, is killed in battle. Taro's life is spared, but he works his way up from kitchen helper, stable boy, messenger, military aide to become a trusted retainer to Lord Akiyama. Wars and adventure in 16th century Japan. The story continues in The Boy and the Samurai. (Chapter book)

The magic tree house drops Jack and Annie into Japan centuries ago, where they meet up with a ninja master who shows them that the secret of the warrior isn't necessarily a sword. (Easy reader)

Also, Ninjas and Samurai, non-fiction Fact Tracker companion book.

"A sword is the soul of the samurai." A master swordsmith makes a perfect sword, but who is worthy to be its owner? (Picture book)

A multi-layered tale of feudal Japan, Jiro leaves his family to work for a famous puppeteer, but behind the scenes, Jiro is caught up in peasant riots and a secret group, led by the legendary Saburo, master of disguise who steals from the rich to help the poor. (Chapter book)

A year of Japanese festivals – traditions, activities, and special foods for Japanese New Year, Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival), Cherry Blossom parties, Kodomo-no-hi (Children’s Day), Star Festival, O-Bon (Festival of Souls), and more. Colorful, fun illustrations. (Picture book)

Follow each step of the Japanese tea ceremony, where tea is enjoyed in a simple, beautiful setting. Appreciating the waiting area and tea room, preparing the tea bowl and making tea, plus history of the tea ceremony. (Chapter book, illustrations)

Lovely introduction to the haiku poetry of Basho, interspersed with his walking trip around Japan.
(Picture book)

After Grass Sandals, keep on going. Read out-loud the full version of Basho's poems and travels, The Narrow Road to the Deep North.

Take a journey 300 miles down the Tokaido Road from Kyoto to Edo, riding in a hand-carried palanquin, climbing up narrow mountain paths as spring snowflakes fall, until journey’s end at the Nihonbashi Bridge. Luminous paintings capture the adventure of this historic road. (Picture book)

On a spring day, Chirri & Chirra go for a bike ride in the forest. They visit a cafe, where honeybees are having violet tea, and a bakery with bread and jam in all different colors. When the sun begins to set, they arrive at a forest hotel, just in time for a forest concert with all the animals. Enchanting illustrations, this is a gem! (Picture book)

Look at all the Kokeshi dolls, wearing happy kimonos and school uniforms, pick out a sash, fan, and bow for Kimiyo, find Yumi's apartment, meet a whole Kokeshi family. Delightful illustrations, textures and patterns, fun for younger kids (Activity book)

And two more Kokeshi stories: Yumi and Aoki

A contemporary mystery adventure set in Tokyo and Kyoto, after priceless drawings are stolen by the yakusa, Violet Rossi must find a long-lost Van Gogh painting, inspired by Japanese woodcuts.The most important clue – sketchbook with hidden drawings of tiny ayu fish. Wonderful local color. (Chapter book)

Travel to Japan with Dan (a 5th grader) to stay with a Japanese family. A delightful story of salad, pickles and soup for breakfast, visiting a ninja village, learning different ways to bow, micro sushi, martial arts, Glico Man, playing karuta, pounding mochi, and plans to come back soon. (Illustrated chapter book)

Find out about the people and culture of Japan – history, food, life in a Japanese home, yearly festivals and holidays, religion, school, sports and martial arts. (Picture book)