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

"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)

Exciting true stories about the finest samurai and the greatest ninjas (secret warriors) of Japan. Read about ninja and samurai training, special tools to break into castles, secrets of sword making, with full page illustrations. (Picture books)

A mystery-adventure series, set in 18th century Japan, teenage Seikei unravels a jewel theft on the road to Edo, solves the disappearance of geishas in a teahouse, finds who killed a lord in his own castle, and uncovers a smuggling ring in a puppet theater. In the last mystery, seven men are tattooed with a treasure map, a puzzle that leads to a secret plot. Each mystery is filled with Japanese history and lore. (Chapter 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)

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)

Humorous, witty tale of a crafty rat who likes rice balls, and a broken-down old samurai cat who defeats the rat bully without force. (Picture book)

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.

Two children spend the day with their grandfather, the artist Hokusai, famous for his wood-cuts. The story is beautifully mixed with Hokusai drawings and prints. (Picture 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)

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)

When a member of the Noh theater club goes missing, Kara and her friends go on an adventure, using bells and Noh masks to defeat an ancient serpent demon. Japanese legend and culture are beautifully interwoven in this contemporary story. (Chapter book)

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)