Japan

Materials from Japan

Still Stuck

Getting dressed and undressed can be difficult, especially for little ones. While getting ready for a bath one evening, a little boy gets stuck in his clothes. He panics and starts to fear what life would be like if he never got unstuck. How will he play outside? How will he stop the cat from tickling his tummy? It’s good thing that Mom is around to help. But when it’s time to put on his pajamas, the boy finds himself with a whole new problem. This fresh, laugh-out-loud funny picture book shows a young boy’s feelings of frustration—and his determination to do things himself. With this whimsical and highly original tale, young readers can imagine what life would be like if they got stuck in their clothes but still kept on going.

The Mermaid

“Set in the ocean off Japan, this retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears stars Kiniro, a mermaid, who finds a baby octopus’s breakfast, chair, and bed just right”

The Fox Wish

This charming story follows two children who go looking for their jump rope and discover that a group of foxes have claimed it as an answer to their wish. With beautiful, classic illustrations and lyrical text, here is a subtle, sensitive piece of magic that proves to sisters, brothers, and foxes alike that the trusted familiar often lives right next to the truly extraordinary—if only you have the eyes to see it.

The Way Home In The Night

A mother rabbit and her young bunny are on their way home in the dark night. My mother carries me through the quiet streets, the bunny explains. Most of our neighbors are already home. The bunny can see their lights in the windows, and hear and smell what they might be doing: talking on the phone, pulling a pie out of the oven, having a party, saying goodbye.

The Crane Girl

A boy helps an injured crane, and the good deed is rewarded with the arrival of a mysterious guest who weaves beautiful silk for the family. Includes author’s note about Japanese folktales and poetry, information about red-crowned cranes, and pronunciations.

All About Japan Stories, Songs, Crafts and Gmaes for Kids

Two friends, a boy from the country and a girl from the city, take us on a tour of their beloved land through their eyes. They introduce us to their homes, families, favorite places, school life, holidays and more!