Family Reading Recommendations

Journey through Japan: Myths to Manga

The Paper Crane by Molly Bang (author and illustrator)

Business returns to a once-prosperous restaurant when a mysterious stranger pays for his meal with a magical paper crane that comes to life and dances. 

Tokyo Night Parade by J. P. Takahashi (author) and Minako Tomigahara (illustrator)

The night parade is about to begin . . . the ground thunders in Tokyo. A gust of wind blows. The air is thick with swirling, swooping demons. It’s Eka’s favorite evening of the year, one she refuses to miss. But it’s become harder to travel to Japan since her family’s move across the world to New York City. Unsure of when she can return next to see her yokai friends, Eka tries to enjoy what could be her last parade for a long time. 

The Star Festival by Moni Ritchie Hadley (author) and Mizuho Fujisawa (illustrator)

The Star Festival celebrates a popular Japanese folktale: The Emperor of the Heavens separates his daughter, Orihime, from her true love, Hikoboshi, all year so they can focus on their work. He allows them to meet once a year on the night of the Star Festival on a bridge across the Milky Way.

For Keiko, her mother, and her grandmother, the festival is about making tanzaku wishes, taking in the colorful decorations, and eating delicious food. But, when her grandmother gets lost in the crowd, Keiko and Mama must make their own bridge to find her again—and see if their tanzaku comes true.

Luna and the Moon Rabbit by Camille Whitcher (author and illustrator)

Inspired by Asian folklore and the films of Studio Ghibli, this magical tale follows a young girl who befriends the Moon Rabbit and accompanies him on a nighttime adventure through otherworldly landscapes. Readers will be mesmerized by the enchanting illustrations and a soothing story that explores the power of imagination, the importance of friendship, and the beauty of the natural world.

Ten Oni Drummers by Matthew Gollub (author) and Kazuko G. Stone (illustrator)

When a little boy falls asleep one evening on a Japanese beach, ten oni drummers suddenly emerge from the earth and begin beating their taiko drums to chase away the boy’s bad dreams. 

Pikachu’s First Friends by Rikako Matsuo (author and photographer)

Meet Pokémon in a whole new way! This original illustrated storybook follows Pikachu as it sets out on an adventure in search of a new home. It starts its journey on a mysterious island bumping into friends like Eevee, Smeargle, and more! Join Pikachu in this heartwarming story as it discovers new places, foods, music, and most of all, friends!

Anna’s Kokeshi Dolls by Tracy Gallup (author and illustrator)

Anna’s grandparents live in Japan. They send her kokeshi dolls made of hand-painted wood all the way across the world every year for her birthday. The dolls, like people, are all different—and beautiful! In this charming book, readers watch Anna grow up as her kokeshi collection grows bigger and watch how she and her grandparents grow closer together as the years pass.

Part counting book, part visual narrative, this beautifully illustrated bilingual book shows how simple objects can serve as a bridge between people and cultures on opposite sides of the world. 

The story is in Japanese and English, with a free audio recording online.