All About Japan

Gr 2—5—In this treasure-trove of information, two children, one a Tokyo urbanite and the other from a rural village, introduce readers to their country and its culture, including geography, language, traditional arts, costume, etiquette, sports, and festivals. The dual narrators' conversational descriptions of their homes and daily routines will engage young readers while highlighting the differences between the Westernized big-city existence and the traditional way of life in Japan's countryside, deftly demonstrating the rich variety of lifestyles within this island nation. The scope of this book is remarkably comprehensive, covering almost anything a child would want to know, from traditional folktales to contemporary video games and anime. Tactile learners will enjoy the recipes and craft projects, and can even try their hand at the multiple writing systems of the language. Information is consistently presented in a kid-friendly way, enhanced by cheerful, vivid illustrations and colorful text that draws attention to important concepts. The pleasantly meandering structure of the book makes it ideal for leisurely browsing, more than a source for school reports, although the presence of an index ensures that this book can be used for academic purposes as well. Despite a rather abrupt ending with no conclusion, this book will serve as excellent preparation for a visit to Japan, a school project, or simply as a delightful resource to enjoy learning about the country and its traditions.—Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Library, CA