Picture Books
Sato the Rabbit
By Yuki Ainoya, Michael Blaskowsky (Translator)
Sato the Rabbit. Yuki Ainoya. Translated by Michael Blaskowsky. Enchanted Lion Books, 2021. Originally published as うさぎのさとうくん (Usagi no Sato-kun) in Japanese by Shogakukan, in 2006. ISBN 9781592703180. 64 p. (Ages 4-7). Picture book.
A sweet and charming series of vignettes about a little boy named Sato who imagines himself a rabbit. Real life chores and activities are the background in the exploration of childhood imagination of catching stars, exploring the ocean and sky, and more. A 2022 Batchelder Honor Award winner, listed on several “best books” lists. [all]
Chirri & Chirra
By Kaya Doi, Yuki Kaneko (Translator)
Chirri & Chirra. Kaya Doi. Translated by Yuki Kaneko. Enchanted Lion Books, 2016. Originally published as チリとチリリ (Chiri to Chiriri) in Japanese in 2003. ISBN 9781592701995. 40 p. (Ages 3-8). Picture book.
A gentle and sweet story about identical girls who ride their bikes and have fantastical adventures along the way. The first book in an easy-to-read series with charming colored pencil drawings. Author and series are well-known in Japan, and the series has earned many starred reviews and “best of year” awards. [all]
Over the Ocean
By Taro Gomi, Taylor Norman (Translator)
Over the Ocean. Taro Gomi. Translated by Taylor Norman. Chronicle Books LLC, 2016. Originally published as うみのむこうは (Umi no Mukô wa) in Japanese by Ehonkan Inc., in Tokyo, in 1979. ISBN 9781452145150. 36 p. (Ages 3-6). Picture book.
A girl stands at the edge of the ocean and imagines what is over the ocean–from farms and cities to the people that may be across the ocean, wondering right back. Colorful and bold illustrations with a simple but timeless message. A 2017 Batchelder Honor Award winner. Author has published more than 450 books in Japanese, including Everyone Poops and the “Little” series. [all]
The World's Poorest President Speaks Out
By Yoshimi Kusaba (Editor), Andrew Wong (Translator), Gaku Nakagawa (Illustrator)
The World’s Poorest President Speaks Out. Edited by Yoshimi Kusaba. Translated by Andrew Wong. Illustrated by Gaku Nakagawa. Enchanted Lions Books, 2020. Originally published as 世界でいちばん貧しい大統領のスピーチ (Sekai De Ichiban Mazushi Daitoryo No Speech) in Japanese by Choubunsha Publishing, Co. Ltd., in Tokyo, in 2014. ISBN 9781592702893. 40 p. (Ages 5-10). Picture book.
Based on Uruguay president José Mujica's 2012 speech to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. Thought-provoking and a good introduction to discussions on poverty, social justice, and having enough. Worlds of Words recommended book, April 2021. [all]
You Look Yummy!
By Tatsuya Miyanishi, Mariko Shii Garbi (Translator)
You Look Yummy! Tatsuya Miyanishi. Translated by Mariko Shii Garbi. Museyon, Inc., 2015. Originally published as おまえ うまそうだな (Omae Umasou dana) in Japanese by Poplar Publishing Co., Ltd., in 2003. ISBN 9781940842066. 40 p. (Ages 5-7). Picture book.
A tyrannosaurus accidentally finds himself the father of a newly-hatched ankylosaurus. Bold colors and stylized drawing are fun and engaging in this entry in the popular Tyrannosaurus series. Author is well-known in Japan, and has won several awards including the Kodansha Cultural Award for Picture Books and the Kenbuchi Picture Book Grand Prize. [all]
Once Upon a Time in Japan
By Roger Pulvers and Juliet Winters Carpenter (Translators), Manami Yamada. Tomori Taniguchi. Nao Takabatake and Takumi Nishio (Illustrators)
Once Upon a Time in Japan. NHK World. Translated by Roger Pulvers and Juliet Winters Carpenter. Illustrated by Manami Yamada, Tomonori Taniguchi, Nao Takabatake, and Takumi Nishio. Includes CD of stories read aloud by Yuko Aotani. Published by Tuttle Publishing in cooperation with NHK Japan Broadcasting Corporation, 2015. Originally part of a special series produced by Radio Japan, NHK World’s radio service in 18 languages. ISBN 9784805313596. 120 p. (Ages 8-12). Picture book with CD.
Collection of eight Japanese folk and fairy tales gives a good introduction to non-Western storytelling. Stories include animals, everyday people and magical beings who learn a lesson through their actions. A 2015 Gelett Burgess Award for Best Multicultural Children’s Book. [all]
Every Color of Light: A Book about the Sky
By Hiroshi Osada, David Boyd (Translator), Ryōji Arai (Illustrator)
Every Color of Light: A Book about the Sky. Hiroshi Osada. Translated by David Boyd. Illustrated by Ryōji Arai. Enchanted Lion Books, 2020. Originally published as きょうはそらにまるいつき (Kyō wa sora ni marui tsuki) in Japanese by Kodansha Ltd., in Tokyo, in 2011. ISBN 9781592702916. 38 p. (Ages 4-10). Picture book.
Lyrical text and expansive landscapes showcase the beauty of a day in nature, from light rain to storms to the clearing night sky. A 2020 Kirkus Best Book and 2021 Northern Lights Best Illustrator winner. Illustrator Ryōji Arai won the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2015.[all]
When the Sakura Bloom
By Narisa Togo, Michael Sedunary (Translator)
When the Sakura Bloom. Narisa Togo. Translated by Michael Sedunary. Berbay Publishing Pty Ltd, 2022. Originally published as さくらがさくと (Sakura Ga Sakuto) in Japanese by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, Inc., in Tokyo, in 2020. ISBN 97806489953319. 32 p. (Ages 4-8). Picture book.
In Japan, the hustle and bustle of daily life takes a pause when the cherry blossoms bloom and an annual festival happens. A Freeman Honor Award book and on the 2023 USBBY Outstanding International Books list. For programming ideas, see Teaching Books Page from USBBY. [all]
My First Book of Haiku Poems: A Picture, a Poem, and a Dream
By Esperanza Ramirez-Christensen (Translator), Tracy Gallup (Illustrator)
My First Book of Haiku Poems: A Picture, a Poem, and a Dream; Classic Poems by Japanese Haiku Masters. Translated by Esperanza Ramirez-Christensen. Illustrated by Tracy Gallup. Tuttle Publishing, 2019. ISBN 9784805315156. 48 p. (Ages 5-9). Picture book.
An introduction to haiku with 20 bilingual haiku, in Japanese text, romaji, and English. An illustration accompanies each, along with commentary, inviting the reader to contemplate each poem more deeply. Winner of 2020 Northern Lights Book Award for Poetry and chosen for 2020 NCTE Notable Poetry Books and Verse Novels List. [all]
Middle Grade
The Friends
By Kazumi Yumoto, Cathy Hirano (Translator)
The Friends. Kazumi Yumoto. Translated by Cathy Hirano. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 1996. Originally published as 夏の庭 (Natsu no niwa) in Japanese by Fukutake Publishing Co., Ltd., in 1992. ISBN 9780374324605. 176 p. (Ages 10-14). Fiction.
From the publisher: “In this award-winning book from Japan, three young boys curious about death learn--and teach--some valuable lessons about life and friendship.” Winner of the 1997 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction; ALA Notable Children's Book; 1997 Batchelder Award winner. [all]
How Do You Live?
By Genzaburō Yoshino, Bruno Navasky (Translator)
How Do You Live? Genzaburō Yoshino. Translated by Bruno Navasky. Foreword by Neil Gaiman. Algonquin Young Readers, 2021. This version originally published as 君たちはどう生きるか (Kimitachi wa dō ikiru ka) in Japanese by Iwanami Shoten Publishers, in Tokyo, in 1982; first published in Japan in 1937. ISBN 9781616209773. 288 p. (Ages 10 and up). Fiction.
A story about the complexities of life, history, and humanity, narrated in two voices: 15-year-old Copper describes his daily experiences at school and home, while his loving uncle offers wisdom and advice in the form of a journal. A 2021 Freeman Book Awards Young Adult/Middle School Literature Book of Note. Hayao Miyazaki (of Studio Ghibli) called this a childhood favorite and used it as inspiration for his final Studio Ghibli film. Tips for teaching this book: Middle School Teaching Aid from asianstudies.org. [all]
Kiki's Delivery Service
By Eiko Kadono, Emily Balistrieri (Translator), Yuta Onoda (Illustrator)
Kiki’s Delivery Service. Eiko Kadono. Translated by Emily Balistrieri. Illustrations by Yuta Onoda. Delacorte Press, 2020. Originally published as 魔女の宅急便 (Majyo no Takkyubin) in Japanese by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, Inc., in Tokyo, in 1985. Kiki’s Delivery Service was originally published in English in 2003; this is a new translation. ISBN 9781984896667. 208 p. (Ages 8-12). Fiction.
From the publisher: “Thirteen-year-old half-witch Kiki travels to the town of Koriko, where she makes new friends, overcomes challenges, and shares her magic with her community to make the world a brighter place.” The book inspired the Hayao Miyazaki film by the same name. A Junior Library Guild selection. The author Eiko Kadono won the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2018. [all]
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
By Nahoko Uehashi, Cathy Hirano (Translator), Yuko Shimizu (Illustrator)
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit. Nahoko Uehashi. Translated by Cathy Hirano. Illustrated by Yuko Shimizu. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2008. Originally published as 精霊の守り人 (Seirei no moribito) in Japanese by Kaisei-Sha Publishing Co., Ltd., in Tokyo, in 1996. ISBN 9780545005425. 272 p. (Ages 10-14). Fiction.
From the publisher: “Balsa was a wanderer and warrior for hire. Then she rescued a boy flung into a raging river -- and at that moment, her destiny changed. Now Balsa must protect the boy on his quest to deliver the great egg of the water spirit to its source in the sea.” Winner of 2009 Batchelder Award and selected for the 2009 ALSC Notable Children’s Book List. The sequel, Moribito II: Guardian of the Darkness won a 2010 Batchelder Honor. Author won the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2014. [all]
Night on the Milky Way Train (and nine other stories)
By Kenji Miyazawa, Roger Pulvers (Translator)
Night on the Milky Way Train (and nine other stories). Kenji Miyazawa. Translated by Roger Pulvers. Balestier Press, 2020. Originally published as 銀河鉄道の夜, in Japanese. Night on the Milky Way Train was first published in 1934. ISBN 9781911221852. 186 p. (Ages 10 and up). Fiction.
From the publisher: “This amazing story of two boys who find themselves on a miraculous train running through the heavens, has entranced Japanese readers for many years. What happens to the boys is a tale of both immense sorrow and equally immense hope.” “Night on the Milky Way Train” is widely considered a Japanese children’s classic, and the author has been compared to Lewis Carroll, Hans Christian Andersen, and the Brothers Grimm. Translator is the recipient of the 2008 Miyazawa Kenji Prize. [all]
The Secret of the Blue Glass
By Tomiko Inui, Ginny Tapley Takemori (Translator)
The Secret of the Blue Glass. Tomiko Inui. Translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori. Pushkin Children’s Books, 2018. Originally published as 木かげの家の小人たち (Kokage no Ie no Kobitotachi) in Japanese by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, Inc., in Tokyo, in 1967. ISBN 9781782691846. 192 p. (Ages 10-14). Fiction.
From the publisher: “A classic story about a magical miniature family’s adventures in wartime Japan.” A 2019 GLLI Translated YA Book Prize shortlisted title; 2017 Marsh Award for Children’s Literature in Translation (UK). Author won several awards in Japan, including the Mainichi Publishing Culture Award and was a runner-up for the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1964. [all]
Shuna's Journey
By Hayao Miyazaki, Alex Dudok de Wit (Translator), Hidao Miyazaki (Illustrator)
Shuna’s Journey. Hayao Miyazaki. Translated by Alex Dudok de Wit. Illustrated by Hidao Miyazaki. First Second, 2022. Originally published as シュナの旅 (Shuna no tabi) in Japanese by Tokuma Shoten Co., Ltd., in Tokyo, in 1983. ISBN 9781250846525. 160 p. (Ages 12 and up). Graphic Novel.
From the publisher: “Shuna, the prince of a poor land, watches in despair as his people work themselves to death harvesting the little grain that grows there. And so, when a traveler presents him with a sample of seeds from a mysterious western land, he sets out to find the source of the golden grain, dreaming of a better life for his subjects.” Winner of the 2023 Eisner Award and a Junior Library Guild selection. Author co-founded animation company Studio Ghibli. Award-winning movies include Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and The Wind Also Rises. This was an early work for Miyazaki, appearing in English for the first time since it was published more than 40 years ago. It is an early indication of Miyazaki’s artwork style, and foreshadows many themes later explored in his films. For programming suggestions, see Teaching Books page from USBBY.[all]
Soul Lanterns
By Shaw Kuzki, Emily Balistrieri (Translator)
Soul Lanterns. Shaw Kuzki. Translated by Emily Balistrieri. Delacorte Press, 2021. Originally published as 光のうつしえ 廣島 ヒロシマ 広島 (Hikari no utsushie Hiroshima Hiroshima Hiroshima) in Japanese by Kodansha, Ltd., in Tokyo, in 2013. ISBN 9780593174357. 176 p. (Ages 10-14). Fiction.
Every year on August 6, 12-year-old Nozomi joins her family and the rest of the community in a lantern-floating ceremony to honor those who lost their lives in the atomic bomb explosion. This year, Nozomi begins to ask questions about the people who died and discovers every survivor has a story as well. She and her friends use art to creatively share survivors’ experiences, and the community learns each others’ stories. A 2021 Freeman Book Award Selection of Note. Consider using the Hiroshima peace museum website for programming resources; includes information about scheduling an A-bomb survivor testimony via video conferencing. [all]
Temple Alley Summer
By Sachiko Kashiwaba, Avery Fischer Udagawa (Translator), Miho Satake (Illustrator)
Temple Alley Summer. Sachiko Kashiwaba. Translated by Avery Fischer Udagawa. Illustrations by Miho Satake. Yonder: Restless Books, 2021. Originally published as 帰命寺横丁の夏 (Kimyōji Yokochō no Natsu) in Japanese by Kodansha, Ltd., in Tokyo, in 2011. ISBN 9781632063038. 240 p. (Ages 8-13). Novel.
From the publisher: “From renowned Japanese children’s author Sachiko Kashiwaba, Temple Alley Summer is a fantastical and mysterious adventure featuring the living dead, a magical pearl, and a suspiciously nosy black cat named Kiriko.” Winner of the 2022 Batchelder Award, 2022 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, and a Junior Library Guild Selection. Author’s other work includes the book The Marvelous Village Veiled in Mist, which was the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s film Spirited Away, one of the most awarded animations of all time. A new translation will be available from late 2023. [all]
Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window
By Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, Dorothy Britton (Translator), Chihiro Iwasaki (Illustrator)
Totto-chan: the Little Girl at the Window. Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. Translated by Dorothy Britton. Illustrated by Chihiro Iwasaki. Paperback edition published by Kodansha, 2012. Originally published as 窓ぎわのトットちゃん (Madogiwa no Totto-chan) in Japanese, in 1981. Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window was first published in English in 1982. ISBN 9781568363912. 232 p. (Ages 8 and up). Nonfiction.
From the publisher: “This engaging series of childhood recollections tells about an ideal school in Tokyo during World War II that combined learning with fun, freedom, and love. This unusual school had old railroad cars for classrooms, and it was run by an extraordinary man-its founder and headmaster, Sosaku Kobayashi--who was a firm believer in freedom of expression and activity.” The school was especially unique in the repressive and militaristic society of the time, but was unfortunately destroyed by bombing in 1945. A record-breaking best-seller, it was used as course material for third graders. The author was one of Japan's most popular tv personalities. [all]
Yours Sincerely, Giraffe
By Megumi Iwasa, Cathy Hirano (Translator), Jun Takabatake (Illustrator)
Yours Sincerely, Giraffe. Megumi Iwasa. Translated by Cathy Hirano. Illustrated by Jun Takabatake. Gecko Press USA, 2017. Originally published as ぼくはアフリカにすむキリンといいます (Boku wa Africa ni Sumu Kirin to Iimasu) in Japanese by Kaisei-sha Publishing Co., Ltd., in Tokyo, in 2001. ISBN 9781927271889. 104 p. (Ages 7-10). Fiction.
A bored giraffe decides to write a letter and see who answers. Penguin becomes his pen pal and a charming friendship develops as they get to know each other. Winner of 2018 German Children's Literature Award and a 2017 NYPL Top 10 book. [all]