By:
Allen Say
A high fever keeps Mark stuck in bed, away from the outdoors he loves. When a special package arrives from his uncle, he opens it to find a small metal box filled with colorful, hand-tied fishing flies. Staring at the beautiful feathers, something magical begins to happen. The street outside his bedroom window suddenly transforms into a wide, rushing river. Stepping out into the cool morning air, Mark finds a boat waiting for him, and soon he is casting his line into the water alongside his uncle. Together, they embark on a quiet, thrilling fishing adventure right from his own home. This peaceful journey blurs the line between reality and dreams. It explores the beauty of the outdoors, the thrill of the catch, and the gentle lesson of knowing when to let something go.
6-8 Years
N/A
/5
Have you ever wondered where a single summer job might lead you? Step into a vast, sun-baked landscape where an aspiring young artist takes on an unexpected assignment. His task seems simple at first: to paint a massive billboard standing alone in the middle of the desert. But as he works under the wide, open sky, the quiet isolation of his surroundings begins to stir something deep inside him. This is a story about discovering your true path when you least expect it. Through beautifully detailed illustrations and a calm, reflective story, you will follow this young sign painter on a journey of self-discovery. The vastness of the desert mirrors the endless possibilities of his future. It is a striking tale that captures the quiet moments that can forever change the direction of your life and the way you see the world.
9-12 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Meet Bill Wong, a young Chinese American man with an impossible dream. Growing up, Bill wanted to be a professional athlete, but he faced constant challenges and people who told him he could not succeed. He did not let that stop him. Instead, he traveled all the way to Spain and set his sights on a completely unexpected goal. He decided to become a famous bullfighter. This beautifully illustrated biography follows Bill on his incredible journey across the world. You will see how he embraced a new culture, learned a dangerous and traditional art form, and became known as El Chino. It is a powerful true story about chasing your dreams, overcoming barriers, and proving that you can achieve greatness no matter where you come from or what others might think.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
N/A
/5
Pack your bags and get ready for a quiet adventure into the wild. A young boy and his father are heading out on a special camping trip deep into the mountains, searching for a secret spot called Lost Lake. Along the way, they hike through towering trees, set up camp in the peaceful wilderness, and leave the busy world behind. As they journey further into nature, something wonderful happens between them. Without the distractions of everyday life, the boy and his father begin to talk, share, and understand each other in a whole new way. This gentle and beautifully illustrated story captures the magic of the great outdoors and the quiet moments that build lifelong bonds. It is a perfect tale about family, exploring nature, and discovering that sometimes the best adventures are the ones that bring you closer together.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Allison is a happy little girl who loves her family very much. But one day, while trying on a beautiful red kimono sent by her grandmother, she looks in the mirror and makes a confusing discovery. She realizes that she looks much more like her favorite doll than she does her own mother and father. When her parents gently explain that she was adopted, Allison suddenly feels like her whole world has been turned upside down. She feels angry, withdrawn, and full of complicated questions about where she truly belongs. It is not until she discovers a small, lonely stray cat wandering in her garden that her feelings begin to change. This tender and wonderfully illustrated story gently explores the complex emotions of adoption. It is a comforting reminder that true families are built on a foundation of unconditional love and care.
6-8 Years
27 Pages
N/A
/5
The schoolyard is buzzing with excitement for sports day. In a small village in occupied Japan, children are running races and cheering on their classmates. But suddenly, the fun stops when two tall American soldiers appear. At first, everyone is quiet and a little unsure of what to do. Then, something completely unexpected happens. One of the soldiers asks to borrow the principal's shiny bicycle. He hops on and begins to perform the most amazing, dizzying tricks the students have ever seen. He rides backwards, stands on the seat, and makes the bicycle dance across the yard. Laughter fills the air, and for a short time, everyone forgets their differences. This heartfelt story captures a wonderful moment of connection, showing how simple joy and a wobbly bicycle can bring people together in surprising ways.
6-8 Years
51 Pages
N/A
/5
Meet James Castle. Born on a farm in Idaho in 1899, James faced extraordinary challenges from the very beginning. He was deaf, autistic, and unable to speak, read, write, or even use sign language. He did not take his first steps until he was four years old. But James found his own unique way to communicate with the world around him. He discovered a deep passion for art. Through striking illustrations and an engaging story, you will step into James's childhood and see the world through his eyes. You will witness his remarkable journey as he emerges as a talented artist despite the overwhelming obstacles in his path. Today, his incredible artwork hangs in major museums across the globe. This inspiring biography shows how creativity can shine through even the most difficult circumstances, proving that there is always more than one way to share your voice.
9-12 Years
68 Pages
N/A
/5
Step into a deeply personal true story about finding your voice during a time of global conflict. In this stunning graphic novel memoir, you will follow the early life of renowned artist Allen Say as he grows up in Japan during World War II. Shunned by his own father who does not understand his passion for drawing, young Allen searches for a place to belong. He soon finds a mentor in Noro Shinpei, Japan's leading cartoonist, who embraces him as a student and a spiritual son. As the war rages on around them, Allen dives into rigorous drawing classes and begins to question his own heritage and identity. Through a brilliant mix of watercolor paintings, original cartoons, vintage photographs, and maps, you will witness the powerful bond between a teacher and a student. This inspiring history reveals how dedication to your art can help you discover exactly who you are meant to be.
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
68 Pages
N/A
/5
Have you ever wished you could just blend in and be like everyone else? Yuriko knows exactly how that feels. At school, she gets teased by her classmates because of her unusual name and her Japanese heritage. The teasing makes Yuriko feel out of place, and she begins to desperately wish she could just be ordinary. She even wants to change her name to something else. But her loving father steps in to take her on a special journey of discovery. Through beautiful art and gentle conversations, he shows Yuriko the rich history behind her identity and helps her see the unique beauty in who she is. This warm and comforting story is perfect for anyone who has ever felt different. It is a beautiful reminder that your background and your name are things to celebrate, not hide.
6-8 Years
N/A
/5
What happens when the past suddenly catches up with the present? During a terrifying kayaking accident, a man is swept down a roaring river and thrown into a deeply mysterious and haunting journey. As he emerges from the water, he finds himself wandering through an unfamiliar landscape where time seems to bend. He begins to encounter visions and echoes of history, experiencing the profound feelings of children who were interned in camps during World War II and Native American children living on reservations. Through dark, striking illustrations and a gripping, dreamlike story, you will follow his path as he confronts these painful moments in American history. This powerful book asks you to look closely at the shadows of the past and the lasting impact of historical injustice. It is an unforgettable exploration of empathy, memory, and the shared human experience that connects us all across the boundaries of time.
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Imagine waking up one morning, walking into the bathroom, and seeing a complete stranger looking back at you in the mirror. That is exactly what happens to a young Asian-American boy who suddenly discovers he has the wrinkled face of an old man. When he tries to go about his normal day, his family, his friends, and even his teachers do not recognize him. No matter what he says or does, he cannot convince anyone that he is still the exact same kid on the inside. What will it take for the people he loves to finally see the real him? This thoughtful and uniquely illustrated story dives into a fascinating mystery about identity and aging. It will leave you thinking deeply about how we judge others by their appearance and what truly makes you who you are.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
N/A
/5
Have you ever felt like you belonged in two different places at once? May grew up in California, where she felt completely at home. But when she graduates from high school, her parents decide to move the family all the way back to their native Japan. Suddenly, May is surrounded by a culture, language, and traditions that feel completely foreign to her. Longing for the life she left behind, she bravely decides to leave her parents' house and move to the bustling city of Osaka to find her own way. Just when she feels the most lonely and out of place, she meets someone special who also understands what it is like to miss a faraway home. This beautiful true story explores the courage it takes to forge your own path and find a place where you truly belong.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
By:
Allen Say
Emma is a talented young artist who can paint beautiful, award-winning pictures. But she believes she has a secret to her success. Ever since she was a baby, she has stared at a special, fuzzy white rug in her bedroom. In the tangled threads of the rug, Emma sees amazing shapes, animals, and landscapes that inspire all of her wonderful artwork. She is convinced the rug is the source of her imagination. One day, a terrible mistake happens, and her precious rug is completely ruined. Emma is heartbroken and terrified that she will never be able to paint again. Will she lose her special gift forever? This gentle and beautifully illustrated story follows Emma as she discovers a wonderful truth. It will show you that true creativity and imagination do not come from the things around you, but from deep inside yourself.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Ever since she was a little girl, Erika has been captivated by a single picture hanging in her grandmother's house. It is a painting of a tiny, peaceful Japanese house with warmly lit windows. That single image fills Erika with a deep dream to travel across the vast ocean and see Japan for herself. Years later, when she grows up to become a teacher, Erika finally makes her childhood wish come true. She packs her bags and moves to a quiet, rural town in Japan. But will this new, unfamiliar world live up to the perfect picture in her imagination? Follow Erika as she explores rocky seacoasts, lush rice paddies, and a classroom full of eager students. This beautifully illustrated journey is a heartwarming tale about chasing your dreams, exploring new cultures, and finding a sense of home in unexpected places.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
37 Pages
N/A
/5
Get ready to experience a holiday celebration unlike any other. A young boy living in Japan is recovering from a cold when he notices his mother doing something very unusual. She is carefully folding beautiful silver paper into delicate origami cranes and digging up a small pine tree from their garden. The boy has no idea what is happening until his mother shares a magical secret. She is preparing to celebrate Christmas, a special holiday she remembers fondly from her own childhood growing up in America. Together, they decorate the little tree with the paper cranes and candles, blending their two rich cultures into one joyous winter evening. With glowing watercolor illustrations, this heartwarming story captures the magic of sharing family traditions. It is a beautiful reminder of the goodwill, peace, and love that make the holiday season so wonderfully special.
6-8 Years
N/A
/5
Have you ever loved two different places so much that leaving one makes you miss the other? Journey back in time with a young man from Japan who decides to cross the vast Pacific Ocean to explore the United States. He marvels at the towering cities, the endless deserts, and the majestic mountains of North America, eventually settling down in California. But as the years pass, a quiet longing for his beautiful homeland of Japan pulls him back across the sea. Through breathtaking, award-winning watercolor paintings, this classic family story captures the powerful feeling of being torn between two different worlds. It is a deeply personal and touching tale about heritage, memory, and the enduring love for the places we call home. You will discover that sometimes, the heart can belong to more than one country at a time.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Step into a lush, quiet garden where the line between reality and a magical dream begins to blur. Young Jiro loves listening to his mother tell the ancient Japanese legend of the Grateful Crane, a story about a woodcutter who rescues a beautiful bird. One afternoon, while looking out the window into a neighbor's garden, Jiro spots a striking, life-like statue of a tall crane. As he explores the peaceful garden and eventually drifts off to sleep, the beloved legend suddenly comes alive around him. Jiro finds himself swept into a mesmerizing world where the crane from his mother's story seems completely real. This enchanting and beautifully illustrated book takes you on a journey through the power of imagination. It is a magical tale about how our favorite stories can shape the way we see the world and transport us to incredible places.
6-8 Years
37 Pages
N/A
/5
Imagine being sent across the globe to a completely unfamiliar country and placed inside a strict military academy where you do not speak the language. For teenage Allen Say, this daunting scenario was his everyday reality. Sent by his father from Japan to Southern California to learn English and become a success, Allen finds himself trapped in a cold, rigid environment that feels entirely wrong for his creative spirit. Driven by his unshakeable passion for art and his fierce desire for independence, he makes a bold decision to forge his own path in America. In this stunning companion to his earlier graphic novel memoir, Allen Say masterfully blends intricate drawings, sharp memories, and quiet moments of reflection. You will follow his rebellious journey as he navigates a new culture, faces intense isolation, and ultimately discovers his true identity as an artist. This powerful true story perfectly captures the complicated struggles of growing up and the courage it takes to follow your own dreams.
13-18 Years
N/A
/5
Meet Alice Sumida, a woman who proved that you can find a way to dance through life no matter what challenges come your way. Growing up, Alice loved nothing more than moving to the rhythm of music. But when she and her husband Mark began their lives together, they traded the dance floor for the rich soil of a farm. Through incredibly hard work, tough setbacks, and unwavering determination, they slowly built the largest gladiola flower bulb farm in the entire country. This beautifully illustrated true story follows Alice's remarkable journey as a Japanese American farmer. You will see how she faced difficulties with grace and never let go of the music that played in her heart. It is a deeply inspiring biography about resilience, the rewards of hard work, and finding joy and beauty in the most unexpected places.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
N/A
/5
How do two people from completely different parts of the world fall in love and share a meal? Discover the charming true story of an American sailor and a young Japanese woman who meet and want to impress each other. There is just one problem. He is used to eating with a knife and fork, and she is used to eating with chopsticks. Wanting to make the other person feel comfortable, they each secretly decide to learn the other's way of eating. You will laugh and smile as you watch them practice in secret, leading to a wonderful and heartwarming surprise when they finally sit down for a meal together. This delightful story celebrates blending different cultures, showing kindness, and finding funny, beautiful ways to connect with the people you care about.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
N/A
/5
Gather around to hear the sound of the wooden clappers. Long ago, the Kamishibai man would ride his bicycle into town, selling sweet homemade candy and telling thrilling stories through beautiful painted picture cards. Children would come running to listen. But as the years passed, the shiny glow of new televisions kept the children indoors, and the Kamishibai man quietly retired. Now, after many years, he decides to make one final batch of candy and pedal back into the city to share one last tale: the story of his own life. When he finishes his memories and looks up, he receives the greatest surprise of all. This touching, beautifully painted book brings the history of Japanese street theater to life. It is a warm celebration of the enduring magic of storytelling and the memories that connect us across generations.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Meet Edward. He is a yak who seems to have absolutely everything a yak could ever want, yet he is completely miserable. No matter what he does or what he buys, Edward just cannot seem to find true happiness. Things take a wild turn when he agrees to spend the weekend babysitting his doctor's incredibly overactive little daughter. Suddenly, Edward's quiet, predictable life is turned upside down. As he chases the energetic young girl around and tries to keep up with her endless games, Edward slowly begins to realize what he has been missing all along. This funny and heartwarming tale will show you that true joy does not come from having the most toys or the quietest house. Join Edward on a hilarious weekend adventure that teaches a very lucky yak how to finally smile.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
