Getting To Know Another Culture through Children's Books
Favorite Japanese Children's Books
My Neighbor Totoro Audiobook (JLPT N4/N5) | Learn Easy Japanese with Stories
The United States is a country of diverse cultural origins. What better way to learn about these cultures than by reading children’s books with children dear to you? Below are a few favorites, some of which are based on films, and most of which are stories that are shared in read-aloud YouTube videos.
Since many of the books below were written after World War II, they provide insight into Japanese culture and experiences in a way that children can appreciate.
From Screen to Page
My Neighbor Totoro by Hayao Miyazaki, is be film available in Japanese with English subtitles, and more recently in an English-dubbed version. The British Film Institute called My Neighbor Totoro one of the greatest animated films of all time. Several books are based on the film, which was produced over 25 years ago.
There are six versions of the book, including comic books and a novel that features original illustrations by Miyazaki. accompanying a story by veteran children's author Tsugiko Kubo. In addition, there is a 112-page picture book for young children, plus an 176-page art book in both Japanese and English, based on the film.
Here’s why the film/book is so popular:
Heartwarming Story & Relatable Characters
Evocative Animation & Visuals:
Nostalgia & Childhood Wonder
Uplifting Message
Cultural Significance
Relatable Emotions
Totoro's Charm
Music
Source: AI
The film, which was produced after World War II, imparts valuable lessons about resilience, the importance of imagination and the often-forgotten connections between humans that remind us the world can be soft, not scary. Source: The Hoya. Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli produced several other films and books for older children, that are also popular.
Picking Up Japanese Terms and Themes
Sumo Joe (Grades PreK-4), by author Mia Wenjen and illustrator Nat Iwata, is a book for beginning readers in English, emphasizing Japanese Sumo terms. Parent/Teacher Guides define the terms
Suki’s Kimono is a picture book for 3-7 year olds by Chieri Uegaki (Author) and Stephane Jurist (illustrator). It’s a story about a little girl whose spirit leads her to march --- and dance --- to her own drumbeat. Like Sumo Joe, this book emphasized Japanese terms and includes activities, crafts, and lesson plans. The book is about diversity, intolerance, and fear of the unknown challenges.
The Sound of Silence, by Katrina Goldsaito, illustrated by Julia Kuo, is read by Simu Liu on StorylineOnline. Like the other Storyline Online children’s books, the story includes an activity guide for 3rd and 4th graders. The story’s themes are appreciation, beauty, and peace.
Something To Think About
Why is reading children’s books about other cultures of value to you? To children dear to you?
What are your favorite children’s books of your own culture?
What are favorite books of children dear to you that teach them stories about their own culture?