This book is excellent. I selected it at the public library when I was looking for books for my three-year-old grandson. I didn't choose the book for him, but I picked it for myself. I became interested in Japanese culture from reading contemporary Japanese fiction, from being introduced (successfully) to manga and anime by my older son, and from following along my older son's accounts of his two recent trips to Japan.

What I loved most about this book was its simplicity and utility. It is easy to understand, with bright, colorful pictures and a multiplicity of activities. My favorite was making an origami frog...which led to me making many origami frogs with my grandson. I was also intrigued by the language sounds which seem like an easy place to start learning Japanese (which my older son is doing now). I love languages so I found this part of the book especially fascinating.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Japan or the Japanese language. This book is great both for kids and adults...even older adults like myself! ( )