WELCOME TO AUSTRALIAN USED HOMESCHOOL BOOKS!
CULTURAL FICTION - JAPAN & KOREA
Wombat And Emu Journey To Japan (Sorrel Wilby) $4 PB VGC Have you ever eaten sushi? Or made origami? Or seen Kabuki theatre? Come and join in the adventures of Wombat and Emu as they travel to Japan. Lovely picture book introducing Japanese culture. 5-10 http://cgi.ebay.com/Wombat-and-Emu-Journey-to-Japan-Sorrel-Wilby-pb_W0QQitemZ190193070670QQihZ009QQcategoryZ279QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247
Green Grow The Mountains (Ichisaburo Sawai) $5 HB VGC An enchanting glimpse into the idyllic rural life of Japan by one of Japan’s foremost painters. Delightful pictures evoking the serenity and charm of the culture. 4-9 YO
The Two Bullies (Junko Morimoto) $6 PB EC An original Japanese tale about two big bullies who become so intimidated by one another that they lose their will to fight. Ni-ou proclaims himself "the strongest fellow in Japan," and seeks to broaden his fame by travelling across the ocean to challenge the renowned Chinese strongman Dokkoi. As Ni-ou waits at his enormous opponent's house, the thunder of Dokkoi's approaching footsteps intimidates him to such a degree that he escapes through the bathroom window rather than face him. Dokkoi chases after him, heaving an anchor at Ni-ou's retreating boat to stop him. But when Ni-ou cuts the heavy anchor chain with his file, Dokkoi concludes that Ni-ou has ripped it apart with his bare hands, and breathes a sigh of relief not to have met him face to face. Splendid watercolour illustrations enhance this story's humour and sense of place. The depictions of the vast, undulating sea with its towering stylized waves are particularly impressive. 5-9 YO http://www.amazon.com/Two-Bullies-Junko-Morimoto/dp/0517800624
The Boy Who Wanted To Draw Cats – A Tale From Japan (Mary O’Toole) $4 PB EC A gorgeous picture book filled with scenes of Japanese rural life. The story of a young boy who is unable to work on the farm of his family as he is too weak. As his family wonders what will become of him, he is already developing the skills that he enjoys the most. Drawing – anything at all, but especially cats! Great intro into Japanese culture for the little ones! 4-8 YO
The Seven Gods Of Luck (David Kudler) $6 HBDJ VGC (Ex lib) The kindness and generosity of two children result in a great reward for them at New Year's in an unusual fable set in Japan. Sachiko and her brother, Kenji, are saddened when their mother comes home empty-handed on New Year's Eve, so they decide to try to sell some hairpins and chopsticks they have made, in order to buy rice for their meal. On their way, they pass the Seven Gods of Luck--life-sized statues exemplifying virtues like wisdom, long life, and beauty--and dust the snow off them. They can't sell their things, but do trade wares with an old man, so that they can all go home for the night. Fabulous illustrations that celebrate the Japanese way of life. Recommended! 5-9 YO http://www.amazon.com/Seven-Gods-Luck-David-Kudler/dp/0395788307
Mai-Tzu And The Kite Emperor (Wolfgang Grasse) $6 HB EC Exquisite full page paintings on each double page give a real insight into the culture and lifestyle of Japan. The story of a poor orphan boy who desires a kite like all the other children, but has no means to get one. Tells of his meeting with the Kite Emperor who gives him the most beautiful one in the whole wide world. 5-10 YO http://www.badgerbooks.com.au/result.asp?price=10+-+20&search_type=advanced&subject=all+subjects&title=emperor# (Cover different)
Mighty Mountain And The Three Strong Women (Irene Hedlund) $5 PB EC On his way to the emperor's wrestling match, Mighty Mountain meets gentle-seeming Kuniko, who literally drags him home to meet the family. Mother appears, carrying the family cow on her shoulders and Grandma uproots an enormous tree because she has stumbled over it once too often. The three women agree that the "poor weak man" needs taking in hand, and they turn him into a champion sumo wrestler. The characters have charm, the Japanese costumes are colourfully authentic and the overall mood is quietly amusing. 4-10 YO http://www.alibris.com/search/books/qwork/4360525/used/Mighty%20Mountain%20and%20the%20Three%20Strong%20Women
My King Has Donkey Ears (Frances Harber) $3 PB EC A charming picture book set in Imperial times in Korea. A great introduction to Asian culture and history. 5-8 YO http://www.cerebraldeli.com/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=22212&keyword=frances+harber&searchby=author&offset=0&fs=1&CLSN_1828=1208904707182847a1ad9719adf2644c
The Dwarf Giant (Anita Lobel) $4 PB EC A beautiful picture book set in Imperial Japan where a strange redheaded dwarf arrives in the country of Prince Mainichi and Princess Ichinichi. With a magical flute he enchants the household and makes them dance to his music until the palace is a shambles. The bored prince follows the dwarf in his destructive activities, while the alarmed princess goes to a farm family to collect her thoughts. Eventually, the princess's cleverness saves her husband and their land. Gorgeous paintings of Japan and its culture highlight this tale. 5-10 YO http://www.amazon.com/Dwarf-Giant-Greenwillow-Books/dp/068814408X
Crow Boy (Taro Yashima) $5 HB GC, $3 PB FC Lovely impressionist drawings abound in this wonderful picture book for the littlies. Set in a Japanese village school, a strange, shy, small boy is isolated from the other children in the school and comes to be known as Chibi, or Tiny Boy. How he earned his bolder name of Crow Boy, and his place in his class, is movingly told in this story. WINNER OF THE CALDECOTT HONOR MEDAL 4-10 YO http://www.amazon.com/Crow-Picture-Puffins-Taro-Yashima/dp/014050172X
Jack The Dog (John Rowe) $4 PB VGC Jack the dog's dreams take him to old Japan in unusual places where he must learn a whole new set of rules of behaviour. But fortunately, he is resourceful enough to escape any predicament. Great culture study in a lovely picture book. 6-10 YO http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Dog-John-Rowe/dp/1558586091
Me And Alves – A Japanese Journey (Terumasa Akio) $5 PB EC Chronicles the adventures of Alves, a Brazilian exchange student as he tours Japan’s northern island, Hokkaido. Learn about daily life in the fields, village festivals, sumo wrestling tournaments and local schools. Lovely picture book 6-10 YO. http://cgi.ebay.com/Me-and-Alves-by-Terumasa-Akio-1993_W0QQitemZ160205016271QQihZ006QQcategoryZ279QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262#ebayphotohosting
Little Ho And The Golden Kites (Mavis Scott) $4 PB EC It's the day of the Golden Kites. Little Ho travels to the Palace Gardens to watch the noblemen fly their magnificent kites. When the Great Lord Emperor comes to choose the best one, Little Ho dares to produce his own small kite. Will the soldiers strike him down? But the boy's courage and love of life win him a surprising new friend. 5-10 YO http://cgi.ebay.com/Little-Ho-and-the-Golden-Kites-MAVIS-SCOTT-Asian-story_W0QQitemZ350038057668QQihZ022QQcategoryZ1102QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713.m153.l1262
Miss Happiness And Miss Flower (Rumer Godden) $6 HBDJ EC (Ex lib) England is the last place Nona Fells wants to be. No one asked her if she wanted to leave sunny India to live in a chilly English village with her aunt's family -- and her cousin, Belinda, just hates her! But when two dainty Japanese dolls arrive at Nona's doorstep, everything begins to change. Like Nona, Miss Happiness and Miss Flower are lonely and homesick, so Nona decides to build them their own traditional Japanese house. Over time, not only does Nona create a home for the dolls, but one for herself as well. Originally published in 1961, Rumer Godden's classic story of friendship and being part of a family is now back in print for a new generation of readers to cherish. Includes construction plans for a Japanese dollhouse. 9+ http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Happiness-Flower-Rumer-Godden/dp/1405088567
The Plum Rain Scroll (Ruth Manley) $5 HBDJ VGC A fantastic tale of peril and heroic deeds set in Idzumo, the old Japan of legend and living folklore. Marishoten, the evil Black Iris Lord, seeks to overthrow the Mikado and usurp the Chrysanthemum throne. But first he must find the Plum-Rain Scroll, which holds the three secrets which will help him to achieve his victory. From the humble Tachibana-ya, the Orange Tree Inn, two unlikely companions set forth to seek the Scroll before Marishoten can achieve his evil design: Taro, the Odd Job boy, and Prince Hachi (Lord Eight Thousand Spears). This unique story has long proven its appeal to readers young and old. Ruth Manley’s deep knowledge of Japanese language and literature, particularly her affinity with Japanese folklore, has created an enduring masterpiece. 10+ THE CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA BOOK OF THE YEAR http://www.amazon.co.uk/Plum-Rain-Scroll-Ruth-Manley/dp/0702235059 (Older cover version)
The Badger Woods And Other Tales (Iraphne Childs) $5 HBDJ EC A collection of folktales from Japan that have been passed on for centuries by word of mouth. Many of these traditions and customs are still practised today, so the book provides a fascinating insight into the spirit of Japan. 9+ http://www.badgerbooks.com.au/result.asp?price=20+-+50&search_type=advanced&subject=all+subjects&title=badger#
Hannah’s Winter (Kierin Meehan) $6 PB LIKE NEW When her mother takes her to Japan, Hannah would much rather be back in Australia starting secondary school with her friends. But her stay turns out to be nothing like she'd imagined, and when Hannah and Miki find an ancient message in the stationery shop, they are drawn into solving a mysterious riddle. Why do the beans go berserk at the bean-throwing festival? Who is the evil-eyed woman at Samurai Shrine? Why is Hannah attacked by flying donuts on the stairs? Is the ocean boy trying to tell her something? 9-13 YO http://eidolon.net/?book=hannahswinter&pagetitle=Hannah's+Winter
Great Grandfather’s House (Rumer Godden) $5 HB EC, $4 PB EC Keiko has to spend three months in rural Japan with her grandfather and Old Mother, but she doesn’t want to go. A spoiled and independent city child, Keiko is used to getting her own way, and her adjustment to a totally different environment, its strict rules and old-fashioned customs, is not an easy one. But when her parents come to take her home, Keiko finds her face is wet with tears. Lovely paintings and charming story. 8-11 http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/rumer-godden/great-grandfathers-house.htm
Yong Kee Of Korea (Paul Anderson) $3 HB FC Another old treasure in sound condition! Yong Kee wanted to go up high in the mountains and do a man’s work alongside his father, but his parents think that he is still too young. But he is able to show them that he is a strong and brave boy. 6-10
Sadako And The Thousand Paper Cranes (Eleanor Coerr) $4 PB VGC Sadako, dying of leukaemia after the Hiroshima explosion, recalls a Japanese legend that holds that if a sick person folds one thousand cranes and begins folding these in the belief that doing so will make her wish come true. A poignant portrait that shows the devastating results of war. A statue dedicated to Sadako stands in the memorial at Hiroshima today. 8-11 YO http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sadako-Thousand-Paper-Cranes-Eleanor/dp/0698118022 (Cover different)