My Journey to Japan

My Journey to Japan: Escape to Yokai Mountain is a fun graphic novel for elementary through high school students to learn about Japan. When Penny and Paulie go to Japan with their dad on a business trip to Japan, their dad is called away to a meeting. This means Penny and Paulie are on their own to go on a fun-filled adventure. They’re left to do whatever they want. On the way, they meet mystical creatures and learn about the customs in Japan, some of which are ancient.

This book will keep kids engaged because of all of the cool creatures they meet. The illustrations are colorful, and the dialogue is humorous. Penny and Paulie eat noodles and taiyaki, learn about Harajuku fashion, try traditional Japanese arts and crafts like origami, and visit different neighborhoods throughout Japan. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn a little bit about Japanese culture or who is planning on visiting Japan in the near future.