Kodomo: Children of Japan

Reach for this book when your child starts noticing differences in how others live or expresses a desire to explore the world beyond their own neighborhood. It is an ideal resource for fostering global citizenship and empathy in children ages 7 to 11, particularly those preparing for a social studies unit or those with a personal connection to Japanese heritage. Through intimate photography and first-person narratives, the book introduces seven Japanese children who share their daily routines, from school and martial arts to family meals and traditional festivals. By focusing on the universal elements of childhood, such as sibling dynamics, hobbies, and school pressures, the book grounds cultural exploration in relatable emotional themes of belonging and pride. It moves beyond stereotypes to show a modern, vibrant Japan where tradition and technology coexist. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's curiosity while highlighting that, despite different languages or customs, the joys and challenges of being a kid are remarkably similar across the globe.