My Journey to Japan: Escape to Yokai Mountain

Gr 4-8–Twin siblings Pennie and Paulie are excited to accompany their dad to Tokyo, until he leaves them in the hotel while he heads off to a meeting. Sitting at the pool, the twins grouse about their luck when they discover a turtlelike being named Shimesu, who explains that he is a yokai, a supernatural creature, and he needs their help. He has been kicked off Yokai Mountain and wants to return. Opening a magical water portal, Shimesu takes Pennie and Paulie on a trip across Japan where they discover Japanese history through the eyes of other yokai. Loux’s colorful illustrations and lively characters bring fun to learning. Loux sticks to topics that will excite and interest readers, including the supernatural, kawaii culture, and food. The book highlights interesting facts about each area visited, and character interactions are playful and upbeat. Pennie and Paulie cue white.