Hokusai's Daughter: A Young Artist in Old Japan

I recently added Hokusai’s Daughter to our home bookshelf. The bilingual format (English on one side, Japanese on the other) made it something special: even though my little ones are still growing in their reading skills, they loved comparing the two sides and pointing out familiar characters or words. The story follows Eijo, the daughter of the famed artist Katsushika Hokusai, as she insists she too can be an artist despite being told she can’t because she’s a girl. What touched me most was how this book offered more than just a cute story, it opened up our talk about art, history, perseverance, and gender. The illustrations are vibrant and full of detail; my kids paused on each page, marveling at the scenes while I noticed ways the author-illustrator Sunny Seki nods to traditional woodblock prints and the Edo period setting. We ended the reading with a little sketch session of our own, thanks to the appendix that gives parents and kids more to explore.

Lately I’ve been craving a little more calm, clarity and purpose in my day-to-day, so when I picked up Buddhism for Beginners by C. Alexander Simpkins and Annellen Simpkins I wasn’t sure what I’d find, but it turned out to be a quietly helpful guide. The authors walk you through the history of Buddhism, the key teachings like the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, and then show how those ideas might apply in everyday life (meditation, mindful work, living compassionately). 

What I appreciated most: the tone is gentle and clear, not overly technical or heavy, so it felt like something I could use rather than just admire. I’ve tried a few of the exercises they suggest—short meditations, noticing my mind in action, being more aware when I’m doing something rather than on autopilot and even in just a couple of weeks it’s made a difference in how I pause and reflect.





I recently picked up this beautifully illustrated haiku anthology to share with my kids and found myself lingering on page after page, drawn in by the delicate illustrations and the quiet power of the poems. The book is organized around the seasons, from New Year through spring, summer, fall, winter, and features over 385 haiku by more than 100 of Japan’s most beloved poets. What we loved most was the way the book invited us into a slower pace: each haiku is paired with English translation, the original Japanese, and Romanization, and the images by Manda help evoke the calm beauty of traditional haiga painting. If you’re someone who enjoys poetry, beautiful art, or simply want a book you can dip into when you need a moment of stillness, this one is a quiet gem. 


The Spirit of Shinto: Finding Nature and Harmony on Japan's Sacred Path

I recently dove into The Spirit of Shinto and found it surprisingly refreshing, not just another dry overview of religion, but a gentle guide into how nature, ritual, and harmony weave into everyday life. García takes you from ancient shrines and kami spirits to modern-day lessons about gratitude and living in tune with the natural world. 

What stood out for me was how the book encouraged me to slow down and notice the ordinary: the tree outside I usually walk past, the silence in the forest, the ritual of everyday life. It’s not heavy-handed, doesn’t demand you adopt beliefs, but offers invitation: to respect nature, respect each other, and live more intentionally. It's  lovely for anyone curious about spirituality, nature, or Japanese culture.