Wisdom Stories of Japan: Tales of Samurai, Spirits, and Mischief

Journey to the mystical islands of Japan and explore a captivating collection of 14 traditional tales.

The stories in this gorgeous collection, drawn from Japanese folklore, will encourage younger readers (ages 6+) and adults together to explore the essential skills needed for growing into conscientious individuals.

Fly to the moon with a Luminous Princess. Ride on the back of a turtle to a mysterious palace under the sea. Cheer for tiny Issun-boshi as he defeats a fearsome giant. Hear the melody of a bamboo flute as a daughter tries to reach her distant father. 

From the cherry blossom picnics of spring to a Ghost Temple where raccoons beat their drums, this beautifully illustrated collection of timeless stories brings the living spirit of Japan’s folk traditions to young readers and their families, each tale a lesson in kindness, courage, and wonder. Author Laura Burges and storyteller Dai Kato effortlessly blend classic Buddhist stories, Zen parables, and animal fables with authentic, vibrant details of Japanese culture—tea ceremony, temple life, and the gentle wisdom of nature. For anyone seeking multicultural children’s books, whether for the classroom or for bedtime storytelling, these tales bring the islands of Japan to life—one magical story at a time. 

Combining adventure, humor, and timeless wisdom, each tale is accompanied by a summary, offering both historical context and intuitive life lessons that can be applied today.