I spotted this book and just had to try it out. I just love books about Japan/Tokyo.

Sadly, given the blurb, I had expected a story. There is a bit of a story lingering somewhere (as you see our American girl get more acquainted with Japan/see her hang out with her friends, and some other things), but with story I meant a real story. With a start, a middle, a finish. And we don’t get that. So I am giving this book -1 star for that.

Instead this book is for learning a new language. We see different illustrations with various objects on those illustrations translated from Japanese > Romaji > English. Which was a fun, though not much new for me. But I am sure that kids will love this book and pick up a few words here and there.

Just when I thought it was over, the book continues with featuring each month and telling us a bit about them, what happens then, some objects/food/etc., a fitting illustration to go with that month.

The illustrations are pretty decent, I am not a fan of how the humans are drawn, but I like the backgrounds/objects/scenery.

All in all, I would still recommend this book. I would have rated it higher if it had a real story, which I feel would make the whole learning part much more fun.