CONTRIBUTED BY KIMBERLY MITCHELL
Moving with kids is always hard. Moving halfway around the world to a place that doesn’t speak your language and has a completely different culture can be especially daunting. Preparation is key, and talking to your kids about what to expect in their new adventure is a great idea. Who can help Kelly out?
Hello all, thanks for all of the terrific information – we PCS this coming July and this site has been GREAT! 1 question I had come up with was about children’s books about Okinawa… we have a 4 (almost 5) year old who loves to read and we would love to give her some more insight about Okinawa. I checked some things out on Amazon, but little about Okinawa in particular (mostly dealing with mainland Japan). Any thoughts or ideas on this? Thanks for your input!
Kelly, I received a book of old Japanese tales translated in English. It’s not about Okinawa, but I think that this is a great book to bring home as a souvenir. I received it as a gift. It comes with a CD. The person who gave me the book purchased it at Tuttle book store at Plaza House Shopping Center. You may find the directions on the following page. https://okinawahai.com/2008/03/tuttle-book-sto.html
Hi Kelly-
I have a book that’s really neat (not about Okinawa, but Japanese celebrations) that is very cool. Go to Tuttle publishing:
https://peripluspublishinggroup.com/tuttle
and the title is : Japanese Celebrations written by Betty Reynolds. It has beautiful illustrations as well as a month by month explanation of all the celebrations, gifts, and decorations that are associated with each event. A must have!
Here’s some childrens books about Okinawa. Its a series called “Miki Mongoose”:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b/105-2450001-3221226?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Miki+Mongoose&x=14&y=23
I don’t know why they don’t show up in searches for “Okinawa”, but its a series of books about Okinawa. Some of the books are listed for $125.00, don’t spend your money. You can pick them up here at the local AAFES for WAY cheaper.
Another good read is “The Girl with the White Flag”
http://www.amazon.com/Girl-White-Flag-Tomiko-Higa/dp/4770029314/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207440769&sr=1-1
Its about the battle of Okinawa from a childs perspective. Its a little higher level of reading, but I’ve been told school kids read it.
I have a few folktales of Okinawa books that I purchased at Aafes when we got here because I think folktales are a great way to get to know a culture. I don’t know if all the stories would be appropriate for little kids but older ones might like them.