Books published by publisher Fast Turtle Publishing

Packed with colorful illustrations and fun facts about Japanese culture, celebrations, language and history, this multicultural children's books will delight children and parents alike! A wonderful look at Japanese culture and family life, Japanese Traditions is an intricately illustrated romp through the childhood reminiscences of author/illustrator Setsu Broderick. Told via a series of short text blocks and lighthearted illustrations based on cats, Japanese Traditions displays seasonal festivals and activities such as O-Bon (Festival of the Souls), O-hanami (cherry blossom viewing) and preparing for the New Year.While enjoying the charming illustrations of a family of Japanese cats, the author shares her warm childhood memories of many Japanese customs, such as gathering around the kotatsu (heated table) to stay warm, throwing soybeans to keep away ogres and hanging handmade teru-teru-bozu (fine-weather) dolls out the window to stop the rain. There are also many traditional Japanese foods, toys, games and celebrations taught through the illustrations. All in all, Japanese Traditions provides a magical feast for children of all ages.

With this multicultural children's book, your whole family can experience the wonder and excitement that Japan's classic tales bring to story time or bedtime reading. Welcome to a fantastic world populated by lonely dragons, adventuresome boys, magical elves, and a host of other beloved characters who have lived on for centuries in the traditional tales of Japan. Drawn from folklore passed down from generation to generation, the ten enchanting stories collected in this Japanese book for children have been lovingly retold just for today's readers. Vibrantly illustrated in full color and packed with thrilling adventures, funny discoveries, and valuable lessons, they're sure to become story time favorites. Included are some of Japan's best-loved stories: Urashima Taro The Fairy Crane The Dragon's Tears The Sandal-Seller The Robe of Feathers The Old Man with a Wen The Flying Farmer The Magic Mortar The Biggest in the World Why the Red Elf CriedReaders of any age will find much to love and return to time and time again in Urashima Taro & Other Japanese Children's Favorite Stories. These traditional tales, although entertaining, also provide kids with an inclusive introduction to Japanese culture.

All About Indonesia takes kids on an exciting adventure through one of the world's largest and most culturally diverse nations. This Indonesian children's book is perfect for educators and parents wishing to teach kids about this rapidly growing Asian country. Along the way, young readers will learn about Indonesian culture, history, food, language, and the natural beauty of this fascinating country. From popular sports to traditional dances, everyday dress to cuisine and school activities, this book provides glimpses of the daily life and culture of this exotic and rapidly growing region of Southeast Asia. Through Indonesian stories, songs, crafts, games, and recipes kids will: Learn basic vocabulary from the national language, Bahasa Indonesia Learn how to make a traditional mask that is worn during special ceremonial dances Learn how to create beautiful batik cloths and other crafts for kids Experience the difference between big city life in Jakarta versus village living Explore the beaches and volcanoes in places such as Bali and Sumatra Learn how to bake sweet cake made with coconut, and more delicious recipes!A timeless Indonesian book for kids and parents to treasure together, All About Indonesia offers not only the most essential facts about this unique country but also conveys the unique spirit that makes it one-of-a-kind.

Whether you're an inspiring black belt or just a fan of martial arts action, you'll enjoy this collection of twenty exciting stories about the great heroes of the martial arts.The stories include dramatic victories, wily strategies, and triumphs over long odds—from the great Tsukahara Bokuden's cunning defeat of a troublemaking samurai to Wing Chun's brave self–defense against a brutish warlord. Children can read about Robert Trias, known as the "father of American karate" and Miyamoto Musashi, known as the "greatest sword fighter in history" and the author of the bestselling Book of Five Rings.Filled with action and amazing feats of martial arts wizardry, Legends of the Martial Arts Masters will inspire readers with stories of courage, combat, and self-discovery. Stories include: The General Fights a Bull The Great Wave The Hard Way to Find a Teacher The Three Sons The Style of No Sword A Bully Changes His Ways The Ballad of Mu-lan Twelve Warriors of Burma Wing Chun The Eighteen Hands And many more…

**Winner of the 2016 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award* Let's Learn Mandarin Chinese Kit is a complete language learning tool specially designed to introduce young children to the basic sounds, words, characters and phrases of Mandarin Chinese in a fun and interactive way. This Chinese language kit is perfect for use in a classroom setting, for homeschooling, on vacation, or anywhere else that learning takes place. It contains: 64 Chinese flash cards An audio CD with recordings of songs, games and activities A wall chart showing the main words and phrases at a glance A 32-page learning guide for parents and teachers The flash cards present 64 basic words and phrases representing the full range of sounds in Mandarin Chinese and organized into thematic categories, including: Basic Etiquette and Daily Routines Introducing Family Members Identifying Objects Identifying Body Parts Learn the Multiplication Table Tell Me What You Like or Do Not Like Tell Me What You Like to Do Each word is illustrated with a picture that serves as a useful visual aid to learning and remembering the word. The words often reflect cultural objects and can be studied in any order. Learners may focus on one theme at a time or mix them up for greater variety. Simple example sentences are given for each word to show how they are used. The audio CD gives native-speaker pronunciations for all the words and sentences and also contains songs, games and other activities which promote interactive language learning. Finally, the kit includes a wall chart featuring all the pictures and words, and a booklet explaining how to use the flashcards, audio CD and wall chart and how to play the games and activities.

My First Book of Chinese Calligraphy is a fun and engaging introduction to one of China's most celebrated arts and crafts for kids. Calligraphy—the art of producing decorative handwriting or lettering with a pen or brush—has been around for thousands of years. In this fun calligraphy-for-kids book, readers will follow along with Mimi, an eigh- year-old, who takes her first steps towards learning this magical art. Dive in, and explore:The Evolution of Chinese Writing—how Chinese characters first began, thousands of years ago, and how they have evolvedThe Order of the Strokes—learn how to write the strokes in the correct orderThe Radicals—what are they, and how to unlock their secretsThe Four Treasures of Calligraphy— the four essential tools to get startedMovements and Position—how to master your mind's focus, your breathing and even how to moveThe Five Styles of Calligraphy—Zhuan Shu (seal), Li Shu (clerical), Kai Shu (regular), Cao Shu (cursive), and Xing Shu (running)The Eight Strokes— how to draw the eight strokes; with them, you can write anythingWriting a Character in Calligraphy—create an entire character in calligraphyThe included interactive CD-ROM enables learners to play creative games to see, hear and try Chinese writing; listen to the pronunciation of the Chinese characters; observe calligraphers in action and print the characters to create practice pages.

This classic of Hawaiian literature offers a charming glimpse at the splendid and fascinating world of pre–American Hawaii.Isabella Lucy Bird won fame in her own time as the most remarkable woman traveler of the nineteenth century, and Six Months in the Sandwich Isles, in which she describes her sojourn in Hawaii in 1873, is one of the gems of Pacific literature. It is safe to say that no other book about Hawaii surpasses it in fascination. Much of the charm of Isabella's writing is due to her use of personal letters for conveying her her experiences and her impressions. The thirty–one letters that compose the book were written to her beloved sister Henrietta, who dutifully stayed at home in Edinburgh to take care of the household while Isabella was away on her travels.The book is an authentic record of daily life in Hawaii in the late nineteenth century. It describes a life style during the brief reign of King Lunalilo, not too may years before the sad reign of Queen Liliuokalani ended her dethronement by revolution. Isabella Bird met royalty, missionaries, cowboys, and ordinary, everyday Hawaiians. It is fortunate that she left such a vivid narrative of her Hawaiian Interlude.

Farewell to faux pas! Minding your manners is an acquired skill, but what serves you well elsewhere could trip you up in Japan. Save yourself possible embarrassment with Etiquette Guide to Japan. An inside look at Japanese social graces, it answers all the questions of the thoughtful traveler. Extensive, specific information on Japanese business etiquette assists readers traveling to Japan for business.Although often overshadowed by a modern facade, long–standing traditional aspects of Japan's culture still influence the country and almost everyone in it. Concrete evidence of this traditional culture can be seen everywhere—in the ancient arts and crafts that are still important parts of everyday life, in the many shrines and temples that dot the nation, and in the modern comeback of traditional fashions such as kimono and yakata robes. To many Western visitors, however, the most obvious example of this traditional culture's strength is the unique etiquette of the Japanese. Like many nations, Japan has experienced vast political, social, and economic change over the past century. But enough of Japan's traditional etiquette remains to set the Japanese apart socially and psychologically and to make success in socializing and doing business with them a special challenge for Westerners. About this new version:This updated and expanded edition of the best-selling Japanese etiquette guide addresses not just the puzzling protocols relating to name cards, bowing or shaking hands, bathrooms and public baths—but also what to do when entertaining Japanese dinner guests, attending a Japanese tea ceremony, taking the subway, and much more! It also provides the latest etiquette in mobile phone manners, texting, social media and other forms of digital communication. The glossary at the back of the book has been revised to include the latest technology-related words and expressions used by Japanese today. Two new chapters address the changing role of foreigners in the workplace and the contemporary business style and etiquette used by the younger generation of Japanese who are now increasingly cosmopolitan—but still very Japanese!

This colorfully illustrated multicultural children's book presents Indian fairy tales and other folk stories that the whole family will enjoy!Indian Children's Favorite Stories is a charming selection of eight Indian tales that provide an insight into traditional Indian culture. They make perfect new additions for story time or bedtime reading.Retold for an international audience, the beautifully illustrated stories will give children of all ages a glimpse into the fables and folklore of India, including tales of how Lord Krishna escapes the evil Kamsa's repeated attempts to kill him, and how the elephant keeper's daughter, Rani, humbles an unwise and unjust king by emptying his storehouses of rice.Featured Indian stories include:The Story of Rama, the ancient Indian tale of a prince's exile and return to his homelandSukhu and Dukhu, two sisters—one kind, one selfish—and their different fatesMunna and the Grain of Rice, how a good and clever girl saves her people from hungerAnd five more wonderful tales to delight story lovers everywhere.A glossary is also included, so that everyone can understand and appreciate the Indian words scattered throughout the stories.The Children's Favorite Stories series was created to share the folktales and legends most beloved by children in the East with young readers of all backgrounds in the West. Other multicultural children's books in this series include: Asian Children's Favorite Stories, Indonesian Children's Favorite Stories, Japanese Children's Favorite Stories, Singapore Children's Favorite Stories, Filipino Children's Favorite Stories, Favorite Children's Stories from China & Tibet, Chinese Children's Favorite Stories, Korean Children's Favorite Stories, Balinese Children's Favorite Stories, and Vietnamese Children's Favorite Stories.

Vietnamese Stories for Language Learners—a language learning experience for beginner to intermediate students of the Vietnamese language. Nothing introduces students and cultural enthusiasts to a language and people better than stories. Intended for Vietnamese language students or heritage learners, the stories in this volume present the everyday vocabulary and grammar in use in Vietnam today. Forty folk stories have been edited and simplified for learning purposes and are presented in parallel Vietnamese and English versions to facilitate language learning. These delightful Vietnamese folktales immediately animate the culture, offering readers a glimpse of the social, cultural and religious aspects of Vietnamese society in bygone eras. The English translations allow readers who are not yet studying the language to experience the wisdom and humor in these traditional, well-loved stories. An audio CD in Vietnamese helps students improve their pronunciation and inflection and introduces readers to the uniquely Vietnamese story of storytelling. Discussion questions, vocabulary and cultural notes are provided at the end of each story.

Make your own charming purse, tote, clutch, satchel or eco tote with this fashionable bag making book. Handmade Bags in Natural Fabrics offers patterns for twenty-five basic bag styles along with sixty variations and the know-how to customize each bag to suit any style—from sweet-and innocent to minimalist to counter-culture. There is no better project for the eco-conscious crafter than a simple cloth bag. In addition to bag sewing patterns, basic sewing lessons teach the fundamentals of bag sewing:Hand-stitching, including French knot stitch and daisy stitch Lining and drawstring casing Corners, edges and straps Simple flourishes such as embroidery, applique and more Emiko Takahashi, a fashion and textile designer, provides easy instructions and bag sewing diagrams, as well as a sheet of full-sized pattern pieces for each handmade bag project—plus easy lessons on the basics of hand-stitching drawstring casings, corners, edges, straps, and simple flourishes. Cotton and linen bags are always useful, and they lend a carefree, laid-back touch to any warm-weather outfit. Each bag can be machine-sewn, but they are designed to be made in natural fabrics that are lightweight enough to be easily sewn by hand. With Takahashi's expert guidance, beginning sewers with little or no previous experience can learn to make these understated and elegant handbags. 25 Sewing patterns to do 60 different projects including: Envelope Pouches Bucket Bags Picnic Totes Sacks and Carryalls Classic Drawstrings

These high-quality note cards feature a wonderful look at Japanese culture and family life, borrowed from the beautifully illustrated children's book Japanese Traditions. These 12 carefully selected images are an intricately illustrated romp through the childhood reminiscences of author/illustrator Setsu Broderick, and each are designed to celebrate a month of the year. On the back of each card Sentu tells a brief history or meaning of each fun, lighthearted scene. Japanese Cats Note Cards are an excellent value—a fraction of the price of other fine art print note cards with envelopes. These fine quality blank note cards are printed with 12 different scenes and accompanying envelopesOn the back of each card is a short description of the front design12 folded blank note cards 6 x 4 inches (152 x 102 mm)12 envelopes 6 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches (160 x 108 mm)