Japan and American Children's Books: A Journey

American children's books have portrayed Japan for generations, often mixing facts, stereotypes, and fabrications. This volume explores nearly 200 years of such representations, from the 1850s to the present, tracing the evolution of children's literature and the increasing realism of texts dealing with serious subjects.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 350 pages
\n Publication date: 18 June 2021
\n Publisher: Rutgers University Press
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For generations, children's books have been a gateway to understanding Japan for American readers. These seemingly authoritative and captivating publications often presented a mix of facts, stereotypes, and imaginative narratives, offering a glimpse into the daily life of a distant land. This comprehensive volume takes readers on a journey through nearly 200 years of American children's books that depict Japanese culture. It begins with the illustrated journal of a boy who accompanied Commodore Matthew Perry on his historic voyage in the 1850s, providing a firsthand account of the country's early encounters with the West.

As the book progresses, it explores the significant role that representations of Japan played in the evolution of children's literature. It highlights the early works of Edward Stratemeyer, a renowned author who went on to create iconic characters like Nancy Drew. It also examines how American children's books about Japan have gradually become more realistic, with an increasing number of Japanese-American authors entering the field and tackling serious subjects such as internment camps and the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

To enhance the reader's experience, Sybille A. Jagusch has selected long passages from a diverse range of Japanese-themed children's books and periodicals. These include travelogues, histories, rare picture books, folktale collections, and boys' adventure stories. The book offers a fascinating look at these striking texts, allowing readers to delve into the rich tapestry of Japanese culture and history through the eyes of young readers.

Published by Rutgers University Press in association with the Library of Congress, this volume is a valuable resource for scholars, educators, and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of children's literature, cultural exchange, and historical narratives. It provides a comprehensive examination of the ways in which American children's books have shaped our understanding of Japan and contributed to the broader narrative of American cultural engagement with the world.

\n Weight: 1396g\n
Dimension: 230 x 295 x 34 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781978822627\n \n