Tokyo Night Parade

PreS-Gr 4–In Japanese folklore, the Hyakkiyagy, or Night Parade of One Hundred Demons, takes place when the human and supernatural worlds overlap. Eka, a Black and Japanese girl growing up in Tokyo and New York City, relishes tales of ykai, or supernatural creatures. On the eve of her return to the U.S., she imagines taking part in a glorious night parade through the streets of Tokyo. Accompanied by her faithful dog and friendly kappa, a froglike spirit, she dons her kitsune, or fox-spirit costume, and joins the singing, prancing ykai parading through the moonlit streets. Digital illustrations in gorgeous hues of lavender, mauve, and turquoise animate the hordes of fierce and endearing creatures. Based on Takahashi’s own experience of growing up amid two cultures, this lively tale grows pensive as Eka wistfully thinks of the distance between her two homes, family, and friends. For more magical realism, pair this title with Sunny Seki’s The Last Kappa of Old Japan and Sanae Ishida’s Chibi Samurai Wants a Pet.