Detailed watercolor paintings illustrate the first-person account by seven-year-old Mimiko, who lives in downtown Tokyo with her parents and four-year-old brother, Kenta. From January to December, each month holds a special cultural activity or event for Mimiko to talk about, including shodo (calligraphy), Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Festival), and sado (tea ceremony), as well as everyday things such as attending school, participating in sports, and playing with cousins. Mimiko is a friendly, energetic girl whose childlike enthusiasm is sure to rub off on young readers in the United States. (Ages 5–9)