An engaging photoessay provides a colorful portrait of children in modern Japan. Divided into two parts, the first, entitled "A Way of Life," introduces U.S. children to three of their counterparts living in Hiroshima: eight-year-old Eri and nine-year-old Nozomi both describe their day-to-day lives at school and at home, while 14-year-old Ai tells readers about the tradition of dressing in a special kimono on New Year's Day. Part Two presents readers with "Traditional Activities" as they are observed by four children in Kyoto. These traditions include martial arts, calligraphy, and the tea ceremony. (Ages 5-11)

Kodomo is Japanese for children. Kuklin has interviewed seven children living in Hiroshima and Kyoto, who talk about those aspects of their lives they think will most interest young American readers. Kanji characters for the Japanese words appear throughout the text. Full-color photos.