What happens when a family trip to Japan turns into an adventure filled with yokai, samurai, festivals, and magical portals?
In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries talks with author and illustrator Matthew Loux about his newest graphic novel, My Journey to Japan: Escape to Yokai Mountain. Together they discuss Japanese folklore, cultural exploration, graphic novel storytelling, drawing by hand, and how books can inspire curiosity about the world around us.
Matthew also shares the inspiration behind Penny, Paulie, and Shimesu's unforgettable journey, his love of Japanese culture, and why adventure stories can be powerful tools for learning.
Perfect for:
📚 Librarians
🍎 Educators
👨👩👧👦 Families
📖 Graphic Novel Fans
🌎 Readers Interested in World Cultures
Topics discussed:
• Japanese folklore and yokai
• Graphic novels for middle-grade readers
• Japanese culture, food, and festivals
• Travel through storytelling
• Creating art by hand
• Encouraging curiosity and global awareness
Books Mentioned:
My Journey to Japan: Escape to Yokai Mountain
The Time Museum
Prunella and the Cursed Skull Ring
The Spark Experiment
Salt Water Taffy
#ReadingInTheMiddle #MatthewLoux #GraphicNovels #MiddleGradeBooks #KidLit #Yokai #Japan #JapaneseCulture #LibraryPodcast #TeacherResources #BookPodcast #ChildrensBooks #GraphicNovelPodcast #ReadingRecommendations
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