Summer Spooky Stories: Japan: Friendly Yokai Folktales and Ghost Stories for Kids

Pack a flashlight: this summer, six kids dare each other to walk the dark shrine path alone.It is Obon week, and the bravest game in Japan is about to begin. One by one, six friends tell a chilling tale, then walk the night path in pairs to fetch a paper fortune. It is called kimodameshi, the test of courage, and you are invited to play along.Inside are twelve illustrated tales of friendly Japanese spirits: a river kappa tamed by a polite bow, a fox wedding in a sunshower, a tanuki that turns into a dancing teakettle, the snow woman Yuki-onna, and Hanako-san, who waits in the school bathroom.What's inside- 12 short, illustrated stories plus a frame tale, perfect for one-a-night reading- Mischievous yokai: a tongue-poking lantern ghost, the shy bean-washer under the bridge, and a luck-bringing house spirit- Five Storyteller cues that dare you to read the scary line out loud- An Obon ending with a warm, gentle twistBest of all, these scares are completely safe. Every spirit is shy, silly, or kind, with no gore and no real danger, so a sensitive reader gets the delicious shivers and still sleeps soundly.Perfect for- A spooky-but-safe gift for ages 8 to 12, well under twenty dollars- Summer vacation reading and Halloween treat-bag fun- Sleepover and campfire read-alouds that get everyone giggling and gasping- Reluctant readers who love short, finish-in-one-sitting talesGrab your flashlight, gather your bravest friends, and start the test of courage tonight.