Myths of Japan

A beautifully illustrated collection of more than 25 Japanese myths retold for kids ages 7–9.

Enter a world of powerful gods, extraordinary creatures and brave warriors in this thrilling compendium of Japanese myths. With more than 25 exciting tales backed up by fascinating historical information, this is a must-have introduction for young readers intrigued by the world of ancient Japanese culture and mythology.

From the creation of the world to the first emperors, this book charts the full sweep of Japanese myth, revealing fascinating aspects of ancient Japanese ritual and customs along the way. Meet a whole host of mischievous creatures, such as the shapeshifting fox-spirit kitsune and the turtle-like kappa who loves cucumbers and sumo-wrestling! Say hello to the mighty gods and emperors, including the legendary first emperor of Japan, Jimmu and the powerful sun goddess Amaterasu, the chief deity in Shintoism.

This book on Japanese myths for kids offers:

• More than 25 stories compellingly retold: Explores ancient Japanese culture through legends, including Momotaro: the Boy Born from a Peach and Yuki-Onna: the Snow Woman.
• Award-winning artist: Original and stylized illustrations by multi-award-winning artist Katie Ponder on every page.
• Historical context: Combines the appeal of exciting narrative stories with a handy reference section that sets the stories in context.
• In-depth core-reference material: Includes profiles of the gods, heroes, and creatures of ancient Japan, complete with a pronunciation guide.
• Premium design: Features a beautifully crafted cover with gold foil finishes and gilded edges, making it the perfect gift.

It's time to meet mischief-making creatures like the kappa, say hello to the powerful sun goddess Amaterasu, and accompany the legendary emperor Jimmu on a mythical journey across ancient Japan!

Myths of Japan brings the world of ancient Japanese mythology to life and is the perfect gift for children who love history, myths, and legends.

At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. So why not complete the collection?

Marvel at stories from Ancient Greece with Greek Myths, uncover action-packed tales of extraordinary creatures and compelling gods and goddesses with Norse Myths and learn about one of the world’s great early civilizations with Egyptian Myths.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs