Claire Youmans first went to Japan in 1992 and was immediately captivated.  After years of travel and study, she continues to be charmed and amazed by a fascinating history and a culture that's both endearingly quirky and entirely unique. She is a retired lawyer who now lives in Tokyo. Her family, including her daughter and two grandsons, live in Seattle, USA.

In 2014, she started Tales of the Meiji Era with The Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy's unparalleled blend of historical fantasy in the first book of the series, Coming Home.  She continues exploring the combination of history and folklore to share her love and fascination with a very different country and culture. 

Exciting adventures continue to unfold in this delightful fantastical yet historical world as social and political changes expand, technology explodes, and two very unusual children grow up.  



The Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy

"Mother!" Renko barely breathed the word.


"These are the dual-natured friends your father spoke of?" The Dragon Queen's huge head turned to look as she drew out the word "friends" menacingly. She hovered, a skill Azuki coveted, while they had to circle. The Dragon Queen's gaze scraped over them like knives. She was huge. She was willful. According to Renko, she didn't like dual-natured beings. Azuki was nearly paralyzed from fear. Only her need to fly or fall sustained her.


"Birds?" the Dragon Queen asked, rearing back her head with scorn.


"We are also human, your majesty," Azuki called, though her voice trembled. They had to stop talking and make a plan to help those people. "We are true friends to your daughter, and she to us. Now, please look that way, your majesty." She gestured with her beak to emphasize the plea in her voice. "We must help those people and we don't" 


Chapter 72