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

Renko appeared as close to her father as she could manage. They soared, her parents, high up over the clouds, easily flapping and resting while they talked. They didn't seem to notice Renko at first.


"That was good tactics, Ryuujin," Rizantona said. "We have always worked well together."


"Perhaps we should talk about doing so in the future." There was a hum in the Dragon King's voice Renko had never heard before.


"Perhaps we should," the Dragon Queen agreed. Her beautiful voice sounded fuller somehow.


"You are welcome in my palace. It is nearby."


"You know I hate it there, all wet and cold," Rizantona complained. "Isn't there a mountain dragon we could visit?"


"Our dragons live in water." The Dragon King suddenly had an idea that he thought would surely appeal to Rizantona.


Chapter 76