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

"I wonder what's taking them so long," Azuki asked Renko. The two girls were in the workroom, Azuki working her big mechanical loom and Renko, tongue between her teeth, attempting to perfectly copy a character on a piece of practice paper.


"I don't know. Sensei can call on me any time. I'm happy to bring them home. It's good practice for me, if nothing else."


Shota zoomed in on wings, changing on the fly to appear as a boy almost without pause. He was proud of his quick-change ability and practiced it constantly.


"Your father took Uncle," Azuki said. "Won't he want to bring them back?"


Renko made a face. "He will. But doesn't Sensei realize that Hanako-san is worried about what will become of her?"


"Why should anything happen to her?" Shota wanted to know. "She is our housekeeper! She is our cook! I doubt our new aunt knows how to do either! You saw her fight!"


Chapter 124