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 flew overland because she wasn't sure where she wanted to go. She usually went directly to her chosen destination, unless she was just flying for fun and exercise. Now, she flew slowly, sinuously weaving her way through the sky, since her tiny Asian wings weren't much good except for steering and keeping passengers on board. With no passengers, she essayed a somersault and began to laugh. She did it again and yet again, but started getting dizzy so she straightened out.


Being a dragon was good. She power-dived towards a river valley and followed it towards the sea until the flood plain widened and she began to see farms. Pulling up, she rose into the clouds.


Chapter 171