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 keep thinking I hear Mother," Renko said. Her face drooped with her expression. She tossed more little stones onto the growing pile of excess they were removing from the area where they thought they might find a tunnel.


"Seriously?" Otohime looked sharply at her sister. "Rizantona doesn't have one of those Wishing Rocks, does she?"


"No," Renko said, "but I have always been able to reach her without it because of our family tie, just as I can reach you. She claims to be able to reach any of us without a Wishing Rock. I don't know if it's true or if she's just trying to out-do Father."


"We should both be able to reach Father, if we can reach anyone. I haven't heard him. Would Rizantona be looking for you?"


"I don't know why. Unless Prince Irtysh said something about me, and I don't know why he would. I am not sure he knows I am here with you." Renko threw a handful of stones that clattered on the debris pile. "So here we both are."


Chapter 177