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

Shota knew he'd be in trouble when he got home, but if he found the Crane-girl, he'd be forgiven readily enough and he would find her no matter what it took. If she existed, she was Azuki's best hope. Who else was there who might know about illness in bird-humans?


He'd do something no one else could! That would show them! He tried to be angry, but realized he was really hurt at the Princess's lack of attention. The way to rekindle his friendship with the Princess, he reasoned, was to find the Crane-girl and as that was also the way to cure his sister, everything would work out perfectly. Quickly, he soared into the treetops and began talking to his kin, the sparrows.


"Isn't the Crane-girl just a legend?" one sparrow said, preening her brown and black wings. She didn't sound particularly interested.


"I'm no legend," Shota answered hotly. "If I can be real, why can't she?"


Chapter 52