{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/693f42a89278bf5c1cfffc32/6a2987b3518f9f10eb87be1a?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Exploring Japan Through Graphic Novels with Matthew Loux | My Journey to Japan: Escape to Yokai Mountain | Reading in the Middle","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/693f42a89278bf5c1cfffc32/1781106604354-ee2205d7-3fe0-47f4-bd56-5db69216796f.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>What happens when a family trip to Japan turns into an adventure filled with yokai, samurai, festivals, and magical portals?</p><p>In this episode of <em>Reading in the Middle</em>, host Annisha Jeffries talks with author and illustrator Matthew Loux about his newest graphic novel, <em>My Journey to Japan: Escape to Yokai Mountain</em>. Together they discuss Japanese folklore, cultural exploration, graphic novel storytelling, drawing by hand, and how books can inspire curiosity about the world around us.</p><p>Matthew also shares the inspiration behind Penny, Paulie, and Shimesu's unforgettable journey, his love of Japanese culture, and why adventure stories can be powerful tools for learning.</p><p><br></p><p>Perfect for:</p><p>📚 Librarians</p><p>🍎 Educators</p><p>👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families</p><p>📖 Graphic Novel Fans</p><p>🌎 Readers Interested in World Cultures</p><p><br></p><p>Topics discussed:</p><p>• Japanese folklore and yokai</p><p>• Graphic novels for middle-grade readers</p><p>• Japanese culture, food, and festivals</p><p>• Travel through storytelling</p><p>• Creating art by hand</p><p>• Encouraging curiosity and global awareness</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Books Mentioned:</strong></p><p><em>My Journey to Japan: Escape to Yokai Mountain</em></p><p><em>The Time Museum</em></p><p><em>Prunella and the Cursed Skull Ring</em></p><p><em>The Spark Experiment</em></p><p><em>Salt Water Taffy</em></p><p><br></p><p>#ReadingInTheMiddle #MatthewLoux #GraphicNovels #MiddleGradeBooks #KidLit #Yokai #Japan #JapaneseCulture #LibraryPodcast #TeacherResources #BookPodcast #ChildrensBooks #GraphicNovelPodcast #ReadingRecommendations</p>","author_name":"Annisha Jeffries"}