"14 Forest Mice" is a very popular book series in Japan and many European countries about the beauty of everyday life and the lives of three generations of a mouse family: grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, and a dozen other mice. A great way to learn about Japanese New Year's traditions is to join the extended family in preparing their favorite New Year's dish, rice cakes, step by step. Kazuo Iwamura's books are reminiscent of miniature dollhouses, where you'll want to examine and touch every detail, and each small event is imbued with a truly Japanese philosophy and appreciation for life in its every moment.
