Written by Cristy Burne
A spooky middle grade series for readers aged 8 and up. Kids can read this online or I’ve just made it possible to buy a print version (from Amazon….sorry). Or, if you’re lucky, your local library will have copies of Takeshita Demons. This is a thrilling children’s book series for both boys and girls.
Free teaching notes and activities
WINNER: FRANCES LINCOLN DIVERSE VOICES CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD
Want to buy hard copy Takeshita Demons books but can’t find them? Contact me.
Otherwise, check out the newly rejacketed and renamed series: Hashimoto Monsters.
Hashimoto Monsters: Why the new name?
It has been ten years since these — my debut books — were published. They met with astounding success, winning an international prize, selected for a UK_wide BookTrust promotion, featuring on the BBC’s Blue Peter and being translated into two other languages.
However, after ten years, I felt the text needed refreshing and I wanted to rid myself of that difficult-to-pronounce title. The result? Hashimoto Monsters.
I hope a whole new generation of readers will enjoy Miku’s adventures in Japanese mythology.
Hashimoto Monsters
Original jacket
Book 1: Yukionna
“A gripping, superbly written debut novel” – Writeaway
“Two young girls being brave and clever without a hint of pink or glitter on the cover? Hooray!” – The Age
“This rollicking ride is totally deserving of the Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices Children’s Book Award” – The West Australian
A thrilling contemporary adventure wittily shot through with the powerful fantasy stories of the old demons from the Japanese past.” – Julia Eccleshare of LoveReading4Kids
– Part of the 2010 Booktrust Booked Up program.
– Winner of the Frances Lincoln Diverse Voices Children’s Book Award for diversity in children’s writing.
– Featured on the BBC’s Blue Peter.
– First published as Takeshita Demons
Original jacket
Book 2: Akaname
Featuring the adorable aka-na-me, or filth licker monster. Beware: if you don’t clean your bathroom, the aka-na-me will come and clean it for you…
“Perfect for those that like their monsters gross rather than gory” Inis Magazine, Ireland
“Highly original and wonderfully entertaining” Spine Chills, Australia
“A fast-paced and hugely entertaining contemporary adventure.” LoveReading4Kids, UK
“A compulsive read.”Parents in Touch UK
“One of my favourite series for younger, confident readers.” My Favourite Book Blog
Original jacket
Book 3: Matsuri
A matsuri is a giant festival or party… But watch out: a monster matsuri is…monstrous!
“I really liked the first 2 instalments, but I LOVE this one!..Like Spirited Away combined with a Famous Five camaraderie” GoodReads
“This is one to give to the adventure loving nine or ten year old kid who likes being a little scared–some of the demons are more than somewhat frightening (although there’s no goryness).” – Charlotte’s Library
“As with the author’s two earlier titles this is a fast-paced, compulsive read that appeals to a wide audience; children as young as 8 or 9 through to adults. Each of the titles is a standalone read but the characters in the three are consistent. This time Miku and her friends must solve the trail of clues to finally banish evil from their world.” – Julia Eccleshare (children’s editor of the Guardian).
Book 4: Mermonster
Original jacket
Miku, Cait and Alex adventure under the oceans to the Kingdom of the Dragon King, where they must rescue the last ningyo (Japanese mermaid), a creature who cries pearl tears and holds the key to immortality.
Fast and funnier than ever before!
About yokai monsters:
Japanese monsters are better known as yokai (妖怪).
They have featured in Japanese fairy tales, folklore and mythology for centuries. Scholars have been cataloguing yokai species in encyclopedias and databases since the 1770s.
Check out the yokai featured in Hashimoto Monsters Book 1, Book 2 and Book 3.
Related blog posts:
Japanese monsters
- 8 body parts you will want: Super cool demon anatomy
- 8 cool dog myths, and why the inugami dog-god didn’t make it
- 8 signs that your snail is an ogre: Sazae-oni revealed
- 8 spooky Japanese proverbs
Cristy Burne - AUTHOR AND STEM CREATIVE 
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