Why Max “Meows and Risa “Nyaas”?: Cracking the Code of Animal Sounds Across Cultures - Softcover

Huerta, David

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798989547135

Publisher: Ichigo Ichie Works, 2024

Synopsis

Embark on a hilarious journey of sound and discovery in "Why Max "Meows" and Risa "Nyaas"? Join Max as he unravels the mystery of why animals speak differently in Japan, and then finds himself in the wild world of wacky onomatopoeias.

Max's ordinary day takes an extraordinary turn when he and his friend Risa stumble upon a cage with a mouse in their classroom. They realize something peculiar – they hear animal sounds differently. Why does a mouse go "chu-chu”or a crow cry "kaa-kaa"? Max and his friend Risa embark on a mission to uncover the truth! Are dogs barking "wan-wan"? Is it "meow-meow" or "nyaa-nyaa" for a cat?

With vivid illustrations and an engaging storyline, get ready to giggle as Max and Risa reveal the hilarious differences between English and Japanese animal sounds.
Will Max and Risa ever agree on the horse's sound? Grab your detective hat and join them on their whimsical journey to find out in this heartwarming tale of friendship, curiosity, and the magic of language.

About this title

About the Author

David Huerta: Bridging Cultures Through Children's StoriesDavid Huerta's life journey is characterized by his deep bond with Japan over 25 years, a country that has profoundly influenced his perspective and creativity. As an award-winning children's book author, David is passionate about introducing young minds to the rich traditions of Japanese culture. Onomatopoeias play an important part in everyday Japanese language and culture for both children and adults. For anyone learning the Japanese language and who wants to communicate like a native speaker, an understanding of these lively sound expressions is essential. His book "Why Max 'Meows' and Risa 'Nyaas'?", introduces children to the fun world of Japanese onomatopoeia and how different cultures interpret sounds in their own unique ways. Drawing from his enriching experience teaching English and cross-cultural studies in Kobe, Japan, David infuses his storytelling with educational insights, crafting enchanting narratives that captivate young hearts and curious minds. In addition to writing, David is the co-founder of a tech marketing firm and embraces the roles of father and husband. His life at home is enriched by his two growing teenagers and his wife, a kimono enthusiast, reflecting his deep-rooted love for Japanese tradition.

From the Back Cover

Dear Curious Readers,

Have you ever heard someone say something different from what you expected — like a cat saying "meow" in one language and "nyaa" in another? Isn't that strange... but kind of fun?

In Why Max "Meows" and Risa "Nyaas"?, Max and Risa discover something truly magical: the way we hear the world is shaped by the language we speak and the culture we come from. What sounds "right" in one place might sound totally different in another — and that's not wrong, it's wonderfully unique.

This story is for every child who's ever asked, "Why?" and kept asking. It's for the young sound detectives and future explorers who want to understand not just what things are — but why they are. And it's a reminder that differences don't divide us... they connect us, teach us, and make our world more colorful.

So keep asking questions. Keep listening. Keep learning about others — and celebrating the beautiful ways we're the same and the special ways we're different.

The world is full of treasures just waiting to be heard.

With wonder and a smile,
David Huerta

Edition details

• Publisher: Ichigo Ichie Works
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798989547135
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32