Cool Japan Guide: Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen

Marc Notes:
Visit the land of manga, cosplay, hot springs and sushi! This book takes you on a fascinating exploration of Japanese popular culture from a manga lover's perspective. 'Cool Japan Guide' is by noted comic book artist and food blogger Abby Denson, who - along with her husband Matt, friend Yuko, and their sidekick, Kitty Sweet Tooth - takes you on a fun tour of Japan from the high-energy urban streets of Tokyo to the peaceful Zen gardens and Shinto shrines of Kyoto.

Biographical Note:
Lulu Award-winner Abby Denson has scripted for The Amazing Spider-man, The Powerpuff Girls and other comics. Her graphic novel Dolltopia won a Bronze International Manga Award and the Moonbeam Children's Book Award. Her popular blog The City Sweet Tooth is an online tour of New York's best bakeries, pastry shops, and cafes. You can view her work at abbycomix.com and citysweettooth.com.

Review Quotes:
"Comic book artist and food blogger Denson (Dolltopia) fills this hip and handy travel guide with her expertise as a frequent visitor to Japan and her bright and vibrant illustrations." -- Publishers Weekly

Review Quotes:
"Abby Denson's Cool Japan Guide: Fun in the Land of Manga, Lucky Cats and Ramen offers great insider-tips on some of the best foods and attractions in a kicky comic book style." -- Travel Channel

Review Quotes:
"Perfect travel guide with a comic book flair that is sure to appeal to travelers who plan to visit Japan. Also, a great guide that shows Japanese culture in a fun light." -- YABooksCentral.com

Review Quotes:
"In her quirky graphic novel Cool Japan Guide, comic book writer Abby Denson takes us on a "personal tour of Japan" and teaches us the finer points of local etiquette. Traveling isn't just about seeing the sights and eating your way around town. For cartoonist Abby Denson, a trip to Japan meant an education in cultural customs, which she illustrated to charming effect in her new guidebook." -- Conde Nast Traveler

Review Quotes:
"Each chapter opens with a with a well-conceived list of Japanese vocabulary words and the back matter offers a directory of suggested sightseeing locations as well as web-based travel resources. A useful title for teens daydreaming about traveling to Japan" -- Booklist

Review Quotes:
"It's a quirky book, with cultural explanations and travel tips, mostly of the novice but also for the more seasoned visitor, all done in stunning manga style." -- Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Review Quotes:
"What could be a more fitting format for a travel guide on modern Japan than a comic book? Relying on delightful cartoon illustrations, this creative, nicely designed title details travel preparations, the homestay experience, food, shopping, and festivals." -- School Library Journal

Review Quotes:
"Abby's book is the perfect combination of fun and information ... Abby gets you on your way in her clear, easygoing comic style. Arigatou Gozaimasu Abby-san!" -- Rodney Alan Greenblat, Pop Artist and Author

Publisher Marketing:
Traveling to Japan has never been so much fun--visit the land of anime, manga, cosplay, hot springs and sushi!

• the exciting world of Japanese food--from bento to sushi and everything in between.
• the otaku (geek) culture of Japan, including a manga market in Tokyo where artists display and sell their original artwork.
• the complete Japanese shopping experience, from combini (not your run-of-the-mill convenience stores!) to depato (department stores with everything).
• the world's biggest manga, anime and cosplay festivals.
• lots of other exciting places to go and things to do--like zen gardens, traditional Japanese arts, and a ride on a Japanese bullet train.

Review Citations:

• Publishers Weekly 01/12/2015 (EAN 9784805312797, Paperback)
• School Library Journal 03/01/2015 pg. 179 (EAN 9784805312797, Paperback)
• Library Journal 03/15/2015 pg. 124 (EAN 9784805312797, Paperback) - *Starred Review