David Huerta

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Children’s Book “Why Max 'Meows' and Risa 'Nyaas'?": Cracking the Code of Animal Sounds Across Cultures

Tokyo, JAPAN – Award winning children’s book author who has spent over two decades living in Japan, David Huerta, brings to life a delightful exploration of language and sound in his newest children’s book, “Why Max ‘Meows’ and Risa ‘Nyaas’?: Cracking the Code of Animal Sounds Across Cultures.” This captivating story invites young readers into a world where everyday sounds are a gateway to cultural discovery.
Set in a Japanese elementary school environment, Max and his friend Risa encounter a curious situation that sets them off on a sound adventure. They discover that animal sounds are not universal; what sounds like “meow” to Max sounds like “nyaa” to Risa. Fascinated, the duo embarks on a mission to uncover how and why animals “speak” differently in different parts of the world.
Through their journey, children learn that a dog’s bark is “wan-wan” in Japanese, a stark contrast to the “woof-woof” they might be familiar with. Each page of the book is an invitation to laugh and learn as Max and Risa dive into the amusing world of onomatopoeias, comparing the English sounds they know with their Japanese counterparts.
David Huerta’s 25 years of immersion in Japanese culture enriches this tale, turning it into more than just a story – it’s an educational experience that highlights the diversity of linguistic expression. Huerta uses his expertise to craft a narrative that is as informative as it is entertaining, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for young minds.
Illustrated with vivid and whimsical art, “Why Max ‘Meows’ and Risa ‘Nyaas’?” is not just a book but a visual and intellectual joyride that encourages children to embrace cultural differences through the universal language of sound. It’s an excellent resource for parents and educators seeking to instill a sense of global awareness and linguistic curiosity in children.
“Why Max ‘Meows’ and Risa ‘Nyaas’?: Cracking the Code of Animal Sounds Across Cultures” is now available for purchase.  
For more information, to request a review copy, or to arrange an interview with David Huerta, please contact:  media@david-huerta.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Children's Book "Grandma's Lost Treasure"

Teaches the Beauty of Imperfection Through Japanese Art of Kintsugi

Tokyo, JAPAN – From the award-winning children’s book author David Huerta comes a captivating children’s book, “Grandma’s Lost Treasure: How Kintsugi Turns Brokenness into Beauty.” This enchanting picture book takes young readers on an extraordinary adventure with siblings Kin and Sugi, who learn the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi, turning broken pottery into beautiful art.
Set in the backdrop of a mystically rediscovered attic, “Grandma’s Lost Treasure” unveils the forgotten dishes of the siblings’ grandmother. As Kin and Sugi embark on a mission to restore these dishes, they are introduced to Kintsugi – the art of repairing broken pottery with gold. This process becomes a powerful metaphor for embracing and celebrating our imperfections.
Author David Huerta, who has spent 25 years living in Japan, infuses the book with his profound understanding of Japanese culture and the philosophy of Kintsugi and wabi-sabi. The book’s message is particularly pertinent in today’s world where social media often presents an unrealistic standard of perfection, impacting the self-esteem and mental health of children.
“Grandma’s Lost Treasure” is richly illustrated, bringing the story to life and capturing the essence of Kintsugi, making it accessible and engaging for children. The book not only entertains but also imparts a timeless moral lesson: that breaks, cracks, and imperfections are an integral part of our life’s history and should be celebrated, not hidden.
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. His experience has given him a unique perspective on storytelling, making “Grandma’s Lost Treasure” a remarkable tool for parents and educators to teach children about resilience, diversity, and the beauty of imperfection.
“Grandma’s Lost Treasure: How Kintsugi Turns Brokenness into Beauty” is now available for purchase.
For further information, to request a review copy, or to arrange an interview with the author, please contact:  media@david-huerta.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Children’s Book “Discover Japan’s Sounds A to Z with Tanuki & Fox” Explores Festivals, Food & Culture through Playful Japanese Words

Tokyo, JAPAN – Award-winning children’s book author David Huerta invites young readers on a lively journey through the sounds of Japan in his newest children’s book, “Discover Japan’s Sounds A to Z with Tanuki & Fox: Explore Festivals, Food & Culture through Playful Japanese Words!” This charming picture book introduces children ages 4 to 8 to the colorful world of Japanese onomatopoeia through playful rhymes, whimsical watercolor illustrations, and a joyful adventure across Japanese culture.

The story follows Tanuki, a playful raccoon dog, and his clever friend Fox as they explore Japan’s festivals, foods, traditions, and everyday moments through expressive Japanese sound words. From sparkling “Kira Kira” stars to cheerful “Niko Niko” smiles, each page brings language to life in a way that is fun, musical, and easy for young readers to enjoy.

Through this A to Z adventure, children discover that sounds are not simply background noise in Japan, but an important and lively part of everyday communication. Japanese onomatopoeia is used widely by both children and adults, making it an essential part of understanding the language and culture. Huerta presents these expressions in a playful and accessible way, helping young readers build curiosity about how different languages describe the world around them.

David Huerta’s deep connection with Japan spans more than 25 years, and his work as a children’s book author reflects his passion for sharing Japanese culture with young readers around the world. In “Discover Japan’s Sounds A to Z with Tanuki & Fox,” he combines language learning, cultural discovery, and storytelling to create a book that encourages children to explore new words, new traditions, and new ways of seeing the world.

Beautifully illustrated with warm watercolor artwork, the book is designed to be both educational and entertaining. It is an ideal read-aloud for parents, teachers, and librarians who want to introduce children to Japanese language, multicultural awareness, and the joy of discovering how words can connect people across cultures.

“Discover Japan’s Sounds A to Z with Tanuki & Fox: Explore Festivals, Food & Culture through Playful Japanese Words!” is now available for purchase.

For more information, to request a review copy, or to arrange an interview with David Huerta, please contact: media@david-huerta.com.

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