Sparkling Oak Publishing
Stories, books, and creative connections from Japan and America to the world.
Sparkling Oak Publishing is an independent publisher creating multilingual picture books, fiction, workshops, and creative projects that connect Japan, America, and the world.
Coming Soon
A New Japan Travel Book Is Coming
Planning a trip to Japan?
I’m working on a short, practical book about the small things that can make traveling in Japan easier, smoother, and more interesting.
It’s not a traditional guidebook or a list of must-see attractions. It’s based on the practical advice, personal recommendations, and little discoveries I actually share with friends traveling to Japan.
It’s for both first-time visitors and people who have been to Japan before.
The book will also include a reader reference with Japanese terms and easy links to places mentioned in the book.
Coming soon in Kindle and paperback.
Picture Books Across Languages
Stories can travel across languages.
Our picture books are available in English, Spanish, Japanese, and bilingual editions.
Wash Your Hands and Brush Your Teeth!
English–Spanish Bilingual Edition
A playful picture book for young children and families, created to enjoy together across languages.
Also available in: English, Spanish, Japanese, English–Japanese Bilingual, and Spanish–Japanese Bilingual editions.
Audiobook editions are also available in English–Spanish and English–Japanese.
Picture Book Workshop
Our Picture Book Workshop brings people together through the process of creating and sharing picture books.
Whether you are interested in writing, illustration, languages, or simply love stories, the workshop is a place to explore ideas and connect through creativity.
Upcoming Picture Book Workshops
Let’s Make a Tiny Picture Book Together!
Tuesday, September 22 • 3–4 PM
Northwest Library, Santa Rosa, CA
Create your own tiny picture book with local children’s book author Cindy K. (Penname in English).
In this fun, hands-on one-hour workshop, kids will write, draw, and complete a book to take home.
For grades K–6. No experience needed.
Let’s Make a Tiny “Ghostly” Picture Book Together!
Brought to you by the Friends of the Library
Tuesday, October 27 • 3–4 PM
Northwest Library, Santa Rosa, CA
Join local children’s book author Cindy K. for a fun, hands-on one-hour workshop.
Kids will create their own tiny ghostly picture book to take home.
For grades K–6. No experience needed.
Upcoming Event
Belongings — Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
Chiyoko Tahara’s sewing box will be featured in the Belongings exhibition, and she will share its story at a special event on September 19.
Home | Historic Library and Museum Project: Belongings
Many Moon Festival
Sparkling Oak Publishing will have a booth with a new Japan Travel Book, bilingual picture books, Japanese novel series, Japanese kanji
art, postcards and more.
About Sparkling Oak Publishing
Sparkling Oak Publishing is an independent publisher based in the United States, connecting Japan, America, and the world through stories, languages, culture, and creativity.
We publish multilingual picture books and books, and develop workshops and creative projects that bring people together through stories.
About Chiyoko Tahara
Originally from Osaka, Japan, Chiyoko Tahara has lived in the United States for more than three decades. She is a writer and the founder of Sparkling Oak Publishing. She writes children’s books in English under the pen name Cindy K.
Her work grows from life between Japan and America and includes books, multilingual picture books, and workshops. She also contributes regular columns to Japanese quilting and bakery magazines.
Contact
Questions about our books, workshops, ARC reading opportunities, events, or collaborations are always welcome.