Out just in time for Girls' Day are two books that look at the Japanese tradition.

"Girl's Day in Hawai'i with Yuki-chan" by Tokie Ikeda Ching, Sets Arai, illustrator; Mutual Publishing, ages 4 and up, $12.95

In storybook style, Girls' Day traditions in Hawai'i are seen through the eyes of young Yuki-chan. Yuki takes us step by step through family preparations for the annual celebration. The text explains, in great detail, the history and significance of symbolism found in the dolls that represent the wedding of an emperor and empress at the imperial court. Yuki's family celebration culminates with a Girls' Day party, where Yuki and her friends dress in kimono, enjoy traditional foods, and play hostesses to their dolls.

The book concludes with directions for making an origami doll, recipes for hishi-mochi, se-kihan, microwave mochi and yaki manju, and a thorough glossary and pronunciation guide.

"Girls' Day/Boys' Day," by Minako Ishii; Bess Press, all ages, $16.95

The first thing that catches the eye with the nifty new two-books-in-one "Girls' Day/Boys' Day" is its size. At seven inches by seven inches, it's just right for little hands. Kids can pick a story, "Girls' Day," or "Boys' Day," by turning the book upside down, and over.

Brief text covers both events, highlighting similarities and differences between community, school and family celebrations that take place in Japan and in Hawai'i.

Impressive interior images of celebrations in Kyoto, Chiba and Honolulu bleed over the pages alongside smaller inset photos.

Minako Ishii, who was raised in Tokyo, wrote the text and shot the photojournalistic images. Ishii now lives in Honolulu, where she is getting a master's degree at the University of Hawai'i School of Communication.

"I like the idea of sharing with the children of Hawai'i what's going on in Japan," Ishii said. "It's good to be different, but it's also good to feel proud of your own culture. It's part of my philosophy."

The text is succinct and filled with interesting tidbits. For example, Girls' Day began in China as a religious ceremony, and Japanese nobles adopted the custom more than 1,000 years ago. Dolls, kimono and food customs are detailed.

While Girls' Day is celebrated each year on the third day of the third month, Boys' Day falls on the fifth day of the fifth month. For Boys' Day, the significance of samurai, the iris and flying carp are explained.

"Long ago, to honor their sons, Japanese samurai (warriors) flew banners bearing their family crest above the gateways to their homes.

"Other families hung koinobori (carp streamers) above their gates, hoping that one day their sons would become samurai. The carp became a symbol of Boys' Day."

Children and adults will find much to enjoy in these pages, as, in all, this is a delightful work of nonfiction.

Author Ishii says plans are in the works for public events and book signings in May to celebrate Childrens' Day.