Peach Boy and Other Japanese Children's Favorite Stories

by Florence Sakade

Book Overview

This colorfully illustrated multicultural children's book presents several Japanese fairy tales and other folk stories--providing insight into a rich oral culture. Welcome to a fantastic world populated by magical teakettles, long-nosed goblins, brave warriors, and a host of other beloved characters who have lived on for centuries in the traditional tales of Japan. Drawn from Japanese folklore that has been passed down from generation to generation,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 4805309962
• ISBN13: 9784805309964
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 9.3" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 4

Customer Reviews

Classic, wonderful story!

This is a family favorite. I bought this book when our Navy family was stationed overseas in Japan! I read it often to my first son, MY Peach Boy! Now his wife is pregnant with their first son---and I have bought another copy for him. I know my son and his family will enjoy sharing this, and it will become part of the fabric of childhood once more! HIGHLY RECOMMEND this wonderful Japanese classic. ENJOY!

Classic Stories

As a USA native, I grew up in Japan from ages 4-8. I recall reading these tales (but not sure in which books). It contains some of my favorite stories, including: Peach Boy (Momotaro) and the Long Nosed Goblins. My son (now 7) has also enjoyed these tales for several years now. When I read it now, the wording and translations occasionally seem a bit clunky. I think this is because it was written when there was far less knowledge of Japanese culture (1958). My son does not care, and is as enchanted with these tales as I once was. The illustrations are great, mostly B & W but some in color (the B & W ones are better). The book contains the following stories (which range from 3-9 pages apiece): Peach Boy, The Magic Teakettle, Monkey-Dance and Sparrow-Dance, The Long-Nosed Goblins, The Rabbit in the Moon, The Tongue-Cut Sparrow, Silly Saburo, The Toothpick Warriors, and The Sticky-Sticky Pine.

Fantastic Beasts and Magical Critters abound!

This book is a wonderful way to explore the similarities and differences among fairy tales of different countries. Some classic themes emerge - such a childless couple whose prayers are answered when they receive a child from an unusual source (such as a peach, in the title story). Or Silly Saburo, who takes all instructions too literally, like a Japanese Amelia Bedelia. Then there are some delightfully bizarre and unique tales, such as The Magic Teakettle, in which the teakettle is really a talented and lucky badger in disguise, or The Long-Nosed Goblins, whose noses can travel for miles to search out good smells. The illustrations, some color and some black & white, are charming and bring the endearing characters to life. I would recommend this book for children 4 - 8 (and adults who can't resist).