Japanese Children's Favorite Stories Book One

This was a favorite storybook from my own childhood. I have always been particularly haunted by the story of "Momotaro, the Peach Boy," and I had searched for a version of the story for my daughter. Recently while browsing the children's books at the art museum store, we found this reprint of the stories I had loved so much. My daughter now loves them, too.

A wonderful collection of enchanting stories for young children, 3-7 years old. We have read from it since my boy was 3 years old - it is one of the very few books that have kept with him for a long period (he is now 5.5). I figure that he will be able to read the stories himself pretty soon, making this volume one of a handful of books that can be read to him and by him.The stories are imaginative, full of fantasy, culturally different yet appealing to "standard" elements of the children's minds. The plots are interesting to the children, who quickly learn them by heart and ask for specific stories night after night. The drawings are marvelous. The fact that there are multiple, independent stories, makes it easy to customize the lenght of the day's reading as needed. Of the many books that my boy has this is definitely one of the best, from his point of view as well as from mine. The wonderful illustrations, evocative of some of Miyazaki's magnificent animated movies, only add to the attraction of this exceptional book.

First printed the early 1950's, this is the 51st printing of the book. It contains ten classics from the first printing 50 years ago, and ten newer stories. Stories include (1) Momotaro the Peach Boy, a boy who is found in a peach by a childless couple, who goes off to fight ogres with his animal friends when he reaches his teens; (2) The Magic Tea Kettle about the badger who is mistaken for a kettle; and (3) Silly Saburo, the hilarious and entertaining story about a boy and his misadventures, all becuase he does exactly what he is told. Also among the twenty are (4) The Crab and the Monkey, about a plotting monket and his hapless friend, a crab, and a riceball and persimmon seed; and (5) Why The Jellyfish Has No Bones, about a jellyfish and an evil octopus.

As a small child I lived for three years in Japan. Before we moved overseas, my mother bought me this book, I suppose to encourage an interest in Japanese culture. Ever since, I have loved this book, with its beautiful illustrations and thoughtprovoking and entertaining stories. Now I've purchased a new edition for my little boy. If you're looking to broaden your child's horizons, this is a must for the bookshelf.

As a child I was enchanted by the tales of Little Peach Boy, Inchling, and the other characters whose stories are featured in this book. Each story has a positive theme such as politeness, helpfulness and sacrifice. The characters are as memorable as those of the Brothers Grimm and the stories are complemented by beautiful illustrations. I still have my 25 year old copy of this book and am purchasing a copy for each of my children to have for themselves.