Peach Boy and Other Japanese Children's Favorite Stories

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!

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.

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).