MOMOTARO THE PEACH BOY: A Traditional Japanese Tale

by Linda--Adapt. & Illus. Shute ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 10, 1986

Momotaro springs to life from the center of a giant peach, and grows to be strong, brave and kind. At 15, he leaves his foster parents and goes to fight the evil horned devils called ""Oni."" On the way he befriends a dog, monkey, and pheasant with whom he shares his mother's dumplings. The four heroes defeat the monsters and return home with the ""Oni"" gold. A satisfying traditional folk tale, with soft dreamy pastel illustrations. The portrayal of the ""Oni,"" fierce but not too scary, and the animosity of the monkey and the dog are especially well done. The illustrator is not as successful in portraying human emotions. Japanese scrolls from the 12th to 14th centuries were consulted for details of landscape, costume, and architecture. Source notes detail the origins of the story, and provide costume notes and a glossary and pronunciation guide for Japanese words used. An attractive first book by the author-illustrator.

Pub Date: Oct. 10, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1986

Categories: CHILDREN'S