THE GREATEST OF ALL: A Japanese Folktale

by Eric A.--Adapt. Kimmel ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 15, 1991

In this smooth retelling of ""The Wedding of the Mouse,"" from Uchida's classic The Dancing Kettle (1947), Father Mouse approaches the emperor as the greatest possible bridegroom for his daughter. Not so, says the emperor: the sun can make him seek shade. The mouse pursues his quest from sun to cloud to wind to wall, only to have the wall demur like the others: one day the tunneling field mouse will bring him down, he says, so the mouse maiden is allowed to wed her own beloved after all. Carrel uses tall frames and details of dress to suggest a Japanese setting; her style is lively and accessible but undistinguished, the illustrations' muted tomato-soup borders more distracting than harmonious. Still, an acceptable setting for a good story.

Pub Date: Oct. 15, 1991

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Holiday House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1991

Categories: CHILDREN'S