KAI AND THE KAPPAS

Gamarra offers an illustrated children’s tale inspired by Japanese folklore about a mischievous child and a mythical creature.

The story centers on Kai, a boy who lives in the town of Willow Creek and loves storytelling. He shares a tale with his friends about water-dwelling Kappas—green creatures who have turtlelike skin, webbed fingers, and bowl-shaped heads filled with water. They’re tricksters who snatch children, Kai says, so one must keep their distance and speak respectfully to them. Kai’s storytelling scares the kids, and a nearby baker, Mr. Peterson, tells him to stop. The boy retreats to a creek and cries out, “Kappas, come out and get me if you can!” Nothing happens, but Kai runs back to town, shouting that a Kappa tried to get him. Mr. Peterson and the children come to the creek but see no Kappas. Later, Kai tries to find a Kappa again, and a terrifying creature with froglike eyes, stringy hair, and a gap-toothed grin emerges from the water. The Kappa invites the boy for a swim and tries to grab him. Kai remembers to be respectful and apologizes for his teasing and lies. The Kappa bows before disappearing into the creek. Kai runs back to town to report the sighting, but no one believes him; still, whenever someone calls out “Kappa,” the children bow, just in case. Gamarra explores themes of honesty, politeness, and consequences in this children’s book, and her protagonist embodies a relatable curiosity and rascality that will draw readers in. The prose is detailed and evocative, especially regarding the Kappa’s appearance: “A crown of slick, black hair surrounded the strange bowl-like head, neatly balancing the water inside as if it were a little pond.” Pilosio’s intricate full-color illustrations, feature varied textures and create an immersive, ancient ambiance for Kai’s adventures. However, although Gamarra sustains suspenseful tension throughout the book, the confrontation with the Kappa feels oddly anticlimactic. It’s also unclear why Mr. Peterson, rather than a relative, is the only named adult in Kai’s life.

A visually stunning folktale that could benefit from further plot and character development.