BASHO AND THE RIVER STONES

Myers revisits his characters from Basho and the Fox (2000) with another original tale in folklore tradition as pleasant as the haiku of the most revered Japanese poet that he honors. Once again, this tale of wit and courage centers on the cherries of the first story that Basho had promised to share with the foxes nearby. In an effort to trick him out of the entire crop, the fox matches wits with Basho, but finds that Basho cannot be fooled as he finds value in whatever he’s given (even plain river stones) and in whatever he does. Through his example, the cunning fox, a traditional folk character in Japan, also learns to find value in kindness and sharing. The lushly colored illustrations reflect the gentle nature of Basho and establish the setting and tale as one of simplicity and reverence for true understanding and gratitude. Indeed, as Myers writes: “I’ve eaten cherries alone— / but they’re much sweeter / when shared with a friend.” (Picture book. 4-8)