THE MAGIC PURSE
adapted by Yoshiko Uchida & illustrated by Keiko Narahashi
A Japanese folktale about a poor young farmer who promises a mysterious girl that he will deliver a message to her parents in the fearsome Red Swamp, from which no man returns alive. In return, she gives him a small red purse that magically refills itself with gold coins. Lifelong prosperity is the reward for the humble soul's deeds of compassion and bravery, related in a classically simple fairy-tale style and illustrated with lovely, misty watercolors, emphasizing the story's magic and mystery. Narahashi's art, recalling traditional brush painting, is alive with dramatic blacks, soft blues, and glowing sunset colors. (Folklore/Picture book. 6-10)