Momoko Ishii (1907–2008)

This book had many great qualities. First, the language used in this book was fantastic. The author used Japanese onomatopoeic words to help retain the Japanese flavor in this English rendition of the story. For example, the author writes, "...so the old man scrubbed the oxen with all his might until finally, binga binga, the oxen began to gleam." The onomatopoeic phrase "binga binga" is used in Japanese to refer to when something is sparkling clean.

Second, the illustrations in this text show more used the traditional Japanese ink-drawing techniques. The illustrator added occasional pops of color to help the reader discern important elements in the picture. This illustration style enhanced the story because it portrayed authentic details in terms of style of dress and textile patterns.

Furthermore, the "big picture" of this story is to remain humble and not succumb to greed. This lesson is experienced by the Granny, whose greed leads her to mistreat a small sparrow and ultimately pay for her crimes. show less

A man and his wife really wanted a child, and each day they prayed that they would be blessed with a child. One day Issun showed up and he was their child. However, Issun was quite different from other children as he was only one inch tall. Even though Issun was different, his parents still loved him and were blessed to have a son. Issun decided that he was going to go to the capital and when he got there he found himself a job working for the master's daughter. Eventually, Isun falls in show more love with the daughter and makes a wish that he could be as tall as everyone else, and she wishes the same thing as well. After they both make their wish it eventually becomes true and Issun is as tall as a regular man. This story was lovely to read, and it was a story that I had never heard before. This book would be great to read to a group of kids to expose them to different cultures and the stories that go hand in hand with the culture they are learning about. show less

This is the story of a man, named Issun Boshi, which means “the Inchling,” from Japan who is only an inch tall. He travels to the palace and saves the princess from three demons. After defeating the demons, Inchling gets a magic hammer and he wishes he could be as tall as regular men. He marries the princess and they live happily ever after. The theme of this book is to never give up no matter what because even though Inchling was only an inch tall he was still able to defeat the demons show more and save the princess. The language throughout the story is lively and it is written the way the story would be told by people in Japan. show less

This is a Japanese folklore that teaches you not to be greedy. An old man and his wife visit a sparrow on different times. The wife is very greedy and receives nothing but snakes and goblins. What I really liked about this book were the ink illustrations. I could use it to show my students what ink art looks like, which is popular in Asian cultures. I also liked the onomatopoeia. Children would have so much fun saying the words out load, and it is a great example of showing them this type of show more literature language. At the same time, it teaches not to be greedy. show less