Ralph F. McCarthy

One of a number of traditional Japanese folktales presented by Kodansha as part of their Bilingual Children's Classics series - other entries in the collection include: The Moon Princess, The Adventure of Momotaro, the Peach Boy, Kintaro, the Nature Boy, and The Inch-High Samurai - this lovely little picture-book follows the story of Urashima Taro, a kindhearted young fisherman who saves a sea turtle from the boys who have captured it, and is taken on a fantastic journey beneath the sea as a show more reward. Brought to the Dragon King's palace, where he is entertained by the king's own daughter, Urashima is beguiled, staying underwater at the palace, and eventually falling in love with the princess. When, after a time, he thinks to return to land to visit his parents, the princess gives him a box, instructing him to keep it closed at all costs, if he wishes to return to her...

This tale, in which the hero journeys to a magical underwater kingdom, discovering, upon his return to land, that centuries have passed in the human world, has been compared to the American story of Rip Van Winkle. While I can certainly see the similarities between the two, I think the better parallel is between this, and the Irish tale of Oisín in Tír na nÓg, who also returns to land from a watery world of enchantment, only to discover that hundreds of years have passed. Leaving aside these comparisons, this story is always entertaining, in and of itself, and this poetic telling, though the rhyming feels a little forced, is quite engaging. The artwork by Shiro Kasamatsu is just lovely, with an appealing palette and many delightful details. All in all, this is an engaging retelling of a classic tale (one that can also be found in collections like Florence Sakade's Urashima Taro and Other Japanese Children's Favorite Stories), one I recommend to all young folk and fairy-tale enthusiasts. show less

One of five traditional Japanese folktales included in the Kodansha Bilingual Children's Classics series, issued individually and in a boxed set - the others are: The Moon Princess, The Adventure of Momotaro, the Peach Boy, Urashima and the Kingdom Beneath the Sea and The Inch-High Samurai - this story of an incredibly strong young boy who enjoys cavorting with his animal friends in the forest, until the famous samurai lord, Minamoto Raiko, recruits him into his band, and he goes off to win show more glory by battling demons, is presented in both English and Japanese. A small book, easily held by young hands, it boasts colorful illustrations by Suiho Yonai, and a rhyming narrative provided by translator Ralph F. McCarthy.

Although (as with the other titles in the series) I am not sure that the rhyming narrative here is always to my taste - it sometimes feels a little forced - it does make for a fun reading experience, while the lovely illustrations, done in such detail, will keep readers involved. Having now read all five of the installments in the series, which I was lucky enough to find in boxed set a few years back, I can say that it provides a enjoyable foray into the world of Japanese folklore. I do wish that there had been more of a balance between male and female protagonists, and that, if only one female was to be included, she had been a less passive one than the Moon Princess. But then, if the editors were going by the most famous of the tales in the folk tradition, perhaps that wasn't possible? In any case, I recommend Kintaro, the Nature Boy, and all its companions, to any young readers who enjoy folk and fairy-tales, particularly if they are interested in Japan and Japanese culture. show less

Part of Kodansha Bilingual Children's Classics series, which also includes such titles as The Adventure of Momotaro, the Peach Boy, Urashima and the Kingdom Beneath the Sea, Kintaro, the Nature Boy, and The Inch-High Samurai, this lovely little picture-book offers a bilingual retelling of a classic Japanese fairy-tale about a moon princess who descends to earth, and lives for a time as the daughter of a bamboo-cutter and his wife. Sought by many princes, Princess Shining Bright has no desire show more to wed, and eventually returns - much to the sorrow of her earthly parents - to her lunar home.

I have owned this book, together with its companions, for a number of years now - I found them for sale in a wonderful little boxed set, and purchased them on the spot! - but it took an online friend's glowing review to convince me to take it down off the shelf, and actually give it a try. I'm glad that I finally did, as I enjoyed both story and artwork (especially artwork), and now plan to read the rest of the set right away. This story feels very familiar to me, but I'm struggling to think of another retelling I have read. I know that there is the Tale of the Shining Princess, but I haven't read that in some time, and am struggling to recall the details. In any case, wherever I encountered this tale before, it was agreeable to encounter it again, in such a lovely edition! show less

Part of the Kodansha Bilingual Children's Classics series, which presents traditional Japanese folktales in both English and Japanese - other titles in the set include The Moon Princess, Urashima and the Kingdom Beneath the Sea, The Adventure of Momotaro, the Peach Boy, and Kintaro, the Nature Boy - this story of a tiny, inch-high boy, born to a couple who have long desired a child, who sets out for the capital city to seek his fortune, becoming a mighty samurai and winning the hand of a show more beautiful princess, despite his small stature, is here retold in rhyming verse by Ralph F. McCarthy, together with the illustrations of Shiro Kasamatsu.

The result is a delightful little picture-book that children will enjoy reading, while poring over the detailed, colorful artwork. I think that, of all the illustrators involved in this series - Kancho Oda, Ioe Saito, Shiro Kasamatsu, and Suiho Yonai - I have enjoyed the work of Kasamatsu, who worked on both The Inch-High Samurai and Urashima and the Kingdom Beneath the Sea, best. His palette is lovely, and his figures expressive, within the confines of this particular style. All in all, a sweet little retelling of a wonderful tale from Japan, one I would recommend to any young reader with an interest in folklore or fairy-tales. show less