The Coming of the Bear (Zenta & Matsuzo Myst) [Paperback]

Lensey Namioka (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2005 | Age Level: 9 and up | Series: Zenta & Matsuzo Myst

Zenta and Matsuzo's boat arrives at the shore of an island populated by round-eyed Ainu people. Although they seem friendly, Zenta and Matsuzo soon learn that they are prisoners!

After fleeing to the Japanese settlement on another part of the island, Zenta and Matsuzo discover that the Japanese are making preparations for war. With conflicting views on the matter, Zenta and Matsuzo part ways. Can they prevent the battle or will they find themselves fighting one another?

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

In the newest entry in this action-packed series, Namioka's two wandering samurai are shipwrecked on the northern island of Ezo (modern Hokkaido) and find themselves trying to avert a battle between a new Japanese settlement and the indigenous Ainu. As in their previous adventures, Zenta and Matsuzo have a mystery to solve: a bear has been attacking the Japanese, and it soon becomes evident that it has been trained to do so. By whom? There are suspects on both sides. The two ronin are given complex character traits--young Matsuzo's optimistic enthusiasm plays off Zenta's moodiness and experience, often to comic effect--and the author throws up a few red herrings to complicate the otherwise simple, quickly paced plot. There is some violence--the culprits and several bears die--but it's emphasized less than the theme of working toward peace. (Fiction. 11-14) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (September 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804836132
• ISBN-13: 978-0804836135
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #623,056 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Too bad this is out of print, January 19, 2011

By 

donndilis - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Coming of the Bear (Zenta & Matsuzo Myst) (Paperback)

The Zenta and Matsuzo mysteries are all worth reading-they are light, interesting, humerous, and have interesing plots and characters. Kids needn't know this, but they are getting a good dose of history and culture along with the fun and laughs, yet the books are never given to either political correctness nor stereotyping. A must for every child's library, and maybe some adult libraries as well!

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book, December 9, 2006

By 

K. SANGER - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Coming of the Bear (Zenta & Matsuzo Myst) (Paperback)

We really liked it. And it was hilarioius. We have read most of the books (daughter aged 7 and dad aged 34). In comparison to the rest of the books, we think it was much better. We liked all of the rest of the books that we have read.