From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4-This original story set in old Japan is told with the flowing style of a traditional tale. Akoya, a beautiful, gifted storyteller, lives with her parents at their inn. One night, a samurai comes begging for a meal and she takes pity on him, although her parents say that he is really a fox and can't be trusted. For payment, he gives her a black kettle saying, "If you care for it like your own child, rice will always grow in the village fields." Each time she polishes it, three foxes jump out. When she feeds them, they turn into three strong men and plant and nurture her father's fields. Trouble comes when a rich landowner demands that she move to his mansion. Akoya's mother refuses to feed a samurai fox and the next morning the kettle is gone. The crops wither, the foxes are blamed, and a hunt is planned. Akoya then comes up with a clever plan that will allow her to escape the landowner, return to her aging parents, grow a good rice crop, and feed the foxes in thanks. Langston blends strong characterization and story line with magic, power, and the satisfaction of goodness triumphing over evil. Colorful and detailed watercolor, pencil-crayon, and computer-pixel illustrations add to the story, which begs to be shared aloud.
Nancy A. Gifford, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Nancy A. Gifford, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
