Customer Reviews

Peach Boy

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a wonderful way to explore the similarities and differences among fairy tales of different countries. Some classic themes emerge - such a childless couple whose prayers are answered when they receive a child from an unusual source (such as a peach, in the title story). Or Silly Saburo, who takes all instructions too literally, like a Japanese Amelia Bedelia. Then there are some delightfully bizarre and unique tales, such as The Magic Teakettle, in which the teakettle is really a talented and lucky badger in disguise, or The Long-Nosed Goblins, whose noses can travel for miles to search out good smells. The illustrations, some color and some black & white, are charming and bring the endearing characters to life. I would recommend this book for children 4 - 8 (and adults who can't resist).

As a USA native, I grew up in Japan from ages 4-8. I recall reading these tales (but not sure in which books). It contains some of my favorite stories, including: Peach Boy (Momotaro) and the Long Nosed Goblins. My son (now 7) has also enjoyed these tales for several years now.

When I read it now, the wording and translations occasionally seem a bit clunky. I think this is because it was written when there was far less knowledge of Japanese culture (1958). My son does not care, and is as enchanted with these tales as I once was. The illustrations are great, mostly B&W but some in color (the B&W ones are better).

The book contains the following stories (which range from 3-9 pages apiece):
Peach Boy, The Magic Teakettle, Monkey-Dance and Sparrow-Dance, The Long-Nosed Goblins, The Rabbit in the Moon, The Tongue-Cut Sparrow, Silly Saburo, The Toothpick Warriors, and The Sticky-Sticky Pine.

This is a family favorite. I bought this book when our Navy family was
stationed overseas in Japan! I read it often to my first son, MY Peach
Boy! Now his wife is pregnant with their first son---and I have bought
another copy for him. I know my son and his family will enjoy sharing
this, and it will become part of the fabric of childhood once more!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND this wonderful Japanese classic. ENJOY!

i take care of my daughter and a little boy, both two years old, and i am teaching them about other cultures (one a month) for... well, forever. right now part of their education is traditional stories from each we study.
this book is PERFECT for that!!! this is exactly what you expect from the description. it includes the stories peach boy, the magic teakettle, monkey-dance and sparrow-dance, the long nosed goblins, the rabit in the moon, the toungue-cut sparrow, silly saburo, the toothpick warriors, and the sticky-sticky pine.

the illustrations are pretty small- at least not full page, but the kids love it as much or more than any of their massive colour packed picture books.

highly reccomended for anyone who would like to have a really great little collection of traditional japanese stories

My kids have some Japanese heritage, and I want them to learn about their heritage and read stories that I did as a kid. This book includes stories I'm not familiar along with the very famous Momotaro (Peach Boy). The stories are relatively long with VERY limited pictures. However, my 4 year old loves it. The morals are often about not being greedy or mean.