The Two Bullies [Library Binding]

Junko Morimoto (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 20, 1999 | Age Level: 5 and up

Winner of Australia's Children's Book Council Picture Book of the Year Award (burst or headline)

What happens with Ni-ou, the self-proclaimed "strongest fellow in Japan" rows to China to challenge his counter part, Dokkoi? Not what you'd expect. These two enormous bullies are big on brawn but low on bravery--and brains! Soon Ni-oi is hiding in the bathroom after hearing Dokkoi's thunderous footsteps. And Dokkoi is duped by the false show of Ni-oi's strength. Before they know ti, both bullies are back safe at home, grateful that they never had to fight. Eve since that day, when people in China lift up something heavy, they say, "Ni-ou!" And in Japan they say, "Dokkoi-sho!" The short accessible text makes this folktale perfect for younger children. With hilarious illustrations by an award-winning Japanese artist and the silly antics of two goofy bullies, this story proves that bigger isn't necessarily better.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Imbued with a Japanese sensibility, Morimoto's artwork is a model of balance, her spare, uncluttered backdrops and clean sweep of brushwork creating a strong visual presence in this subtly humorous picture book. Ni-ou, the self-proclaimed "strongest fellow in Japan," sets out to challenge his Chinese counterpart, Dokkoi. Ni-ou travels across the sea and settles in to wait for him, but after being told that what sounds like an earthquake is actually the returning Dokkoi's footsteps, he experiences a sudden change of heart and hightails it back to Japan. Flinging an anchor out across the sea, Dokkoi snags his erstwhile challenger's boat. Ni-ou files through the chain with a knife conveniently given him by a priest, but Dokkoi thinks Ni-ou has ripped it apart; and the two bellicose blusterers go home immensely relieved to have avoided a showdown. The text acts as a foil for the droll watercolors, as when readers are told matter-of-factly that Ni-ou "climbed out of [Dokkoi's] bathroom window," but see that in fact he's torn an enormous hole in the side of Dokkoi's house in his eagerness to flee. Set against a parchment-brown background, the artwork combines traditional stylized Japanese elements with a contemporary tweaking of perspectives. The outsize Ni-ou and Dokkoi are feisty caricatures of belligerence, and their story is not just entertaining but also a lively commentary on the true nature of bullies. Ages 3-7. (July)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-An original Japanese tale about two big bullies who become so intimidated by one another that they lose their will to fight. Ni-ou proclaims himself "the strongest fellow in Japan," and seeks to broaden his fame by traveling across the ocean to challenge the renowned Chinese strongman Dokkoi. On his way, Ni-ou meets a mysterious priest who gives him a file that will cut through anything. As Ni-ou waits at his enormous opponent's house, the thunder of Dokkoi's approaching footsteps intimidates him to such a degree that he escapes through the bathroom window rather than face him. Dokkoi chases after him, heaving an anchor at Ni-ou's retreating boat to stop him. But when Ni-ou cuts the heavy anchor chain with his file, Dokkoi concludes that Ni-ou has ripped it apart with his bare hands, and breathes a sigh of relief not to have met him face to face. Splendid watercolor illustrations enhance this story's humor and sense of place. The depictions of the vast, undulating sea with its towering stylized waves are particularly impressive. Although the translated text does not flow as smoothly as the sea, it does not detract too greatly from the overall success of the book.
Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (July 20, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517800624
• ISBN-13: 978-0517800621
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,824,830 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Two Bullies, June 5, 2001

By 

"killakaz" (Gold Coast, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Two Bullies (Library Binding)

A hilarious tale of conflict, with an ironic twist. Ni-ou, the Japanese giant, decides to challenge Dokkoi, the Chinese giant, to see who is the strongest. Although through a strange chain of events, they never get to hold the challenge - and they both end up scared of, and have a newfound respect for each other. This story goes to show that the strongest man doesn't always win!