"The tales told in this book…are now retold here by Mrs. Yasuda with exquisiteness…They will be, I am sure, read by Western children with the same delight and the thrill as by the children of this country." —<b>Shinzo Koizumi, Advisor for the Education of the Crown Prince of Japan</b>
"With her extraordinary command of English and great love of children, no one could have been better suited for the work than Mrs. Yasuda, and I know lovers of fairy tales all over the world…will welcome her contribution to their collection." —<b>Mrs. Takakichi Aso, Daughter of Mr. Shigeru Yoshida, former Prime Minister of Japan</b>
"<i>Japanese Myths, Legends & Folktales</i> is a beautifully illustrated bilingual (Japanese/English) compendium of 12 authentic Japanese folktales…Certain to be an enduringly popular and entertaining addition to family, school, and community library Folklore/Fairytale, as well as Bilingual collections for young readers ages 5-14." —<b><i>Midwest Book Review</i></b>
Embark on a captivating journey withJapanese Myths, Legends & Folktales—a beautifully illustrated bilingual collection of Japan's most beloved stories. This edition presents 12 classic tales in both English and Japanese, making it perfect for classrooms, libraries, and families looking to introduce children to Japanese culture while supporting language learning.
The classic folktales include:
- The Tongue-Cut Sparrow
- The Peach Boy
- The Strong Boy
- The Marriage of a Mouse
- The Fisherman and the Tortoise
- The Luminous Princess
- The Kachi Kachi Mountain
- The Old Men with Wens
- The Old Man Who Made Trees Blossom
- The One-Inch Boy
- The Lucky Cauldron
- The Monkey and Crab Fight
Each story, retold by author Yuri Yasuda and richly illustrated with 98 vibrant color illustrations by two of Japan's leading children's book artists, brings to life the whimsical characters and timeless wisdom of Japanese folklore. Presented in English alongside Japanese text with furigana, this collection is ideal for young Japanese language learners and cultural explorers alike.
Whether it's the magical turtle-back ride to the underwater palace of the dragon princess or the adventures of a "tea kettle" that's actually a mischievous badger, these stories are designed to spark imagination and curiosity, while fostering language skills and a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture.