Issunboshi

by George Suyeoka (Illustrator), Robert B. Goodman (Adapter), Robert A. Spicer (Adapter)

Armed with a needle for a sword, Issunboshi, the one-inch boy, becomes bodyguard to the Prime Minister's beautiful daughter, Miyuki. On the day she asks him to journey to the Shrine of Ise, where she will pray for a husband, his heart shatters for he is in love. How can the one-inch warrior of this classic Japanese folktale prove his worth to the lovely princess? To this day, all over Japan, the story of Issunboshi is famous: the inch-boy who had within himself the bravery, the determination, and the love that are the mark of every full-sized man.

Genres: Japan, Childrens

68 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1981

Reviews

[Jonathan Maas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good drawings of a classic tale - I highly recommend it!

[Lyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to grow up with this Japanese tale. Suyeoka's art is just stunning.

[Beth Hermes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It had great vibrant pictures. I also liked that at the end of the book there was "An introduction to things Japanese" which included both a picture and an explination. This is a nice tool for children to use in order to become more familiar with Japanese culture.