Momotaro the Peach Boy: A Japanese Folktale

by M.J. York (Adapter), Betsy Thompson (Illustrator)

Born from a peach, Momotaro uses courage, and sharing, to bring justice to his village. This beautifully illustrated, classic Japanese tale is one of adventure and the power of friends.

Genres: Picture Books, Folk Tales, Asian Literature, Japanese Literature, Cultural

24 pages, Library Binding

First published August 1, 2012

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great artwork to go along with a timeless tale.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was shared by the mother of the family in the book I recently read about the Japanese internment camps. Folktales always intrigue me so I was anxious to read this one. Great book!

[Stacy Renee (LazyDayLit) · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ancient folktale kept alive.

A husband and wife wish for a child. He appears in a peach!

A somewhat repetitive narrative of a boy born from magic that leaves home to conquer the enemies that terrorize his homeland.

Lessons on friendship included.

Read with my 8yo to mark off our '1001 Children's Books to Read Before You Grow Up' lists.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second story I've read in the format of big cards (rather than a printed book folktale) for kamishibai, Momotaro, is the Peach Boy. And older woman sees a peach floating down the river while she'd going laundry and when she brings it home, a boy, Mototaro pops out of the peach and becomes the laziest but strongest boy who has to fight back to help his village.

Entertaining!

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustration

Gentle retelling of the adventures of Momotaro and his friends. Simple and quick and interesting. Recommended for reading aloud. Recommended for tablet rather than iPhone.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

There could have been more pictures.
Otherwise an interesting story!

[Margaret Chind]

We read the version included in What Your Kindergartener Needs to Know.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great illustrations and Iiked the info about folk tales in the back to support this story and have the reader think more about the content lesson and their own character traits.