Gift From the Mikado

by Elizabeth P. Fleming, Janet Smalley (illustrator)

The Poate children--Fred, Ernest, and Daisy--have moved to a town in northern Japan where Americans have never been seen before. Their new home had once belonged to a Japanese war lord, and the town is full of wonderful surprises and fascinating sights.

The Poates have brought with them a surprise of their own--a gift from the Mikado, the emperor of Japan. The villagers are impressed by the gift and eager to please the Poates

There is the Feast of Dolls, where Daisy and her mother see dolls dating back three hundred years, all dressed in beautiful costumes. Fred and Ernest are fascinated by the Festival of Sons, during which every house hangs out a paper carp for each boy in the family as a symbol of his bravery and strength.

There is a happy time, when a baby arrives and the new little sister, Baby-San, receives wonderful gifts from all the Poates' Japanese friends. And there are perilous times, too, when Fred and Ernest visit the cave of an "Evil Spirit," having a narrow escape from disaster, and help in a daring rescue.

all these, and many more exciting events make the Poates' life in Japan one continuous adventure. When they finally leave for the United States, they carry with them a treasure of happy times they will never forget...all part of this wonderful true story which will provide a treasure of fun for every young reader.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Japan, Fiction, Young Adult

176 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1958

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a negative preconception of this 1958 children's novel, based, unfairly, on regularly seeing it in used bookstores when I was looking for something (almost anything) else, and also on an assumption that it would be overtly educational about Japan. Happily, it turns out to be quite charming. The author bases the story on her own family's experience of living as missionaries in Japan in the 1890s, and it's mostly about their every-day doings. The four children of the family were all born in Japan, and take life there for granted, so the customs and culture are woven seamlessly into the story with no tedious explanations. The book ends with them leaving Japan, because the older boys have outgrown their mother's ability to give them a Western education at home. It's too bad there isn't a sequel about their adjustment to being back in the United States.

[Charlotte]

The pleasant happenings of the children of an American family in Japan in the early 20th century (though no date is given, that's what it felt like...). Written by the daughter of missionaries, who was the first European baby born where they were stationed, and based on her own experiences as an American child growing up in Japan; happily not too much about proselytizing and not too much patronizing the Japanese. Lots of respect for the beautiful material culture. Very interesting.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Weekley Reader book from 1958, interesting snapshot of a missionary family living and working in Japan in the late 1800's. It was written by a daughter of the family and the book says all the stories were true and talked about through the family, so it was an interesting view of Japan back then. This is told on the level of the children, so we don't get much information about how the adults felt about things, but it was interesting to hear how the kids related to Japan and Japanese children and situations.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This is a charming story of a missionary family in the 1890's who is living a Japan. The story is based on true experiences of the author whose family lived as missionaries in Japan. The story is told from the children's perspective and shares their daily experiences living and learning in Japan. The family receives a wonderful, prized gift from the Emperor during their stay. There are enchanting adventures as they learn about Japanese culture and become friends with the people of the village.

[Rebekah Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful glimpse into life in Japan just 20 years after it finally opened up to the west. Prior it had been forcefully shut off from any thing outside for 250 years by a controlling Shogun, and before that the country was preoccupied with the various battling warlords during the feudal times. A true treasure!

[libreroaming · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the more authentic portrayals of Japan from this time period where research was hard to come by. The Christian missionaries dismissing Japanese beliefs is also unfortunately authentic, but at least all the characters are written in the respectful, if not twee, way that was a staple of the genre.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written about Missionary children in Japan in the late 1890s, published in 1958, reflects the views from that time period. A bit too much proselytizing and inserting the Christian viewpoint on a different culture. The story is told from the viewpoint of the children.

[Wildmaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Supposedly a true story, but it stretches believability when everyone they meet or save is someone of importance. The family seems too good to be true.

[Sweetmongoose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful children's book published in 1958 about a missionary family living in Japan in the late 1800's. It is based on the author's family's experiences - she was the youngest daughter born during the timeline of the book (or so I gather from the author info at the back of the book). The narrative is engaging and interesting. The missionary aspect is more "a part of life" rather than didactic and annoying. The characters are likable and the illustrations are cheerful. A surprise favourite!

[Beth Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great childrens book. It full of information about life in Japan in the late 1890's for an American missionary family. There are fun and amusing stories about the family through out the book.