PICTURE BOOK

FOLKTALE

"Although he was only one inch tall,

he had the heart of a lion."

This is a Japanese version of Tom Thumb but with soldiers,

a giant monster and a princess.

The reviewer notes that small, but mighty little Issunboshi, makes quite an impression. The use of Japanese brushwork for the illustrations adds great drama to this tale. The story illustrates that size isn't everything has a somewhat Disney-like ending. But bravery, cleverness and perseverance save the day.

From B. G. Hennessy: All three of my sons, and now my grand daughter love this book. A superb example of how perspective can make illustrations soar, my favorite is the guards all looking down at our tiny hero, but my boys loved the cut away version of Issunboshi furiously jabbing the giant's stomach with a needle.

Jab! Jab! Jab!

REVIEWED BY BRETT

#folktale #picturebook