Abstract

♪ Donburako~ donburakokko, sukkokko! ♪

A giant peach comes bobbing down the river—and so begins Momotaro, The Peach Boy, one of Japan’s best-known folktales. This is Vol. 2 of the Japanese Folktales, Japanese-English Bilingual Picture Book series.

This delightful bilingual picture book retells the classic Japanese folktale of Momotaro in both Japanese and English. With lively, rhythmic text that children will want to read aloud and warm, gentle illustrations, the story is a joy to read and share.

In this humorous retelling, the famous kibidango (millet dumplings) give Momotaro and his companions a hundred times more courage—and even make the ogres kinder! Children can enjoy the adventure while naturally discovering positive values along the way, making this an ideal introduction to Japanese folktales.

Downloadable audio allows children to enjoy the story by listening in both Japanese and English. Perfect for reading aloud with children, the book also makes a wonderful gift.

Five Key Features:
1. Bilingual Japanese-English text
Enjoy the story in either Japanese or English.
2. A carefully selected collection of classic Japanese folktales
An ideal introduction to traditional Japanese stories.
3. Rhythmic, read-aloud-friendly text
Carefully crafted language makes the story fun to say, hear, and share.
4. Warm and beautiful illustrations
Charming artwork brings the scenes and characters of Japanese folktales vividly to life.
5. Downloadable audio
Enjoy listening to the story in both Japanese and English.

Target Audience:
Ages 3 and up
Also recommended for libraries, kindergartens, preschools, schools, and international exchange organizations.

Downloadable Audio:
Japanese and English audio versions are available.

Read-Aloud Videos:
Includes read-aloud videos in both Japanese and English.

Author’s Information

Yukari Kakita: Born in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. She is a member of the Japan Children’s Book Artists Society. Her major works include Natsu Yasai no Natsu Yasumi (Summer Vacation for Summer Vegetables), Fuyu Yasumi no Fuyu Yasai (Winter Vacation for Winter Vegetables), Aki Yasai no Aki Wasshoi (Autumn Festival for Autumn Vegetables), and Haru Yasai no Haru Yasumi (Spring Vacation for Spring Vegetables), written by Kirin Hayashi and published by Hikari no Kuni, as well as Osama no Tanjobi Present (The King’s Birthday Present) and Osama no Picnic (The King’s Picnic), published by Sekai Bunka Publishing. In 2019, she published her first original picture book, Goton-san no Jagaimo (Mr. Goton’s Potatoes), with Akachan to Mama Sha. Her work spans a wide range of fields, including books, magazines, and advertising. She has developed a distinctive style that combines gentle humor and warmth with realistic detail and a touch of fantasy.

Lisa Vogt: Born in Washington State, USA. She studied Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at Temple University’s graduate school and has devoted many years to English-language education and cross-cultural understanding, serving as a specially appointed professor at Meiji University and a part-time lecturer at Aoyama Gakuin University. Through NHK English-language programs, newspaper and magazine columns, lectures, and language-learning books, she has shared the power of language and the wonders of the world in an engaging and accessible way. She has also translated classic children’s stories for bilingual editions, and her rhythmic, reader-friendly English has appealed to readers of all ages. An accomplished photographer, she has traveled to more than 60 countries and received a BBC award for her photographs of polar bears in the Arctic and penguins in Antarctica. In this book, she brings the warmth and joy of a beloved Japanese folktale to life in lively, flowing English.