The Inch Boy

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3 Years ago, Virginia Haviland introduced children to the ``One-inch Fellow'' in Favorite Fairy Tales Told in Japan (Little, 1967; o.p.). Now Morimoto revives the story of the Japanese ``Tom Thumb'' in this lively but somewhat varied version. An elderly couple's prayers are answered when Buddha sends them a boy. Although Issunboshi is only one inch tall, he is brave and full of ambition. When he becomes a young man, he travels to Kyoto to become a Samurai. With the help of a sword (his mother's sewing needle) and a quick wit, he destroys the evil Red Demon. The vanquished giant's magic hammer turns Issumboshi into a full-grown man with a ``happily ever after'' life. Morimoto's illustrations are large and bold. Striking colors splash across the pages, and a full-page Buddha appears dramatically luminescent. The perspectiveoften from the view of a small figure looking upwill delight young sensibilities. The action and humor of the harmonious pictures and text make this an excellent choice for group presentation. Barbara C. Webber, Gordon-Barbour Elementary School Library, Gordonsville, Va.