Two Tengu
Tales from Japan retold by Duncan Ball, illustrated by David Allan
(Christmas Press) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN 9780992283865
Reviewed by Dianne Bates
Thank goodness for Christmas Press
which works hard to introduce young Australian readers to legends, myths and
folklore from other countries! Here is its latest offering, a lively retelling
by a well-known children’s author of stories about tengu, magical beings from
Japan who grant wishes to those who ask them. However, tengu are tricksters…
In the first story, ‘Kenji’s Magic
Sandals’, a small boy cares for his sick, bed-bound mother. When the money runs
out, Mum tells Kenji to go to Uncle Gozo to ask for medicine; she will repay
him when spring comes and Kenji and his mother can sell their crops. However,
after Gozo refuses, Kenji is visited by a tengu who gives him gold – but with a
condition attached. Happily, it is a condition that exacts revenge – against
the selfish uncle!
In the second story, ‘The Invisible
Cloak’, we are introduced to Hikoichi, a sneaky and lazy fellow who meets with
a tengu who has the ability to make himself invisible. Hikoichi tricks the
magical being – but meets with mischief himself after he commits crimes against
others. A humorous – and embarrassing -- ending to a man who deserves it!
This is a gorgeously presented book,
well-designed with illustrations in the Japanese tradition which are so
attractive they make you want to pour over them. In keeping with other
Christmas Press folklore titles (go to http://christmaspresspicturebooks.com)
the cover is presented like a series of woodblock shapes with illustrations
from inside the book. These beautifully rendered illustrations are contained
within blocks with fine line and wash realistic pictures. Occasionally, such as
when the tengu appears – an ordinary, bearded man wearing wings and sandals – a
double spread is employed. Even the fly pages in this wonderful book are
interesting, with black, white and grey Japanese masks.
This is a book which will be enjoyed
by all ages. Duncan Ball, David Allan and the production team at Christmas
Press have done a splendid job!
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