Daniel Powers

Jiro and his grandmother are poor, country folk who against the odds, happy. One day, grandmother gets sick and needs Jiro to take the last bit of rice they have and go sell it in the market for medicine. Before Jiro sets off, his grandmother warns him to go straight there and to not stray. He sets off clear minded and attentive but soon he is distracted by a toad. The toad was his family animal and he dropped the bag to go in search of the toad. When he comes back, the rice had been eaten by crows. Still in need of medicine, Jiro goes to yakuzaishi (the medicine man) and explains his situation. He is able to help Jiro but needs two favors in return. These favors lead him to the bay where he is to take a boat out to the middle and call for a fish and also do not forget the task like he forgot grandmothers. When Jiro gets to the middle of the ocean, he calls for the great fish who can also help him. The fish gives Jiro a large pearl, he too has two favors. Do not forget him as he forgot his grandmother and do not sell this pearl. As the boy was walking back to the village he sees a beggar and decides to GIVE him this pearl, this does not interfere with his promise. Finally the toad that first caused the trouble leaps from Jiro's robe and turns into a woman. She tells him that she is so impressed and that his grandmother is now well and that they will have treasures of all they would want. Once Jiro returns home, he sees that grandmother is no longer sick and they are now rich!

I really enjoyed this book. I thought that the story was great and was able to get the point across with being aimed at young children. I think that this book wanted us to take away the thought process behind doing what we are told. Jiro did what he was told but after he learned that he messed up and did not do it the first time. The illustrator also did a fantastic job! I really like how you felt the culture. The Japanese feel to this book was on every page, whether it is the watercolor feel, the bright colors, or the very small details that are put into each page.… (más)