Illustrated by Tim Myers
Rating: Very Good
Marshall Cavendish, 2007, $16.99
ISBN: 978-0761452959
Age Level: 4-8
Meyers brings a Japanese folk-tale about the tanuki, the raccoon-dog, a new life. Definitely for the older reader due to the length of the story, but it’s well worth it! Through the adventures of Yoshi, the young tanuki, learning how to change his shape in slightly disastrous ways, children learn (and adults remember) how hard it is to keep their wits about them and know that concentration is hard for everyone. The importance of kindness and family are enforced making this story also good for learning about treating others with respect. Excellent Author’s Note at the beginning—definitely caught my attention and made me intrigued!
Reviewer: Monica Barrette, Orange Public Library
