Tanuki's Gift: a Japanese Tale by Tim Myers, Illus. by R.G. Roth,
2003.
Here is another tale retold by Tim Myer (See
Basho
and the Fox ) about another tanuki ( See my other
Tanuki
post). It is set in old time Japan and according to Myer, is a variation of a
"ongaeshi" or "debt of gratitude" story. A humble and
devout priest takes in a tanuki (raccoon -dog) on a snowy night. The
two becomes best friends, and every night during the winter season, for ten
years, the tanuki visits the holy man. Eventually, the priest's small friend asks if
there is a way to repay him for all of his kindness. The priest shares a wish
with the tanuki ,and upon its fulfillment, he learns something very important.
This is a sweet and touching tale, moving without being sappy.
R.G. Roth's art is intentionally naive and joyful. The tanuki especially
looks like it was drawn by a child. I really love the picture of the broadly
smiling and exuberant priest enjoying his tanuki friend's juggling and another
of the holy man, looking thrilled, floating off to paradise while wearing a
halo, and holding on to a parasol. The illustrations are done in gouche,
watercolor, oil pastel and ink.
Readers will enjoy this lovely, gentle book. Share it with your own friends!
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