Basho and the Fox

Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Book
Review: I bought this book yesterday for my two daughters, both toddlers, and I'm absolutely in love with it. The storytelling and descriptions are minimalist, as is appropriate for a book about a haiku poet. Han's beautiful illustrations compliment the story well. But first and foremost, I loved the characterization of the kitsune. It comes across as quite a haughty creature in the beginning, telling Basho that the kitsune are far better poets than humans could ever be. But in the end, when Basho finally comes up with a poem that the kitsune enjoys, the reader finds out just how hilariously self- absorbed the kitsune can be. There are small references to the kitsune's family, which I appreciated, since kitsune in Japanese folklore are always concerned, first and foremost, with their families. Another thing I love about this book is that there isn't too much text on each page. As a mother of toddlers, I often find it difficult to keep their interest when a book has too many words on a page; they like to keep the pages turning quickly. I think this will be a wonderful introduction to haiku for them, as well as an interesting glimpse into the mysterious world of the kitsune. Next on my list to buy is Myers' _Tanuki's Gift_.

Rating:
Summary: Unappealing
Review: The story is mediocre and the illustrations are somber and static. This book was a great disappointment to my child.

Rating:
Summary: Simply fun
Review: This book is simple, entertaining, lovely and smart. I enjoyed reading it and wished for more, even though I am considerably over the targeted age level. The poems in the story are enough to make the reader interested in more haiku.

Rating:
Summary: Simply fun
Review: This book is simple, entertaining, lovely and smart. I enjoyed reading it and wished for more, even though I am considerably over the targeted age level. The poems in the story are enough to make the reader interested in more haiku.

Rating:
Summary: My four-year-old son loves this book!
Review: What a beautifully illustrated, powerfully written book! I was so surprised that my wildly energetic little boy (who does love books) wanted to read this book again and again. I love how the author teaches some Japanese words and how the pictures capture the essence of Japanese life in a simpler era. And I'm always thrilled when a children's book incorporates authentic, adult-level literature (the three haiku used would delight readers of any age.) The best picture is that of Basho's house and the cherry tree and the forest and the river from a bird's eye view, like a map, or rather, like all maps should be!

Rating:
Summary: My four-year-old son loves this book!
Review: What a beautifully illustrated, powerfully written book! I was so surprised that my wildly energetic little boy (who does love books) wanted to read this book again and again. I love how the author teaches some Japanese words and how the pictures capture the essence of Japanese life in a simpler era. And I'm always thrilled when a children's book incorporates authentic, adult-level literature (the three haiku used would delight readers of any age.) The best picture is that of Basho's house and the cherry tree and the forest and the river from a bird's eye view, like a map, or rather, like all maps should be!

Rating:
Summary: Unappealing
Review: What greater honor to the great poet himself than to write such an imaginative, witty, well-wrought book, and what better way to introduce a young child to the joy of haiku? I can think of none. This book embodies everything I look for in children's literature, from its playful premise, engaging story line and evocative illustrations, to the valuable lesson it imparts. If I could, I would give Basho and the Fox a 6-star rating.