This tale has been interpreted as a Japanese parody of male-dominated sumo wrestling. When a poor couple rescue an imp caught under a fallen tree, the magical creature rewards them by granting three wishes. Carelessly, the man wishes for a pan of sausages for supper. His wife is so incensed that she wishes the string of sausages were hanging from his nose. Sadly, the couple come to an understanding that their last wish must be spent undoing the damage caused by their lack of foresight.
Muted watercolours complement the tender, gentle storyline.
A young boy tells his mother a favourite story - how he travelled from his home in Asia across the ocean to meet adoptive parents that he knows only through photographs he has been given. An interesting perspective on adoption. First person narration. Grades K to 2 Through the Eyes of a Child. A useful study of children's literature focusing on evaluating, selecting, and sharing children's story books.