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Picture Books 

Baker, Keith THE MAGIC FAN(Harcourt Brace, 1989 $14.95) 
Guided by a magic fan, Yoshi builds a boat to catch the moon, a kite to reach the clouds and a bridge that saves the villagers from a tidal wave. 
Our enjoyment of this book is enhanced by our memories of Keith Baker's visit to ASIJ. It was a surprise to learn that the illustrations which carry the story were made before the author had seen Japan firsthand. He has truly captured the essence of the landscape and rustic architecture. There is a folkart flavor to the presentation which compliments the folklore flavor of the storytelling. Though this is an original story, Baker has based it on the Japanese superstition that a restless fish at the bottom of the sea is the source of earthquakes and tidal waves. 

Merrill, Jean THE GIRL WHO LOVED CATERPILLARS (Philomel Books, 1992 $14.95) 
In this retelling of an anonymous twelfth-century Japanese story, the young woman Izumi resists social and family pressures as she befriends caterpillars and other socially unacceptable creatures. 
A thought-provoking tale providing a springboard to discussion of gender-based roles and stereotypes. 

Morimoto, Junko THE INCH BOY(Viking Kestrel, 1986 $10.95) 
A favorite telling of the Japanese Tom Thumb story Issunboshi. 

 Paterson, Katherine THE TALE OF THE MANDARIN DUCKS (Dutton Books, 1990 $14.95) A pair of mandarin ducks, separated by a cruel lord who wishes to possess the drake for his colorful beauty, reward a compassionate couple who risk their lives to reunite the ducks. 
Beautifully told by Newbery winner Paterson and beautifully illustrated in the ukiyo-e style by Caldecott winners Leo and Diane Dillon. 

Snyder, Dianne THE BOY OF THE THREE YEAR NAP (Houghton Mifflin, Co. 1988 $15.95) A poor Japanese woman maneuvers events to change the lazy habits of her son. 
A delightful Japanese trickster story and Caldecott Honor Book illustrated by Allen Say. 

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