Fuku Akino (1908–2001)

A man and his wife really wanted a child, and each day they prayed that they would be blessed with a child. One day Issun showed up and he was their child. However, Issun was quite different from other children as he was only one inch tall. Even though Issun was different, his parents still loved him and were blessed to have a son. Issun decided that he was going to go to the capital and when he got there he found himself a job working for the master's daughter. Eventually, Isun falls in love with the daughter and makes a wish that he could be as tall as everyone else, and she wishes the same thing as well. After they both make their wish it eventually becomes true and Issun is as tall as a regular man. This story was lovely to read, and it was a story that I had never heard before. This book would be great to read to a group of kids to expose them to different cultures and the stories that go hand in hand with the culture they are learning about.… (meer)

This is the story of a man, named Issun Boshi, which means “the Inchling,” from Japan who is only an inch tall. He travels to the palace and saves the princess from three demons. After defeating the demons, Inchling gets a magic hammer and he wishes he could be as tall as regular men. He marries the princess and they live happily ever after. The theme of this book is to never give up no matter what because even though Inchling was only an inch tall he was still able to defeat the demons and save the princess. The language throughout the story is lively and it is written the way the story would be told by people in Japan.… (meer)

There was once a couple that were old, and they desired to have children. The couple could not have children, so they prayed to the sun every day. Eventually they had a child, but the child was small. The child was not bigger than a person’s thumb, and the couple named the child Issun Boshi. Time passed by, and Issun did not grow, and when he got older he wanted to go to the capital. The parents watched Issun leave the village with a chopstick and a soup bowl. Issun walked and walked, and could not find the path to the capital. He asked an ant, and the ant gave him directions. When he arrived, he was amazed with the capital. Issun wanted a job, so he went to a mansion and asked the lord for a job. The lord asked Issun what he could do, and Issun danced. The lord of the house enjoyed his dance, and Issun was hired. Issun mostly helped the princess, and the princess loved him. One day when the princess and Issun went to do an errand, demons appeared on the road. Issun jumped on top of one demon’s eye and plucked it with his sword. Issun defeated the demons, and one demon left his magical mallet. Issun made a wish to become tall, and he became tall. The princess and Isunn married, and his parents came to visit. The book shows readers the culture and beliefs of China. It also does a good job by showing China’s clothing.… (meer)