The Inch Boy

by Junko Morimoto (Illustrator)

An inch-high boy proves himself a warrior by vanquishing the dreaded giant red demon with his cunning and bravery

Genres: Picture Books, Japan, Childrens, Folklore

32 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 1988

About the author

Junko Morimoto (1932–) graduated from Kyoto University of Fine Art and worked as an art teacher at an Osaka high school before becoming Art Director of the Children's Art Studio in Osaka. Her books, which include The Inch Boy, Mouse's Marriage, and My Hiroshima, have been published in the United States, Japan, Australia, England, and other European countries. My Hiroshima is now used as a text in Hiroshima high schools to study English and to promote peace. Junko currently lives in Australia.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

aah...
Well, given the name of the illustrator, I'm going to assume that this is not unfaithful to Japanese traditions and culture. Helen Smith is listed on the copyright page as the adaptor... given the minor notice given her I'll assume this to be a straightforward translation. But there are no enrichment notes to confirm any of this.

I have seen other stories of a tiny boy who becomes a hero, set in a Japanese context. I assume they're related. But I don't recall any specific episodes from one to another. This one has only one adventure, and no explanation of the hero's awarded name, "General Horikawa." It's an awfully scant story, iow.

However. The illustrations are absolutely terrific. So lively. Vibrant without being gaudy, light-hearted without being frivolous, and both specifically Japanese (as best as I can tell) and also universal. Just wonderful. I really would love to find more by Junko Morimoto.

[Jack Kirby and the X-man · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully illustrated version of the traditional Japanese fairy tale of Issunboshi, or Little Inch Boy.

Junko Morimoto does a fantastic job at capturing the differences in scale - I particularly like the illustration of Issunboshi rowing down the river to Kyoto using a rice bowl as a boat and a chopstick as an oar.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Japanese folk tale. Lovely illustrations. Look for Issumboshi in the river as he reaches the big city.

My 6yo really enjoys this book - he especially likes how Issumboshi uses his size and wits to defeat the red demon.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A couple ask for a child who they have longed for, and he appears the next morning but he is only an inch high. This disadvantage does not stop him in his desire to become a Samurai so he sets off on a journey to become one.

[Granny Weatherwax · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations but, as with most tales of this kind, the hero is only bathed in glory when he is transformed into 'normal ' size.