Jiro's Pearl

by Daniel Powers

Sent by his ailing grandmother to sell the last of their rice to buy medicine, young Jiro loses the rice on the way to town and embarks on a magical adventure that teaches him the rewards of duty, trust, and generosity, in an original fairy tale set in ancient Japan."

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction

26 pages, Paperback

First published June 2, 1997

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jiro has simple instructions. Take the last of the fine white rice to town, sell it, and use the money to buy medicine for his very ill grandmother. AND do not stop along the way. But like all children he gets distracted chasing a toad and leaved the rice on the ground where it is eaten by crows. He gets a second chance from the village pharmacist. This time the instructions are more complicated and he must follow them exactly. He is tested several times on following instructions exactly. Wonderful adventures follow and he is rewarded with a HUGE pearl. I loved how the story turned from what is in it for me to what can I do for others. And his generosity was rewarded beyond his wildest dreams.

[Lde212_06 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to read out loud to children or have them read themselves. It is really easy to get captivated in this book as it takes you on this adventure with Jiro. The illustrations are beautifully done and help in assisting children to follow along with the text of the book. During his journey Jiro learns many life lessons along the way. This would be a good book to diversify your class by incorporating the Japanese culture. Teachers could read this book to students and have them create their own alternative endings to this adventurous story.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed in this book. The illustrations are lovely, but the story-line itself was only so-so. Young Jino is sent on an errand by his sick grandmother, but has distracting adventures in spite of his grandmother's warnings not to stop along the way. The underlying themes of loyalty and generosity are good ones, but somehow it just didn't all come together for me.

[CR Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

this guy is sooo talented.