Magic and the Night River

by Eve Bunting, Allen Say (Illustrator)

A Japanese boy and his grandfather fish successfully with their cormorants because they have treated the birds with kindness.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Japan, Picture Books

44 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Also known as Evelyn Bolton and A.E. Bunting.

Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.

Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.

In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.

Reviews

[Taylor Ren’e Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet, short story about love, kindness, and family traditions set in Japan.

[Rhea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The message of the story is as good as the illustration, as it shows the kindness in the man's heart. It's like giving and receiving at the same time.

[Jeani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really smart.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since we purchased this book for our oldest son in 1978 or 1979. I have read it over and over to children of all ages. It is one of our favorite weekly reader children's books. I highly recommend it to everyone of all ages and all walks of life. Very, Very good book.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story illustrating how kindness goes a lot farther than meanness.