The Bamboo Cutter & the Moon Maiden: A Japanese Folk Tale

by Teresa Pierce Williston, Dilleen Marsh (Illustrator)

This charming retelling of a Japanese folktale couples stunning illustrations with a magical story of love, integrity, and self-sacrifice. The tale begins when a loving couple discovers a tiny baby girl in a thicket of bamboo stalks and takes her home to raise as their own. The Bamboo Princess, as she comes to be known, grows into womanhood while fending off suitors, caring for her new family, and ultimately fulfilling her destiny by returning to her true and rightful home—the moon. In the mold of traditional Japanese morality tales, this story reinforces values of bravery, hard work, and humility. A full explanation of the research and meticulous preparations behind the illustrator’s intricate artwork, which harkens back to time-honored Japanese block prints, is also included.

Genres: Japan, Asia

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 28, 2006

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Japanese fairytale/folktale about a little girl found in the bamboo reeds and her devotion to her adopted parents as she grows up. Filled with typical moral lessons and a mystical ending, it’s an enjoyable read for the entire family.

Ages: 4+

Cleanliness: typical fairytale magic. Mentions dragons.

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[N.G. Gallegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

The words and illustrations are enchanting. I loved it sooo much!

My only complaint!! too short!! I wanted moreeeee!!

[Christyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Bamboo Cutter & the Moon Maiden is based on an old Japanese Folk tale, Kaguya Hime (as I remember it or The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter). I think this particular retelling was made to be more kid-friendly than the one I remember, certain events happened differently (or not happening at all). The main points (generally) stayed the same (with the most notable exception being the explanation about Fuji Yama). I'm not sure why some of the names (for the princes) appeared as such, or why a "forgetful" potion was used instead of staying true to the original (and by "original" I mean the one I originally remember) - so these things kind of bothered me, but not in a huge way.

What really set this story apart was not necessarily the story itself (at least not for me). It was the artwork. The illustrations, while perhaps not historically or culturally accurate (I can't be certain, I'm no expert - but I don't necessarily expect them to be either) they were still beautiful, colorful, eye catching and detailed. I also enjoyed the use both visually and symbolically of the bamboo borders (on the pages featuring one of the five princes in their attempts to fulfill their task). This book is worth going through for the illustrations alone. I don't expect books geared towards children to hold true to their original form (The Little Mermaid, anyone?), so if those familiar with the tale keep that in mind it's a fair introduction to the tale of Kaguya Hime.

[Lo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, this picture book is amazing. The last few pages had me in tears. How often does that happen with any kind of book?
I originally sought this book after seeing the movie, The Tale of Princess Kaguya. The book delivers the emotional punch in 3o pages that the movie does in 3 hours.
Illustrations are one of the main draws for me in picture books and this one does not disappoint. I appreciate the inclusion of notes from the illustrator.
This is a great book to read to your children or just by yourself, as I do.

[Aggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so hauntingly beautiful , the words and illustrations!