BR 2-09: The Peach Boy

“ “Don't worry,” said Peach Boy.  ”(Frith, 2009, p.16)

The Peach Boy

I would like to talk about “The Peach Boy”. The Peach Boy is an ancient Japanese legend, known as ‘Momotaro’ (which means ‘Peach Boy’). Almost Japanese people know this story, and maybe almost people like this story. The Peach Boy is Japanese hero, so almost children yearn for him. I like this story too. Also peaches are a symbol of good luck for couples who are trying to have a baby in Japan.

I will introduce this story a little. Once upon a time, an old woman and an old man lived by a river. Every Monday, the old woman went to the river to wash their clothes. One morning, she saw something floating on the water. It was the biggest peach she had ever seen, she was surprised very much. And then, she fished out the peach and rolled it home. Old man was surprised too.

They want to eat the peach right away, because the peach looks very juicy and very delicious. They try to cut the peach to eat it. Suddenly the peach split in two, and there was a little boy inside the peach. Old woman and old man didn't have a baby, so they decided to bring up the little boy, and they call him “Peach Boy”. He grew up quickly, and he is stronger than other children.

One day, peach boy came to a nearby village. People who live in the village were very upset. Peach boy is very kind, so he can't let the thing what people were in trouble. The peach boy asked what happened in the village to people of the village, then people cried that Giant ogres came and took all our jewels. It is not kind thing, the peach boy thought. The peach boy try to fight to Giant ogres. What happens to the peach boy?

I thought this book is interesting, but illustration is not good for me. All pictures is not vividly, so I can't enjoy to read the book enough. I want to draw pictures more vividly. However story is interesting. I don't remember a story of Japanese version, but it is similar to Japanese version's story. There's a little different scene in the peach boy, so I recommend you to read the book which finding a difference.

This book is Usborne First Reading series, and this book is level 4. It is easy to read, so you can read the book quickly. This book is easy, because sentences are very short and easy, and sentences are few in the book. I recommend you to read this book. Please read this book!

Reference

Frith, Alex. (2009). The Peach Boy. London, England: Usborne.

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