Items related to Little Inchkin: A Tale of Old Japan

Little Inchkin: A Tale of Old Japan - Softcover

  • 3.52 out of 5 stars
    25 ratings by Goodreads
 
9780711209176: Little Inchkin: A Tale of Old Japan

Synopsis

A re-telling of a Japanese folk tale, with paintings inspired by 19th-century Japanese prints. Hana and Tanjo long for a child. Buddha listens to their prayers - but the baby grows no bigger than a lotus blossom. French's previous books are Rise, Shine! and Anancy and Mr Dry-Bone.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

Little Inchkin, the hero of this well-known Japanese tale, is no bigger than a pea pod, but he has large dreams nonetheless. Taking a sword made from a needle and millet straw, and clad in "armor of beetles' wings," young Inchkin sets off to make his fortune. After bravely protecting Prince Sanjo's daughter from two fiery demons, the small hero is rewarded by Lord Buddha, who grants his dearest wish--to be as tall as other men. Inchkin not only marries his princess in the end, but "small or tall" he becomes "the most honored samurai swordsman in the land." French's ( Snow White in New York ; Anancy and Mr. Dry Bones ) economical and well-paced prose is perfectly matched by the brilliance of her full-spread illustrations. Her paintings, similar in style to Leo and Diane Dillon's The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks , recall 18th-century Japanese art. Like theater curtains, intricate right and left borders set off the center stage, where stylized figures with Kabuki faces enact the story. French's complex designs, especially of the dragon-like demons and the costumes of Inchkin and his princess, are dazzling without being overwhelming, opulent but never cluttered. The combination of elegant compositions and lush colors lends unusual depth. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-6-Issunboshi, here called Inchkin, is the Japanese Tom Thumb. After setting out to seek his fortune, the tiny man enters the service of a great lord, saves the man's daughter from demons, grows to normal height, and marries the princess. French's text is smooth and lively, but does not bring out the detailed delight in the hero's proportional paraphernalia that is so integral to the original tale. Also, Inchkin's parents' shame at his size and relief when he leaves home are interpolations that distort the story. Illustrations are bright, colorful, and largely inaccurate: costumes and buildings are most often Chinese; the princess's hairdo is rather Persian; and the demons are strongly reminiscent of the lion-dogs of Chinese acrobatic acts. Detailed borders framing each double-page spread are attractive but distracting, overburdening an already heavy design. The best versions of this tale are sadly out of print: George Suyeoka's Issunboshi (Island Heritage, 1974; o.p.), which has stunningly beautiful and absolutely accurate illustrations, and Barbara Johnes Brenner's Little One Inch (Coward, 1977; o.p.). Those titles are both far truer to the original than French's offering.
John Philbrook, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

  • PublisherFrances Lincoln Ltd
  • Publication date1995
  • ISBN 10 0711209170
  • ISBN 13 9780711209176
  • BindingPaperback
  • Number of pages32
  • Rating
    • 3.52 out of 5 stars
      25 ratings by Goodreads

Buy Used

Condition: Very Good
A re-telling of a Japanese folk... Learn more about this copy

Shipping: US$ 6.22
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Destination, rates & speeds

Add to basket

Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace

Stock Image

Fiona French
ISBN 10: 0711209170 ISBN 13: 9780711209176
Used Paperback

Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom

Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars 5-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Paperback. Condition: Very Good. A re-telling of a Japanese folk tale, with paintings inspired by 19th-century Japanese prints. Hana and Tanjo long for a child. Buddha listens to their prayers - but the baby grows no bigger than a lotus blossom. French's previous books are Rise, Shine! and Anancy and Mr Dry-Bone. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR001381622

Contact seller

Buy Used

US$ 1.00
Convert currency
Shipping: US$ 6.22
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket

Stock Image

French, Fiona
ISBN 10: 0711209170 ISBN 13: 9780711209176
Used Softcover

Seller: Black and Read Books, Music & Games, Arvada, CO, U.S.A.

Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars 5-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

New book. Seller Inventory # br12319

Contact seller

Buy Used

US$ 3.20
Convert currency
Shipping: US$ 4.67
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket

Stock Image

Fiona French
ISBN 10: 0711209170 ISBN 13: 9780711209176
Used Softcover

Seller: AwesomeBooks, Wallingford, United Kingdom

Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars 5-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. . Seller Inventory # 7719-9780711209176

Contact seller

Buy Used

US$ 3.20
Convert currency
Shipping: US$ 6.47
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 2 available

Add to basket

Stock Image

Fiona-french
Published by Frances Lincoln Ltd, 1995
ISBN 10: 0711209170 ISBN 13: 9780711209176
Used Softcover

Seller: MusicMagpie, Stockport, United Kingdom

Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars 4-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Condition: Very Good. 1730202452. 10/29/2024 11:47:32 AM. Seller Inventory # U9780711209176

Contact seller

Buy Used

US$ 3.28
Convert currency
Shipping: US$ 7.11
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket

Stock Image

Fiona French
ISBN 10: 0711209170 ISBN 13: 9780711209176
Used Softcover

Seller: Bahamut Media, Reading, United Kingdom

Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars 4-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Condition: Very Good. Shipped within 24 hours from our UK warehouse. Clean, undamaged book with no damage to pages and minimal wear to the cover. Spine still tight, in very good condition. Remember if you are not happy, you are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780711209176

Contact seller

Buy Used

US$ 3.20
Convert currency
Shipping: US$ 9.05
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 2 available

Add to basket

Stock Image

Fiona-french
Published by Frances Lincoln Ltd, 1995
ISBN 10: 0711209170 ISBN 13: 9780711209176
Used Softcover

Seller: GF Books, Inc., Hawthorne, CA, U.S.A.

Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars 5-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Condition: Very Good. Book is in Used-VeryGood condition. Pages and cover are clean and intact. Used items may not include supplementary materials such as CDs or access codes. May show signs of minor shelf wear and contain very limited notes and highlighting. 0.31. Seller Inventory # 0711209170-2-3

Contact seller

Buy Used

US$ 17.35
Convert currency
Shipping: FREE
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket

Stock Image

Fiona French
Published by Frances Lincoln Childrens Books, 1995
ISBN 10: 0711209170 ISBN 13: 9780711209176
Used Paperback

Seller: Greener Books, London, United Kingdom

Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars 5-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Paperback. Condition: Used; Good. Ex-Library Copy **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books. Seller Inventory # 4342214

Contact seller

Buy Used

US$ 4.57
Convert currency
Shipping: US$ 12.95
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket

Stock Image

French, Fiona
Published by Frances Lincoln Childrens Books, 1995
ISBN 10: 0711209170 ISBN 13: 9780711209176
Used Paperback

Seller: Brit Books, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars 5-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Paperback. Condition: Used; Very Good. ***Simply Brit*** Welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality. Seller Inventory # 3855176

Contact seller

Buy Used

US$ 5.17
Convert currency
Shipping: US$ 12.92
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 2 available

Add to basket

Stock Image

fiona-french
Published by Frances Lincoln Ltd, 1995
ISBN 10: 0711209170 ISBN 13: 9780711209176
Used Paperback

Seller: Toscana Books, AUSTIN, TX, U.S.A.

Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars 4-star rating, Learn more about seller ratings

Paperback. Condition: very good. Purchase pre-owned books for prompt service and customer satisfaction. Seller Inventory # UnScanned0711209170

Contact seller

Buy Used

US$ 24.80
Convert currency
Shipping: US$ 4.30
Within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speeds

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket