Peach Girl - Hardcover

Nakamura, Raymond

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1927485584 ISBN 13: 9781927485583

Publisher: Pajama Press, 2014

Synopsis

When the farmer and her husband find a giant peach at their door, they can’t imagine how it got there. But they are even more surprised when the skin bursts open and out leaps...a girl. Momoko is here to make the world a better place, and what better way to start than by investigating the rumors about a fearsome local ogre? Everyone says the ogre has teeth like knives, shoots flames from his eyes and eats small children. The villagers won’t go near him. But Momoko wants to find out for herself, and her new friends Monkey, Dog and Pheasant just might be able to help her--as long as she’s willing to share those tasty peach dumplings. Inspired by Japan’s Peach Boy story, Raymond Nakamura's quirky adventure reminds readers that rumor is no substitute for seeing with your own eyes. Award-winning illustrator Rebecca Bender’s spirited acrylics bring to life a spunky heroine, a trio of expressive animals and a vivid Japanese landscape.

About this title

About the Author

Raymond Nakamura is an educational consultant and avid science blogger who has also taught English while exploring his cultural heritage in Japan. Raymond’s own spunky daughter inspired the character of Momoko in Peach Girl, his first book.

Review

“Nakamura’s playful twists on gender tropes combined with Bender’s outstanding visuals make this a fun and important book for boys and girls alike.” (Quill & Quire 2014-06-01)

"Nakamura has created an iconic figure in the dauntless Momoko... Bender’s illustrations are bigger than life and saturated with exuberant colour...The simple text is vivid with drama as the ogre’s reputation grows ever more terrifying, relieved by a fine sense of comedy and repeatedjokes.” (National Reading Campaign blog 2014-05-23)

"Told with humour and charm, and the repetition lends a lyrical quality to the story... Wonderfully appealing pictures, many featuring softly coloured peachy tones, while others are brightly hued, lively in detail and highlight glorious landscapes.” (CM Magazine 2014-06-20)

“Can peach dumplings save the world?...this story has a satisfying ring and a tasty ending. A winningly good-natured version of a familiar favorite.” (Kirkus Reviews 2014-08-01)

"Inspired by the Japanese story, Peach Boy, this tale (illustrated with acrylics) stars a cou- rageous girl who makes the world a friendlier place through her actions and beliefs. She brings strangers together (Next time, I’ll bring my folks too) and shares what she can; even if it’s all she owns. Set in old Japan, the beautiful picture book with full page paintings, will be cherished by many generations to come." (Resource Links 2014-10-01)

“Based on an old Japanese tale, this picture book has the feel of a magical fairy tale. Momoko, the girl who magically appears out of a peach, bravely sets off to save theworld from an ogre. Together with her animal friends, Momoko eventually finds the ogre who, it turns out, does not eat children but enjoys tea with peachdumplings.” (The International Educator 2014-10-01)

"Feisty Momoko is a truth-seeking explorer who doesn’t let gossip...deter her from having fabulous experiences...Momoko is surely a 21st-century original hero with epic potential.” (Smithsonian BookDragon 2014-10-01)

About this edition

• Publisher: Pajama Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1927485584
• ISBN 13: 9781927485583
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Bender Rebecca