This is a book that could be used to teach young children about different Asian folktales. But the book can also help show different parts of Asian culture that a child might not see on a day-to-day basics.

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A poor Japanese woman maneuvers events to change the lazy habits of her son

I really enjoyed this book. It tells the story of Taro, a boy who spent most of his time sleeping. When is mother demands him to get a job to support them he dresses up and pretends to be a god appearing to the merchant telling him that Taro must marry his daughter. Thinking that he can continue to be lazy while inheriting the merchants wealth, Taro's mother agrees with the merchant that Taro will manage the merchants store. When Taro finds out he is furious to find out that he will in fact have to work. ( )

While I like that the widow was able to better her life because of her son's sneaky plan, I do not like that it was at the expense of others. In this version the merchant and his family did nothing wrong so the trickery of a lazy Taro was unkind and selfish. Frightening the crap out of someone for your own benefit is not something that should be touted. The story might end where everyone gets what they want and everything turns out alright, but it reminds me of the saying 'Better to ask forgiveness than permission'. I hate that saying. I wouldn't want children to learn the lesson this book teaches. At least the art is definitely in the Japanese style, and I do like that. ( )

A poor Japanese woman maneuvers events to change the lazy habits of her son.