Search by Keyword

Sign up to receive our product updates and special offers

Kintaro, the Nature Boy (Kodansha Bilingual Children's Classics, Japanese-English)

Click to enlarge image(s)

Translated by Ralph F. McCarthy
Illustrations by Suiho Yonai

This legend of Kintaro is one of Japan’s most enduring and popular children’s stories. Kintaro was raised in a mountain forest by his beautiful young mother, and his gentle nature and prodigious strength win him the love and admiration of all the forest creatures. Eventually recruited by a famous samurai lord, the boy goes on to earn fame and fortune after conquering a band of evil demons.

Suiho Yonai’s rich, dramatic illustrations have been inseparable from the image of Kintaro in the minds of Japanese children for over fifty years; now Ralph F. McCarthy’s lilting verse brings this tale to life for English-speaking children everywhere.

The story is bilingual, written in both English and Japanese.

“A feast for the eyes, and a great introduction to Japanese folk tales.” —The Daily Yomiuri

“Simple yet absorbing tale. These strong, recommended children’s classics will please kids who love lively and unpredictable plots.” —Children’s Bookwatch

Ages 4 - 12; 48 pages; Hardcover