The Last Kappa of Old Japan: A Magical Journey of Two Friends

Gr 1–3—A gentle message of environmental stewardship runs through this tale of friendship and reciprocity told in English and Japanese. Norihei is living with his family in the pristine Japanese countryside when he comes to the aid of a kappa, a tiny folk creature with a fondness for cucumbers. Sporting webbed feet and a childlike appearance, kappas spend much of their lives underwater but like to cause mischief among humans. They are also charged with keeping the waterways safe and clean. Norihei and the kappa, Kyu, quickly bond, but their friendship is interrupted by the building of a railroad in the area. The new technology, including electricity, spells danger for Kyu and his family. They are forced to move away, but Kyu returns one last time to help his friend. Grateful Norihei creates a sushi roll, kappamaki, in honor of his friend's love for cucumbers. The story's message is leavened with stylized cartoon illustrations bursting with detail and lively action. A concluding page of "Cultural Notes" adds information on kappas and Japanese folklore; it states that in America, kappas took on another form: the Ninja Turtles, who "started eating pizza instead of cucumbers!"