Japanese Fairy World Stories from the Wonder-Lore of Japan

"Japanese Fairy World" by William Elliot Griffis shares a delightful assortment of Japanese folk stories from long ago. The book is a cluster of amazing tales that highlight bravery, good behavior, and charm, packaged like a kid's set of fables. Griffis works to remove scary or disturbing parts that are often found in folklore to make these tales enjoyable for kids and families. The book begins with a discussion about why the stories were picked and what the book is meant to do. The author thinks back on his time in Japan and how much he appreciates the country's vibrant folk stories, which he is excited to share with people reading in America. The first stories include the romance of the Star Lovers, demonstrating love and wanting, and the funny trip of two frogs as they learn about the world beyond what they know. These tales teach about Japanese culture and also show readers the magical tone of the book, welcoming them to a world loaded with both magic and life lessons.