BR 2-16: The Peach Boy

I read the book “The Peach Boy”. The Peach Boy is an ancient Japanese legend. It is known as ‘Momotaro’ which means ‘peach boy’. This story’s main character is Peach boy. He is born into the enormous peach which an old woman fished at the river. He became the strongest, fastest boy in the village. He decided to go to Ogre Island to punish them. His father gave Peach boy his finest sword. And his mother gave him six dumplings to eat. He met a dog, a monkey and a pheasant. They said “If you give me a dumpling, I’ll help you” to Peach boy. Peach boy gave them dumplings. They went to Ogre Island. They fought with giant ogres. The dog bit the ogre’s ankle. Pheasant pecked at their hands and hands. Monkey jumped on their backs. Peach boy said to King Ogre “I’m not scared of you!” (Frith, 2009, p.44). I think that scene and this line seems him bravery. Peach boy won the Ogre King. The King promised that never attack anyone again.

I have read and heard this story before. I have a picture book about this story. Many children know this story in Japan. It is a didactic story. But I think that it is also fantasy, because the Peach boy was born in peach. It is strange thing and interesting thing. Peaches are a symbol of good luck in Japan. In other words, the Peach Boy is lucky boy!

Reference

Frith, Alex. (2009). The Peach Boy. London: Usborne Publishing Ltd.

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