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The Silver Charm
The Silver Charmby Robert D. San Souci
illustrated by Yoriko Ito
published by Random House Children's Books, New York, 2002
Strengths: This beautifully illustrated picture book has drawn from the Ainu culture and has realistic, but mystical pictures that emphasize nature. Each page has an intricate border on the top of each page, which brings all of the pages together. I like how the story integrates Japanese words and designs, so children reading the book can learn about a different culture. The pet puppy and fox and their new friend the mouse are a great part of the story that provide an element of protection and fun. The story delivers a good message about following directions, losing keepsakes, and the nature of helping. I especially enjoyed the part of the story when the fox and puppy don't eat the mouse and then the mouse helps them to get the charm for the boy using a magic spell. The combination of fantasy and reality allows children to use their imagination.
Concerns: The children, teachers, and parents reading this story should be aware that when the child, Satsu, goes out on his own, he meets a fairly scary-looking ogre and then gets very sick with the threat of death. Children may be confused about the animals talking and the animals changing to human form if they are not aware that the story is a folktale.
Classroom use/Other comments: This story would be a great way to learn about the Japanese culture, through the illustrations, story, and Japanese words. Culture can be taught through the word choice in the story, as can be seen in the sentence "The charm was a tiny silver ship, with masts no thicker than a bamboo sliver and sails as thin as rice paper (n.p.)". This book could also be used to teach about family heirlooms and keepsakes. Children aged 4-8 would enjoy this book.
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