This is a Japanese 'Lorax' folk tale with a cautionary message about taking care of our earth! -PragmaticMom.com blog The illustrations, mostly bordered rectangles set against handmade paper, combine elements of Japanese wood-carved prints with cartoonlike faces and great detail, showing both traditional agricultural scenes and industrialization. -Kirkus ...a beautifully scripted and illustrated story of love, ... Read morefriendship, and adventure that includes Japanese text alongside the English translation, making it a great way for kids to learn Japanese. -Midwest Book Review The illustrations are beautiful, engaging and ever so detailed! There is a really good balance of description vs. dialogue in this book... -MissJennysClassroom.com A cautionary tale about protecting the environment, and having the courage to help our friends despite the danger to ourselves. (As a side note, the myth of the kappa is actually the origin of our modern story of mutant ninja turtles!) -AllDoneMonkey.com This engaging tale offers an easy-to-understand environmental lesson along with an accessible introduction to Japanese folklore and culture for young readers. -School Library Journal This is a wonderful book filled with interesting illustrations and an important message embedded in a lovely story. It can be used as a bridge to talking with children about how they can help the water clean, as well as the environment as a whole. -Castle View Academy blog The kappa, translated 'river child,' are believed to be messengers of the god of water and have been part of Japanese folklore for hundreds of years. -California Kids! Family Fun Guide Show Less