The Crane Girl by Curtis Manley - Illustrated by Lin Wang

While passing by the library, this little book caught my attention, The Crane Girl. It’s based on a very popular Japanese folk tale, adapted by Curtis Manley and illustrated by Lin Wang. The story is of a crane, who after being freed from a trap, decides to repay her saviour’s kindness. There are many variations to this tale but in this book there is a love story and a happy ending. This picture book also has haiku written from the perspective of the characters alongside the story. The haiku added much more emotion to an already heartwarming tale.

Lin Wang’s delicate watercolour illustrations are the perfect companion to this story. Her portrayals of the Japanese people and costumes are beautiful. Gone are the stereotypical depictions of East Asian people with exaggerated slant eyes. The illustrations of the faces are detailed and expressive in a melancholy way. This is the first time I’ve seen Lin Wang’s artwork and I love it; the fact that it’s not overly stylized makes it more attractive. I will definitely look out for her other works. This book about love and magic will appeal to fairy tale enthusiasts.

Published by Shen’s Books, an imprint of Lee & Low Books Inc. (February 1, 2017). The hardcover has no dust jacket. More Japanese fairy tales can be found here: Green Willow and Other Japanese Fairy Tales.

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Shen's Books 2017
Hardcover 32p
10.5" x 8.8"