THE VERY UNFORTUNATE WISH OF MELONY YOSHIMURA

Chieko Hidaka narrates this contemporary retelling of the Japanese folktale "The Melon Princess and the Amanjaku." Twelve-year-old Melony wishes her Japanese-born parents would allow her more freedom, like the American families in her Oregon hometown. But she soon learns to be careful what she wishes for when an innocent- seeming demon woos her and then disrupts her life. Hidaka's slightly nasal voice fits this young protagonist. She smoothly switches between English and Japanese and delights the listener with playful tunes when Melony and her mom sing while they sew. An author's note is also included. A great choice for a family car ride. S.S. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2023]