Issun Boshi is the tale of a couple who long for a child for many years – “even if it is a very small one”. When finally their son is born, he is tiny – just one inch big; as Issun Boshi grows older, the child whose name means in Japanese “one-inch boy” realises he will never grow any taller. Thus ensues a fairytale adventure as Issun Boshi leaves home on a journey to find his place in the world. Translated from the original French, this is the work of Mayumi Otero – a children’s illustrator – and Raphael Urwiller – a graphic designer and illustrator. Beautifully presented and magical to read, it also features a sword made from a needle, a soup bowl for a boat, and a chopstick for it rudder. What more could you want?
Published by Little Gestalten, £12.50; shop.gestalten.com

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