The Perfect Sword

by: Scott Goto

Published by: Charlesbridge Publishing

Reviewed by Jamie Driggers

Master swordsmith, Sensei Masa and his apprentice, Michio, have just finished their latest and best samurai sword. But a sword this magnificent should not be sold to just anyone. It must belong to a samurai worthy and admirable. The city is filled with samurai, but is there one honorable enough to own such a sword?

This book, written to reflect the Tokugawa period in ancient Japan, is a lovely one to add to what has become my quest for the multicultural library. It helps develop a sense of character beyond outward appearances as well as just behavior and humility. The illustrations are gorgeous and give a sense of the culture. Even the sepia tones give a hint of age and strength.

Beyond all that, boys like swords and warriors. My boys are no exception. They page through the book, fascinated. They did get squirmy on the read-aloud, probably due to so much that is currently unfamiliar to them as well as their mother’s rampant mispronunciation of Japanese words. And they were a little creeped out by the “mean guy.” But overall, it is a book we will gladly welcome into our home library.

This book seems to be the first he has both written and illustrated, however he bold illustrations grace many other books.

Armchair Interviews says: Check out his web site to see his amazing illustrations.

Author’s Web site: http://www.ScottGoto.com