Pajama Press

Momoko is here to make the world a better place. One ogre at a time.

When the farmer and her husband find a giant peach at their door, they can’t imagine how it got there. But they are even more surprised when the skin bursts open and out leaps… a girl.

Feisty Momoko declares that she is here to make the world a better place, and what better way to start than by investigating the rumours about a fearsome local ogre? Everyone says the ogre is taller than a tree, has teeth like knives, shoots flames from his eyes, and eats small children. The villagers won’t go near him. But Momoko wants to find out for herself, and her new friends Monkey, Dog, and Pheasant might just be able to help her—as long as she’s willing to share those tasty peach dumplings.

Inspired by Japan’s Peach Boy story, Raymond Nakamura‘s quirky adventure reminds readers that rumour is no substitute for seeing with your own eyes, and an open hand shows far more courage than a closed fist. Award-winning illustrator Rebecca Bender’s spirited acrylics bring to life a brave heroine, a trio of expressive animals, and a vivid Japanese landscape.

Listen to the free audiobook here.

Awards:
2015 Cooperative Children’s Book Center Best-of-the-Year Choice
2014 Toronto Public Library “First & Best” List
2014 Resource Links “The Year’s Best” selection

Reviews:
“…this story has a satisfying ring and a tasty ending. A winningly good-natured version of a familiar favorite.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Nakamura’s playful twists on gender tropes combined with Bender’s outstanding visuals make this a fun and important book for boys and girls alike.”—Quill & Quire

“As Momoko likes to say whenever she is pleased, this book is “Peachy!” in all its lush, juicy goodness.”—National Reading Campaign

“feisty Momoko is a truth-seeking explorer who doesn’t let gossip…deter her from having fabulous experiences…Momoko is surely a 21st-century original hero with epic potential.”—Smithsonian BookDragon

“…this tale (illustrated with acrylics) stars a courageous girl who makes the world a friendlier place through her actions and beliefs. She brings strangers together (Next time, I’ll bring my folks too) and shares what she can; even if it’s all she owns. Set in old Japan, the beautiful picture book with full page paintings, will be cherished by many generations to come.”—Resource Links

“…told with humour and charm, and the repetition lends a lyrical quality to the story… wonderfully appealing pictures, many featuring softly coloured peachy tones, while others are brightly hued, lively in detail and highlight glorious landscapes.”—CM Magazine

“Vivid pictures and fun characters remind the reader that looks can be deceiving.”—The Calgary Herald

“Based on a traditional Japanese folktale about a peach boy named Momotaro who fights demons, Raymond Nakamura updates the story with a strong female protagonist as an activist, rather than a warrior.  Her no-nonsense attitude and tact are the armaments of her endeavour, ones she embodies rather than carries.”—CanLit for LittleCanadians

“Based on an old Japanese tale, this picture book has the feel of a magical fairy tale. Momoko, the girl who magically appears out of a peach, bravely sets off to save the world from an ogre. Together with her animal friends, Momoko eventually finds the ogre who, it turns out, does not eat children but enjoys tea with peach dumplings.”—The International Educator

“The illustrations by Rebecca Bender are bright, exciting and compliment the narrative very well. Plenty of peachy colors assist the light and fun tone. Readers looking for a strong female protagonist will enjoy Momoko’s adventure in Peach Girl.”—New York Botanical Gardens, “Children’s Books Explore the Power of Community”

“This story is a modern reimagination of a Japanese folk tale and the traditional style is evident, especially in the ending. We loved the story and the spunk of the Peach Girl…”—Vancouver Mom

“A spirited adventure starring a brave heroine, a trio of animated animals, and beautiful Japanese landscape~ this magical read will have readers seeking daring adventures of their own, and craving some sweet peach dumplings to fuel their quests!”—MaiStoryBook