In 1886 Mrs. T. H. James translated into English a Japanese folktale called The Matsuyama Mirror, which she published along with illustrations by Eitaku (1843-1890) [Tokyo : Kobunsha (Nihonbashi-ku)]. We found a free digital copy on Archive.org, but it's more fun to follow along with Scowl-Face as he reads the book aloud in the following video.
The Matsuyama Mirror, told by Mrs. T. H. James
(MPL Readaloud)
Okay, maybe listening to Scowl-Face read aloud isn't more fun, but you (or your young readers in your family) may read the text on the screen as Ol' Scowlly drones on and on. It will definitely improve young reading skills, as well as enhance one's endurance to boredom.
What interested Scowl-Face in making this video was the music soundtrack composed specifically about this folk story by the library's composer, whom I call the Music Man. His composition is called "The Mirror of Matsuyama," included in a series of compositions called Solo Koto. You can listen (and see sheet music) here.
The story itself is a tribute to love and family remembrance. The mirror reflects more than the person (or feline) looking into it. That's something to reflect on, in and of itself.
My library has other readaloud videos available to watch. They're well worth a look.
Your Roving Reporter On The Go,
Cauli Le Chat
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