Fool and the Phoenix — Deborah Nourse Lattimore

In a carefully researched, lavishly illustrated original tale of long ago, Deborah Nourse Lattimore transports readers back through time to a land where Shoguns rule and mythical creatures abound. Focusing on one of her favorite periods in history -- Japan's Edo period -- Lattimore writes of a poor birdcatcher named Hideo who is banished from his village when he is accused of being the evil bandit who steals from Shogun and villager alike. Finding shelter under the boughs of a tree, Hideo hears a rustling and makes a catch beyond his wildest dreams. Painted in the art style of the Edo period, each spread is breathtaking in its detail; every page is awash in shimmering and vibrant color. Once again, an acclaimed storyteller weaves a tale as rich as a Shogun's treasure.