Kubo performs in the city where he recounts the story of Hanzo. While he tells the adventures of Hanzo using his instrument, a warrior materialises magically at the sound of the music through little pieces of paper that come out of his bag. They fold into any forms necessary to the story.  Every evening, audiences are mesmerised at the songs , the magical visuals and the outgoing storyteller – Kubo. When kubo is not performing he looks after his sick mother and holds tight onto the stories she tells him as they fade with the deterioration of her health.

I ordered the book after I saw the trailer for the movie adaptation. It looked visually stunning and the story caught my attention. Before I get to watch the movie I wanted to read the book first and be filled with the emotion that came with the writing. It is a fantasy story that takes us into the mystical and ancient world of Japan. I fell in love with the tale. It is imaginative, intelligent, funny and light-hearted.  The elements in the story hold perfectly together and create a consistent whole. Every detail is there for a reason. Questions fill your mind the more you read and by the end of the tale, all are answered.

I am always scared of the transitions in a tiny book. I always wonder if the writer will be able to transition the universe, different aspects of the story and the character building in just a few pages. Often writers find it a lot harder to write short stories than a novel. Maybe one of the reasons are the transitioning aspects that have to be contrived in so very few pages. Here the transitions flow and we ride with the characters through their journey without feeling the steps. The author bridges the gaps using fun, emotion and seriousness well.

Kubo reminds me both of Indiana jones for his bravery in this adventure-like story and Harry potter for his “wizard” skills. The book brings about the originality of Chinese traditions, and their fables. It is very descriptive so we easily venture right into the action. I love the ending. It is not as predictable as you may think when you go through the book. I love the resolution.

Please check this one out. The author’s imagery is great. It is short but a full reading experience for both adults and children.