Mr. Bamboo and the Honorable Little God A Christmas Story   By: Frances Little (1863-1941)

Mr. Bamboo and the Honorable Little God A Christmas Story by Frances Little is a heartwarming tale that captures the magic and spirit of Christmas. Set in Japan, this charming story follows the journey of a bamboo flute, Mr. Bamboo, and a spirit known as the Honorable Little God.

The story begins with Mr. Bamboo, a neglected flute longing to be played and bring joy to the world. On Christmas Eve, a kind-hearted family discovers Mr. Bamboo and brings him into their home. Little do they know that this simple act of kindness will ignite a series of enchanting events.

Meanwhile, in a small village, the Honorable Little God, weary of granting wishes and spreading goodness, decides to take a break from his duties. Seeking refuge and respite, he finds himself drawn to the melody of Mr. Bamboo's music. Intrigued by the flute's melancholic tune, the Honorable Little God decides to accompany Mr. Bamboo on his journey, leading them both on a magical adventure through the snowy landscape.

Frances Little beautifully weaves together themes of kindness, friendship, and the importance of cherishing the simplicity of life. The story's setting in Japan adds an intriguing cultural backdrop, as readers are introduced to Japanese traditions and customs.

The characters are endearing and well-developed, with Mr. Bamboo serving as a symbol of hope and resilience. The Honorable Little God brings a sense of whimsy and wonder to the tale, and their unlikely friendship blossoms into something truly special.

The writing style of Frances Little is engaging and evocative, painting vivid imagery that immerses readers in the wintry landscape of Japan. The author effortlessly captures the joy and magic of Christmas, imbuing the story with a sense of warmth and generosity. Additionally, Little's inclusion of Japanese words and cultural references adds authenticity to the narrative, providing readers with a unique glimpse into Japanese traditions.

While Mr. Bamboo and the Honorable Little God A Christmas Story is primarily aimed at younger readers, its universal messages of love, friendship, and the power of empathy will resonate with readers of all ages. The book's uplifting and heartwarming story is a perfect read for the holiday season, reminding us all of the importance of spreading kindness and joy.

Overall, Mr. Bamboo and the Honorable Little God A Christmas Story is a delightful tale that captures the true spirit of Christmas. Frances Little's beautiful storytelling and memorable characters will leave readers with a renewed belief in the magic and wonder of the holiday season.

First Page:

During sundry long and lonely evenings in a Japanese mission school, a young native teacher sought to while away the hours for a homesick exile. She was girlish and fair, with the soft voice and gentle, indescribable charm characteristic of the women of her race. Her tales were of the kindergarten, happenings in her life and the lives of others, and I have sought to set them down as she told them to me in her quaint, broken English. But they miss the earnest eyes and dramatic gestures of the little story teller as she sat in the glow of the hibachi fire, with a background of paper doors, with shadow pictures of pine trees and bamboo etched by the moonlight, the far off song of a nightingale, and the air sweet with incense from nearby shrines... Continue reading book >>