Women in Folklore

A Japanese Folktale: How Maya Defeated the Monkey

retold by Hatsue Nakawaki

illus. by Miyu Karaki

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Maya and she wanted to harvest some peaches. The monkey who offered to help her was a devious little fellow: he actually stole almost all of the ripe peaches to himself. Outraged, Maya enlists the help of some less selfish animals as she seeks her revenge. Maya’s story is part of a series of folklore heroines from around the world: fearless and powerful women who are celebrated for their bravery, ingenuity and strength.

29 x 24 cm, 32 pages, Full-colour illustrations
First published February 2022