Tim Myers, illustrated by Oki S. Han,
Basho and the Fox
Marshall Cavendish, 2000.

Basho And The Fox is an imaginary fable based on the author’s admiration for the famous and highly celebrated seventeenth century haiku poet, Matsuo Basho. Sumptuous, detailed illustrations combined with an engaging story make this a book guaranteed to delight the reader.

Myers created an amusing tale of the great poet’s encounter with Kitsune, the fox, and their mutual competition for the sweet cherries growing on a tree near Basho’s hut. After an initial bout of verbal sparring, they strike an agreement: Basho will be entitled to the cherries on the tree if the poet, given three chances, writes just "one good Haiku" for the fox.

It is this challenge on which the book builds to a humorous and sardonic finale. In the end, the poet is humbled and victorious; the fox, ever confident and self-absorbed.

C.K. Redkal