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Japanese Stories & Music
Homeschooling mom, Elizabeth Falconer, is the creator of the following
award-winning recordings of Japanese stories and music. A master of the
13-string Japanese koto, she uses that instrument to accompany the stories,
which are wonderful introductions to Japanese culture and feature themes of
gratitude, determination, and generosity. While the stories are told primarily
in English, Japanese words and phrases are seamlessly woven into many of the
tales. The children's stories can be enjoyed
equally by parents and other adults as well. CD only.
 Plum Boy! and Other Tales from Japan
Elizabeth Falconer (Parents' Choice Gold and NAPPA Silver Honor Awards). Features Elizabeth's two
sons singing.
Five tales are told:
Plum Boy - a boy "born" from a giant Plum, with the help of friends,
defeats a gang of evil oni.
Kumo the Spider - an example of how gratitude and appreciate are
important in life. A lively story that includes some counting words in Japanese.
Issunboshi - A tale of personal determination. How does Issunoboshi, a
one-inch boy, challenge himself and the world and come out on top? This is one
of the best-loved folktales in Japan.
Shiro and Kuro - Two foolish felines discover that sharing is much, much
better than fighting, thanks to the wise old monkey.
The Tale of the Snail - The power of love is beautifully illustrated in
this fantastical story that captures the imagination and tugs at the heart.
Ages 5+. Audio CD. Total playing time:61:12
#KW001 $13.00 
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 Hana and the Dragon and Other Tales
from Japan
Elizabeth Falconer (Parents' Choice Silver Honors Award). Folktales of
friendship and sharing.
Hana and the Dragon - Everyone fears Ryu, the mountain lion...everyone
but one. Hana is determined to find the dragon and find out for herself what he
is like. The resulting friendship carries them both to new heights.
Grow, Nose, Grow! - Clever Mr. Tanuki can't resist the beautiful koto
music of a princess, but his magic fan leads him into more trouble than he
anticipated.
Rabbit and Crocodile - Rabbit learns the hard way that taking advantage
of one's friends can lead to...ow! A biting ending.
Roly-Poly Rice Ball - Ojiisan is generous and kind, even when he has only
three omusubi (rice balls) to eat. His new little friends welcome his kindness
and offers Ojiisan and his wife a wonderful gift in return.
The Magic Seashell - Will Kai be able to find his brother's silver
fishhook and then carry out his promise to his wife? His special gift from the
king of the Sea helps him to fulfill his dreams.
Hana's Dream (instrumental). This is a koto solo about Hana's dream on
New Year's Eve.
Ages 5+. Audio CD. Total playing time: 57:08
#KW004 $13.00
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 Once Up On A Lilypad
Elizabeth Falconer (Parents'
Choice Silver Honors Award, Storytelling World Honors Award). These fun-filled
Japanese folktales will get you giggling! Commonly-used Japanese adjectives
called sound words are used in each of these stories. The booklet accompanying
the CD lists all the Japanese words and phrases on the recording. Elizabeth's
sons provide the cricket chirps and chorus.
Once Up On A Lilypad - Two froggies want to see the rest of the
world...but give up a moment too soon! What a pity they didn't know they were
looking the wrong way.
The Cricket's Chirp - snake, worm and cricket make a deal, and the world
will never be the same. Snake's morning song is actually the Japanese syllabary.
Roofle! - Listen up! Watch out! This is a frolicking adventure tale.
Papachu - Papachu sets off on a quest to find the very best for his
daughter - and makes a startling discovery.
The Looooong Name - The perfect name can lead to a splashing surprise for
Muki-muki pika-pika niko-niko kashikoi jara-jara shikkari nonbiri hore-bore chan!
Ages 4 to...over 40!. Audio CD. Total playing time: 59:23
#KW007 $13.00
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 Little
Pink Fish: Musical Adventures with Elizabeth Falconer (Volume V)
Elizabeth Falconer - Little Pink Fish offers uplifting
surprises and fantastical fun. The stories are filled with frolic and play; a
fish who learns to read, a monkey who teases a crab, a hero who sucks his thumb
and a "hoppositional" froggy. Elizabeth's creative use of words and humor weave
together Japanese phrases, charming choruses, and original music, making this CD
sure to appeal to all ages from 4 up.
This release breaks new ground, as it is the first to include her own original
tale, Little Pink Fish, and also an Okinawan story told to the
accompaniment of a traditional Okinawan instrument, the sanshin. Falconer
learned to play sanshin, a 3-stringed lute, and researched Okinawan traditional
culture extensively in order to bring the singular sound of the sanshin to
American listeners in a unique telling of a folktale about two frogs.
Ages 4+. Audio CD. Total Playing Time: 58:23.
#KW003 $13.00
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"A first-rate collection from start to finish." School Library Journal
BUY ALL FOUR FOLKTALES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND SAVE!
Plum Boy, Hana and the Dragon, Once Up On a
Lilypad, and Little Pink Fish.
#FUN60 $52.00
$46.99
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Japanese Lullabies:
 Oyasumi - Goodnight
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Elizabeth Falconer (Parents'
Choice Gold, NAPPA Gold Awards) - Elizabeth Falconer's koto music is magically
paired with Aiko Shimada's voice. The lullabies are sung mostly in Japanese and
are a very peaceful way for anyone - not just babies - to fall asleep. That
said, you don't need a bedtime excuse to listen to these songs. They can be
played anytime, but they are particularly soothing after a stressful day.
Highly recommended.
Pieces: Oborozuki yo, Furusato, Sakura, Sakura, Momiji, Takeda no Komoriuta,
Aiko's Lullaby, Aka Tonbo, Aogeba Totoshi, Umi, Mimura no Angwa, Hatsu Yuki,
Kirakira Boshi, Hama Chidori, Hagoromo no Komoriuta, Komoriuta, Oyasumi.
All ages. Total Playing Time: 57:33#KW005 $13.00
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Elizabeth Falconer's Biography
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The Crane's Story - Tales of Love from
Japan