Numamushi: A Fairy Tale

Written by Mina Ikemoto Ghosh

Narrated by Brian Nishii

Burned by napalm as an infant and adopted by the guardian spirit of a river, Numamushi spends the first years of his life catching frogs to eat and learning to shed his skin like his serpentine father. Then one day, a lonely man moves into the abandoned house next to the river, and curiosity for all things human awakens in Numamushi.

This mysterious man shares Numamushi’s penchant for eating frogs but also carries the scars of war, a love of the written word, and knowledge of the secret history of the house and its river. When he begins teaching Numamushi to read and write, the growing friendship between them opens an unexpected path to metamorphosis–and healing–for them both.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Everand Productions
• Release date: Dec 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9781094464442

Mina Ikemoto Ghosh

Mina Ikemoto Ghosh is a British-Japanese writer-illustrator born and raised in between two worlds. Shortlisted twice for the UK Manga Jiman, she writes speculative shorts and draws sad monsters. She lives in Surrey, UK, fumbling through life, and with her words.

Reviews for Numamushi

[Alli mac · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is storytelling perfection! Leaves you with a whole new perspective on the power of words.

[Lucia Garcia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"Numamushi: A Fairy Tale" is a captivating exploration of identity and friendship that unfolds in the most unexpected ways. With Numamushi, a child scarred by war yet nurtured by a river spirit, we witness a journey that intertwines the innocence of childhood with the complexity of human emotions. The intricate bond he forms with a lonely, war-torn man is a poignant reflection on the healing power of friendship and understanding. The father serpent adds a unique layer, embodying the duality of good and evil. This book invites readers to dive deep into the profound truths of humanity, making it a remarkable and thought-provoking read.