Judge Rabbit and the Tree Spirit: A Folktale from Cambodia

Judge Rabbit, a Cambodian folk hero, stars in this unique bilingual (English/Khmer) tale. When a woman's husband is called for military service, the jealous spirit of a banyan tree takes his human form. Believing this ``man'' is her husband, the wife is justifiably confused when her actual husband returns. The human husband enlists the help of Judge Rabbit, who produces a small bottle and declares that ``only the true husband can fit inside this bottle.'' The tree spirit quickly enters the container and husband and wife are reunited. The story's universal appeal will be evident to readers even as they cheer Judge Rabbit's clever adjudication. Incorporating native flora and fauna, the bold, primitive paintings, though occasionally static, are vibrant counterpoints to the facing English text and blend the Khmer narrative into their striking design. Ages 6-12. (June)