Yoshiko and the Foreigner

Little (Blue Moon Soup Spoon) shares what is presumably her family history in this glowing romance. As it opens, an American serviceman in a crowded Japanese train tries to communicate with a proper young woman. Referring to a phrase book titled ""Japanese in Thirty Days,"" he calls out, ""I am a dancing girl"" and ""You see, I am a boiled pepper."" This improbable beginning leads to a lengthy courtship. The serviceman gradually masters Japanese culture and language. His unprompted gestures of respect, like the good deeds spontaneously performed by the heroes of fairy tales, are handsomely rewarded; in the end they convince the woman's traditional father of the American's worth as a husband. While the focus here is entirely on adults, Little offers illuminating, well-pitched insight into Japanese beliefs and rituals. Stylized, golden-toned art sets the mood with its careful blend of traditional and modern subjects. Colorful patterns bloom throughout, an effective buildup to the concluding black-and-white photo of the couple's 1960 wedding. Ages 5-up. (Oct.)