The Smallest Samurai: A Tale of Old Japan

Little Inchkin is the "smallest samurai" — the tiny hero of a well-known Japanese story reminiscent of Tom Thumb. Only as big as a lotus flower, he fashions a sword out of a needle and straw, makes armor out of beetles' wings — and sets out to seek his fortune. How he proves his valor, wins the hand of a princess, and is granted his dearest wish by the Lord Buddha is charmingly depicted in this retelling of the legendary tale. Author Fiona French's striking artwork is based on 19th-century Japanese prints.

Fiona French studied Art Education at Croydon College of Art and went on to work as Bridget Riley's assistant. In 1986 she won the Kate Greenaway Medal for Snow White in New York. In 1992 her first book for Frances Lincoln, Anancy and Mr Dry-Bone was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal and chosen as a Children's Book of the Year. Pepi and the Secret Names (written by Jill Paton Walsh), was one of Child Education's Best Story Books of 1994 and shortlisted for the 1995 Children's Book Award. She is renowned for her distinctively sharp and colourful illustrations.Her other books for Frances Lincoln are Paradise, Bethlehem and Canticle of the Sun; The Smallest Samurai, Glass Garden, Jamil's Clever Cat, Lord of the Animals and Pepi and the Secret Names.