The tale of Princess Kaguya (also known as The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter) is one of Japan’s oldest surviving fairytales and one of the inspirations behind the global phenomenon Sailor Moon. 

It’s also an incredible film from the masters of animation, Studio Ghibli. 

Now, thanks to VIZ Media, I can relive the story of the film over and over again with a beautifully illustrated picture book.

The story of Princess Kaguya follows Sanuki no Miyatsuko, a bamboo cutter who one morning finds a tiny little girl within a stock of bamboo. Believing her Devine, he takes her home, where he and his wife raise her as their own child. The poor couple soon discover that she is magical, and as she grows (rapidly), she becomes more and more beautiful. Clothes, gold, and other mystical happenings surround the girl. She is introduced to “proper” society as Princess Kaguya when she comes of age.

Eventually, Kaguya reveals to her parents how she once lived in the kingdom of the Moon and how she broke its laws, hoping to be exiled to Earth so that she could experience mortal life. But, after the Emperor makes romantic advances toward her, she begs the Moon for help and, after restoring her memory, promises to reclaim her at the next full Moon.

True to its word, the moon sends a procession of celestials, lead by the Buddha himself to reclaim her. One of the celestials offers Kaguya a robe that will erase her memories of Earth. Even though she loves them, she knows she has to go. So, after giving her family one last embrace she puts on the robe. The procession ascends, Kaguya among them, leaving the bamboo cutter and his wife understandably distraught.

Based on the script by Studio Ghibli cofounders Isao Takahata and Riko Sakaguchi, the 176 pages (written for ages 8-11) is an easy read filled with glorious imagery taken directly from the film. The cover is also beautifully drawn and protected by a sleek dust jacket. Its dimensions are 8.25 x 0.7 x 10.13 inches, and it weighs around 1.81 pounds, the standard size of an average children’s book. It’s the perfect length for a quick escape from the trials and tribulations of the real world.

You can purchase a copy of The Tale of Princess Kaguya from most online retailers, including Amazon.com