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Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers' Favorite
In The Mountain of Gold by Fred J. Fisher, we follow the adventurous journey of Kaeri, a young boy from Japan with big dreams of finding treasure and a life beyond his humble beginnings. One day, he meets a mysterious raven who offers to help him make his wishes come true. Excited by the opportunity, Kaeri sets off on an adventure, leaving his family with a hopeful heart. As he travels through beautiful forests and climbs stunning mountains, he seeks out an alchemist named Akabo, who claims to hold the secrets to untold riches. But along the way, Kaeri learns that chasing after wealth can come with unexpected challenges, and he starts to wonder if it will truly bring him the happiness he seeks. Join Kaeri on his journey and discover the valuable lessons he learns about life, dreams, and what matters. With enchanting illustrations by Stephanie Cotta, this magical story explores the idea of true wealth, presenting readers with a tale rich in adventure and meaning.
The writing is straightforward and beautifully paced, engaging young readers. Fred J. Fisher did a wonderful job of setting up Kaeri’s character arc from his initial ambitions to his eventual realizations in The Mountain of Gold. The pacing is engaging, building a sense of urgency and suspense during Kaeri's encounter with Akabo. The ending feels a little rushed compared to the rest, but, overall, Kaeri is such a relatable character. His youthful mistakes add depth to his journey, making it a memorable read without the need for complex backstories. The themes of family, contentment, and the dangers of greed are clear and accessible without being overly moralistic, which I think will resonate with kids and adults alike. The simplicity of the language and the vivid descriptions make it easy for readers to picture Kaeri’s world, creating an immersive story that leaves a lasting impression.
