This is a new title in the fantastic First Reading series, part of the Usborne Young Reading Programme. It is aimed at children who are beginning to read. In this delightful retelling of a Japanese fairy tale, a poor woodcutter follows his runaway rice ball to an underground kingdom ruled by magical mice. It is developed in consultation with Alison Kelly, who is a Principal Lecturer in Education and an early reading specialist from Roehampton University. Every title in this series features clear and compelling text accompanied by highly appealing illustrations. It is designed to motivate children as they learn to read.