An old witch, who used to be mean and feisty, buys some clams to put in her miso soup. Yet, surprisingly and much to the disappointment of her cat, she becomes attached to the cute clams and is unable to eat them. Instead, she raises money so that she can take the train to deliver the clams to the sea. Placing them on the beach, she says, “The waves will soon come and take you home.” At the end, the witch and her cat are also happy as clams and decide to live at the beach where they can hear their new friends sing every day. This unusual yet delicate tale of friendship will resonate with those children who perceive the spirit of all living creatures. nrz

Originally published as Utau Shijimi in Japa nese by KaiseiSha Publishing Japan, in 2005.