Kubo and the Two Strings: Meet Kubo Level 2" is an accessible entry point into the rich, complex world of the critically acclaimed stop-motion film. This Level 2 reader distills the epic fantasy adventure into a digestible format for young readers, focusing on the core journey of Kubo, a young boy with a magical shamisen. Set in a fantastical feudal Japan, Kubo embarks on a quest to find his father's legendary armor, accompanied by a wise Monkey and a loyal, amnesiac Beetle, to defeat his malevolent grandfather, the Moon King.
The book handles sensitive topics, particularly grief and loss, with a poignant yet ultimately hopeful tone. Kubo experiences the death of both his parents and his companion Beetle, and the narrative centers on how he processes these losses and draws strength from their memories. The magic of his shamisen and origami serves as a powerful metaphor for storytelling and the enduring power of memory.
The emotional arc begins with loss and danger, but steadily builds towards a triumphant resolution where Kubo embraces his identity and the community embraces forgiveness. This book is specifically for children aged 6-9 who enjoy fantasy adventures, stories about overcoming challenges, or those who may be grappling with themes of loss and finding inner strength. A parent might reach for this book when their child is ready for a more complex narrative with emotional depth, or if they are fans of the movie and want to engage with the story independently.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the prominent themes of character death and peril. While presented in a fantastical context, the emotional weight of losing loved ones is significant. For younger readers (4-6), this is best as a read-aloud, allowing parents to contextualize the scarier elements and discuss the emotional beats. Older children (7-11) can enjoy it as an independent read, appreciating the adventure and the deeper themes. What sets this book apart from other fantasy readers is its unique blend of Japanese cultural aesthetics, the profound exploration of memory as a source of power, and its brave approach to grief within an action-packed quest.
