Totto-chan, The Little Girl at
the Window is a celebration of childhood, learning and caring. Each story is only a page or two,
each a delightful narrative of how Totto-chan views the world, and how Mr.
Kuroyanagi inspires the children to explore, learn, feel and have joy. There
are several charcoal drawings that capture the tenderness of the stories,
making us feel a part of Totto-chan's world.
One of our favorite vignettes is
the story of her losing her hat in the septic tank at the school, and proceeds
to dig it out. The headmaster walks by, and after a few questions to satisfy
his curiosity, and hearing her earnest explanations, he lets her continue with
the simple instruction, "make sure you put it all back!"
We've enjoyed reading one or two
stories for bedtime off-and-on for a couple of years, and almost don't want to
finish the book because it will mean there are no more stories. Totto-chan
seems so real and loveable, and her headmaster is a role model for parents and
teachers.
It is probably one of the most
important books I've ever read. Not for its heady philosophy, practical
instructions, or memorable quotes; but for its simple message of how wonderful
life can be when viewed through the eyes of an innocent child.
Totto-chan The Little Girl at the
Window by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, Translated by Dorothy Britton
illustrated by Chihiro Iwasaki
Kodansha, 208 pgs.
ISBN 4770020678
Reviewed by Robert Reiser
So good
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