The Funny Little Woman

by Arlene Mosel

Book Overview

In this Caldecott Medal-winning tale set in Old Japan, a lively little woman who loves to laugh pursues her runaway dumpling--and must outwit the wicked three-eyed oni when she lands in their clutches. "The pictures are in perfect harmony with the humorous mood of the story. . . . It's all done with a commendable amount of taste, imagination, and style."-- School Library Journal (starred review) "A beautifully convincing tale."-- The New York Times...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140547533
• ISBN13: 9780140547535
• Release Date: February 1993
• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 9.3" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 2 to 5 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten

Customer Reviews

Not a good example for a child.

I do NOT like this book. Teaches that it is okay to steal, and, that being rich is most important thing in life. Bad morals. Into the recycling bend it goes!

An underground treasure

Here's another I came across at the library for my daughter. I was delighted as I remembered it from youth. There are so few books that stick in your mind forever. That's what makes them so endearing. And after all, kids are the Real critics. Do they remember or forget? Both the story and illustrations are unforgettable. The pictures tell a story all their own. The colors are breathtaking with gorgeous jade, warm browns, dazzling yellows, bright orange and black accents. Anyone who loves monsters like in 'Where the Wild Ones Are' will appreciate the "wicked" oni, who are called that, I think, just for added appeal as they are really just hungry, horned, three-eyed, long-haired monsters who want the Funny Little Woman to be their cook since, well, after all...she's there. I think another aspect which makes this book so appealing is that the child can see above ground and underground at the same time; however, only the location that is taking place in any given time during the story is in color yet both are still intriguing. I remember as a child being fascinated with the old man in the story who never says a word but is a powerful presence in the story, nonetheless. He adds some mystery which is always a good thing in a story. BOTTOM LINE: The funny little woman, no matter WHAT happens good or bad, ALWAYS laughs and makes the Best of the situation. This is a simple yet terrific take-home point of the story that ages 5-105 can appreciate. Books with an interesting story, fascinating, colorful illustrations AND have a lesson to learn are always welcome in our home. I'm so glad this book is still in print. It's a timeless classic. Soar!

Every child should read this book

I was in the first grade when this book was released. I must have read it hundreds of times. I'm pleased to discover it's still in print. It has an indescribable quality that has stuck in my memory for thirty years: the warm but mysterious Asian elements, the damp green rooty feel of the pictures, the light and quirky text. I plan on reading it to my four year old--hundreds of times.

A classic

When I was a child, I remember taking this book out on loan from the library countless times and reading it with my sister. Even then, it helped me develop an interest in Asian countries. The pictures are just delightful and the overall message--laughter will get you through it all--is a good mantra to learn early on. Few children's books have had the same effect on me.

Outlook on Life

The very funny story, makes you laugh because the "..Little Woman" always laughs at activities. As a teacher I use this wonderful story in my 4th grade classroom for a lesson on charater building, that good things can come out of bad situations as long as you believe in yourself. The little woman kept her laughter even in a bad situation and that laughter is what helped her out of that bad situation. I also use the story as an introduction to Asian Tales.

Beautiful

This book was very cute. The illustrations were so friendly and detailed. After i finished reading it, i went through the pictures.