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 Book Review “Using elements of traditional Japanese art, the illustrator has made marvelously imaginative pictures.”—
The Horn Book “Lent’s pictures are a lively blend of finely detailed, delicate drawings and rip-roaring good humor.”—
The Boston Globe “A good read-aloud with lots of suspense.”—
Learning Awards:
ALA Notable Children’s Book
Child Study Association Book of the Year
The Horn Book Fanfare
Arlene Mosel was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1921. She was a librarian and an author who wrote two award-winning children’s picture books with Blair Lent:
Tikki Tikki Tembo, which won the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award and was an ALA Notable Book as well as a
New York Times pick for best children’s book, and
The Funny Little Woman, which won the Caldecott Medal and a 1974 Hans Christian Andersen International Children’s Book Award.
