The Funny Little Woman (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

by Arlene Mosel (Author), Blair Lent (Author) "Long ago, in Old Japan, there lived a funny little woman who liked to laugh, "Tee-he-he-he" and who liked to make dumplings out of rice..." (more)
Key Phrases: wicked oni

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
While chasing a dumpling, a little lady is captured by wicked creatures from whom she escapes with the means of becoming the richest woman in Japan.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (February 14, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140547533
• ISBN-13: 978-0140547535
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 9.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #53,175 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outlook on Life, January 27, 2002

By	"skcteacher" (Bethany, Oklahoma USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Funny Little Woman (School & Library Binding)

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hee hee hee, June 3, 2004

By	E. R. Bird "Ramseelbird" (Manhattan, NY) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

From the pen that brought us the adventures of "Tikki Tikki Tembo" (no I am NOT going to repeat his full name) comes the tale of "The Funny Little Woman". Funny, that is, because she finds everything in the world so very amusing. I'll begin by stating that this 1973 Caldecott winner is probably not very accurate in its representations of Japan. That said, let's move on and examine a story that contains elements of everything from "Strega Nona" and the song "On Top of Spaghetti" to that ancient tale of the "The Gingerbread Man".

This is the story of a funny little woman who lives all by herself in her own little hut. She's a dumpling maker by trade, and one day a naughty dumpling escapes down a crack in her floor. As she reaches for it, the floor gives way and the woman finds herself on an ancient road surrounded by statues of gods. The statues warn the woman not to attract the attention of the local Oni (an evil demon) but the woman's giggles can't keep her hidden for long. Soon she's cooking for all the Oni in their homes with the help of a magic paddle. By the end, however, the woman wishes to return to her house and it is only when she is able to make the Oni laugh at her (rather than vice versa) that she is enabled to escape and prosper.

Like all good folktales, this one contains elements that are familiar throughout the world. Illustrator Blair Lent (also of "Tikki Tikki Tembo" fame) has outdone himself with these pictures. The castles of the Oni are a deep jade green. When the funny little woman runs before them, her bright orange dress glowing brightly and the contrast is superb. The story is one that kids will enjoy as well. Though the Oni are fearsome, the threat they pose is somewhat minimal. After all, they just want to be fed. The added element of having the woman laugh at unexpected (and sometime unwarranted) times gives the story an extra-added kick. Kids will really enjoy the picture of the demons sitting, their cheeks full of river water and their bellies distended.

Though this tale really doesn't have the staying power of its better-known predecessor, it is still a worthwhile read. Anyone interested in reading a story that examines the perils that come with living in an enchanted world will enjoy this delightful tale.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every child should read this book, March 11, 2003

By	Jay W. Richards "author of Money, Greed, and God" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.