The+Funny+Little+Woman

"Retold" by Arlene Mosel (Dutton) and Illustrated by Blair Lent Author Bio
 * The Funny Little Woman**




 * Summary:**

This story is about a Japanese woman who lives all by herself and likes to laugh and make rice dumplings. One day, one of her dumplings falls and rolls down a hole, so she follows, trying to retrieve it. The woman finds herself on an ancient road surrounded by statues of gods. The statues warn her of the local Oni, who are monsters, but the woman's giggles can't keep her hidden for long. Eventually, an Oni grabs the woman and takes her on his boat across the river to the house of the all of the Oni. They force her to cook rice for them, using a magic paddle that can make a full pot of rice from a single grain. After so many months with the Oni, the woman grows homesick and decides she is going to escape on a boat. Once the Oni realize she fleeing, they try to stop her. However, since they cannot swim, they drink all of the water in the river in an attempt to stop her from paddling away. The woman's struggle to run in the river mud makes the Oni laugh, causing the water to flow back into the river. Finally, the woman was able to successfully cross the other side in the boat. The funny little woman returns home, sells dumplings with the magic paddle and eventually becomes the richest woman in all of Japan.


 * Review:**

This 1973 Caldecott winner contains elements that are familiar throughout the world. The illustrator, Blair Lent, did a wonderful job with the pictures in this book. The contrast in color between the green castle of the Oni and the woman's bright orange dress created beautiful images throughout the entire story. It's fun for kids to read because the woman constantly laughs at unexpected, or even inappropriate moments, giving the story an extra kick. Though the Oni are monsters, their threats are very minimal. After all, they just want to be fed. Children will definitely enjoy the picture of them at the end with their cheeks filled with water!


 * Analysis of Literary Element:**

"The Funny Little Woman" is a wonderful book to include with a lesson on character building. It's a great way to teach children that good things can come out of bad situations as long as you believe in yourself and have a positive attitude. The little woman kept her laughter, even through the bad, and that same laughter is what saved her in the end. Also, the book takes advantage of using fictional characters such as the talking statues, the Oni and the little woman, which attract young readers. It's easier for them to recognize development through these fun characters.

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By: Amalia Calafiore