Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window
Technical:
- ID: 97
- Added: 2025-09-02
- Updated: 2025-09-02
- ISBN: 9781568364520
- Publisher: Kodansha USA
- Published: 2012-03-23
- Reviews: 4
This engaging series of childhood recollections tells about an ideal school in Tokyo during World War II that combined learning with fun, freedom, and love. This unusual school had old railroad cars for classrooms, and it was run by an extraordinary man-its founder and headmaster, Sosaku Kobayashi--who was a firm believer in freedom of expression and activity. In real life, the Totto-chan of the book has become one of Japan's most popular television personalities--Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. She attributes her success in life to this wonderful school and its headmaster. The charm of this account has won the hearts of millions of people of all ages and made this book a runaway bestseller in Japan, with sales hitting the 4.5 million mark in its first year.
Reviews
Pull quotes
- The implicit suggestion is that rigorous academics count out children like Totto-chan.
- This sort of existence must still exist on the fringes of society while children in mainstream schools lose out on music, art, recess, real food.
- This is the kind of book that offers a glimmer of hope that maybe those corners where education is humanizing will yet hold sway.
Pull quotes
- Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window is truly spellbinding—a work of art that is both emotional and uplifting.
- Visually stunning, this book captures the innocence and joy of childhood in a profound manner.
- An unforgettable story that leaves a lasting impression through its heartfelt narrative and beautiful presentation.
Pull quotes
- The headmaster’s generosity and willingness to listen eased any concerns Totto-chan had about the new environment.
- He is a kindly, old man who gives his full attention without interruption.
- Totto-chan instantly falls in love with the school because of the headmaster’s warmth and understanding.
Pull quotes
- Menyentuh dan inspiratif tentang bagaimana memahami anak anak dan dunianya.
- The book touches on how adult misunderstandings can prevent children from developing freely.
- Very touching part when Totto-chan consoles wounded soldiers by singing.