Caldecott Medal Winner
The Funny Little Woman
by Blair Lent
Summary
A laughing little woman in old Japan chases a runaway rice dumpling underground, where wicked creatures called the oni put her to work cooking rice with a magic paddle. Blair Lent splits the pages so readers follow the woman's adventure below ground while her empty house waits above, using ink and watercolor in a style shaped by Japanese art. Retold by Arlene Mosel, the tale rewards good humor and cleverness as the woman escapes with the magic that makes her rich.
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Historical Context & Significance
Arlene Mosel adapted this Japanese folktale from a collection by the folklorist Lafcadio Hearn.