This was a book I loved as a child. As an adult I think it is charming. I didn't remember a lot about the book but looking back I can see that it had a big impact on me. This book led me to learn more about Japanese culture, explore the Japanese exhibits at the Philadelphia Art Museum and even get a Japanese pen pal. My enthusiasm also rubbed off on my sister who even wanted some of her ashes taken to Japan after she passed. Now to find the sequel.

A slight novella written for children that tells the story of a girl adjusting to a new life through the medium of two Japanese dolls she is given. I loved the story of the dolls’ house and the voices of the dolls and even though the family sometimes annoyed me (as did the sometimes cliche-ridden psychology) this was still a joy.

Very, very cute story. If you like Edward Tulane, you may enjoy this one too. It's definitely children's book, but very enjoyable all the same. It's a cute story with a sweet little message. <3

A little dated but a great read aloud book. I liked how the children relied on each other and themselves and not the parents to do things for the dolls. I thought it was a great story of how the dolls helped Nona make friends and adjust to her new family. I also liked how Belinda, who was initially jealous, changed over the course of the book.

Charming and heart-warming story. The tidbits of information about Japanese ways of life and their homes are also extremely interesting.

One of my favorite series of books as a child.

Another childhood favourite

My favourite childhood book, with exquisite illustrations.

Beautiful little story

A charming little story, gentle and beguiling. Surprisingly pertinent to today. Will be reading it to my grandchildren when they are a bit older.

Not even close to what I expected from the cover: as much of a book about understanding change and acclimatising to a new world, as it is a handy guide to basic Japanese culture and how to build a traditional Japanese house. Nona, Belinda and Mr Tilift all struggle with change in different ways and this parallels with our titular characters own struggles and worries, and in a nicely subtle way. Although nowhere near as traumatising as Birdie’s fate in A Doll’s House, Belinda’s reluctance to enter into this twee enterprise of doll house building until about five pages from the end is an enjoyably sour addition to the narrative, a necessary and understandable source of conflict to give the book it’s darker hues

first chapter book i ever read :) luv it

Sweet little book. Quiet, not much happens. A little girl who feels all alone in a new place is captivated by two little Japanese dolls. For some reason I was not very comfortable with the way the author broke the fourth wall. I felt talked down to. This doesn't always bother me, but it did in this book. Was it just my mood?