I love I love I love this book.

What a special little book! I liked so many aspects of the book: the illustrations added such charm; the Japanese culture taught through the building of the Japanese dollhouse; the lesson of a selfish, jealous child; the loneliness a child can experience when compelled to leave their home for another; the family life portrayed as Nona lived in her new home; the value of money; the value of responsibility; the lovely feel of the entire book. I thought this would be a sweet children's book to enjoy, and it was, and I love children's books. But I was so pleasantly surprised to learn so much from the characters and the story of Nona and her new family. Experiencing her adjustment, her sensibility, her learning to fit in at a new school with her new mother's help, and so many daily situations, showed me that I can still learn from a children's book, even life lessons. I think I'd like to read more from Rumer Godden.

Still a favorite. I expect Becky chose this for the strong girl central characters as well as for the remembrance of Japan. If you're uncomfortable with certain aspects, keep in mind when this was written and what time period it was written about. Don't try to smother it in today's perspectives and judgements.

Reading this brought back so many memories. I loved this book as a child, and it sparked a fascination with Japan that persists to this day.