3 Review(s)

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 the freedom of expression and activity.In real life, the Totto-chan of the book became 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 published first in Japanese in 1981, has won the hearts of millions of people of all ages all over the world. Apart from languages outside India, it has been translated into 11 Indian languages."[Totto-chan] is a quiet indictment of sterile education." -New York Times"Sensitively written, delicately illustrated, poetically translated, Totto-chan is, like a haiku, filled with aesthetic and philosophical depth." -Library Journal"[Totto-chan] has reminded millions of Japanese what children think education should be." -International Herald Tribune