I love the illustrations in this book, the colors are beautiful.

I feel a bit hesitant to wholeheartedly recommend it because I do try and find folktales in books by authors of the same nationality. I think what is really annoying is the “tee hee hee” but I can see where the repetition would be good as a read aloud. ( )

I was afraid of a lot of picture books, apparently. ( )

[GoodReads]
In this Caldecott Medal-winning tale set in Old Japan, a lively little woman who loves to laugh pursues her runaway dumpling--and must outwit the wicked three-eyed oni when she lands in their clutches.

"The pictures are in perfect harmony with the humorous mood of the story. . . . It's all done with a commendable amount of taste, imagination, and style."--School Library Journal (starred review)

"A beautifully convincing tale."--The New York Times Book Review

"Using elements of traditional Japanese art, the illustrator has made marvelously imaginative pictures."--The Horn Book

"Lent's pictures are a lively blend of finely detailed, delicate drawings and rip-roaring good humor."--The Boston Globe

"A good read-aloud with lots of suspense."--Learning

Awards:
ALA Notable Children's Book
Child Study Association Book of the Year
The Horn Book Fanfare

This story has so many levels--reading the illustrations is as much fun as the text. ( )

Tee Hee Hee, says the old woman as she makes her rice dumplings. Young children will enjoy the whimsy of this tale of the old woman who falls into the underworld and becomes cook to the Oni, giant ogre-like creatures that live with the gods underground. ( )