Miss Happiness and Miss Flower

Rating:
Summary: Enchanting story - my favourite book as a child
Review: This is a beautiful book which, like, most of Rumer Goddens stories, works for adults as well as kids. Virtually everything I know about Japan and its way of life, I learned from this story at the age of about 8. A young girl struggles to fit in with a new family and country but finds peace when she helps two tiny dolls create an authentic Japanese house to find their own peace in. It is heartbreakingly touching and non-patronising in style, unbelievably evocative of Japanese culture and rituals with great attention to detail. Like Godden's other stories, it poignantly deals with the harsh realities of being a misfit and the pain that comes when needs and meanings are misunderstood but celebrates the liberating joy of friendship. I LOVED THIS BOOK and desperately want a replacement copy!!

Rating:
Summary: A beautiful, beautiful book.
Review: Wonderful story for teaching children about other cultures. It even has instructions for building a Japanese doll house! I can't believe it's out of print, seeing that people pay a bundle for it on ebay!