Book excerpt: 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