My Neighbor Totoro: The Novel

Gr 4–6—Satuski, Mei, and their father move to a rambling house in the country to be closer to their hospitalized mother. The two sisters immediately realize there is something unusual about their house; they discover soot sprites (Japanese gremlins) and the giant catlike Totoro, a spirit who appears in times of need. The benevolent Totoro helps the girls as they adjust to living apart from extended family and navigate being single-parented by their well-intentioned, workaholic father. Starting out slowly, the book takes its time setting a dreamlike tone, sharing the sisters' reaction to their new home and newfound independence. The narrative picks up the pace midway through, introducing the reader to a colorful cast of characters who live in the village and help acclimate the family to rural living. Written 25 years after the beloved anime film of the same name, this beautifully packaged adaptation features a scene not included in the film: a visit to family members in Tokyo. This addition helps round out the character development. Miyazaki's illustrations are a welcome inclusion, but disappointingly infrequent. Additional images would make the book easier to share with younger readers. The tone of the book implies an easier reading level than the intended audience. Ultimately, this works better as a supplement than a substitute for the film and is unlikely to attract a new audience unfamiliar with the original.—Juliet Morefield, Multnomah County Library, OR