“Totto-chan at the Window” is a beloved children’s book around the world, a bedside book for generations of children, parents, educators and anyone interested in the development of young children. The autobiography transcends all language barriers, becoming a global publishing phenomenon with more than 25 million copies reaching readers.
"Totto-chan at the Window: What Followed" is the second part of the world- famous children's autobiography. Photo: Nha Nam
42 years later, author Kuroyanagi Tetsuko (now 90 years old) brings readers a sequel called “Totto-chan at the Window: What Happened Next”. The book has just been published by Nha Nam Culture and Communication Joint Stock Company and the Writers Association Publishing House, and is a complete addition, continuing the story left unfinished in the previous part.
If “Totto-chan at the Window” focuses on the image of an ideal education at Tomoe School – where Totto-chan can live true to her active, innocent nature, this sequel is Totto-chan's challenging journey of growing up in the face of great changes of the times, where war breaks out, death is present and Tomoe School is only a memory.
The book consists of four parts and is told in chronological order: “Cold, sleepy, hungry”, “Totto evacuated”, “Fulfilling the mission of blooming flowers”, “Totto became an actress”. This sequel is a testament to the lasting vitality of love and humanistic education.
Two books about Totto-chan by author Kuroyanagi Tetsuko published in Vietnam. Photo: Nha Nam
The last years of her childhood spent in the war are recounted by author Kuroyanagi as a mix of happy and sad memories - not dramatizing, but also not hiding the harshness. Although she still retains her habit of observing with her characteristic curiosity, her narrative voice gradually becomes more mature and experienced. It is the curiosity and innocence of a child who knows how to distinguish between hunger and fullness, loss and acceptance, but still has the desire to live and optimism. Totto-chan, from an innocent girl who has experienced separation and adversity, now knows how to sympathize, share and constantly learn to adapt to the changes of the times.
The highlight of the work is the continuation of the spirit of education that respects individuality and encourages creativity. After Tomoe, Totto-chan did not find a similar new school, but she found theater, radio, and finally television. Thanks to the years of trust and curiosity in Tomoe, she has the foundation to enter the world of art with all her passion and courage.
Totto-chan still maintains her faith in herself, is always curious to find the meaning of life, dares to dream and act for good things, thereby expanding the message of part one: Education does not stop in the classroom but continues to live in every choice of an adult.
In addition, “Totto-chan at the Window: What Happened Next” is also a vivid picture of Japanese society in transition, from the fierce war years to the hopeful reconstruction period through Totto-chan's lens.
The book is still illustrated by artist Iwasaki Chihiro with lovely, vivid pictures. In addition, the book also has precious photos of Totto-chan from childhood to adulthood, helping readers easily follow each story.
As soon as the news of its release in Vietnam was announced, “Totto-chan at the Window: What Happened Next” created a publishing phenomenon. Within just the first 3 days of its release, the first 3,000 copies were sold out nationwide. The book was reprinted immediately to meet the needs of readers.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/totto-chan-ben-cua-so-xuat-ban-phan-hai-sau-hon-40-nam-708427.html
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