Melmed, Laura Krauss. Little Oh. Illustrated by Jim LaMarche. New York: Lothrup, Lee & Shepard Books, 1997.

Little Oh is the lovely story of a little papergirl who comes to life. The lonely woman who creates this origami figure learns to love her, and tries to keep the tiny weightless girl from harm. However adventures abound as Little Oh becomes lost in the great world. This marvelous fairy tale contains all the elements of the traditional endearing tales of old. Along with dolls that come to life, are animals who speak and help those in need, and humans whose life's desires are fulfilled. The illustration by LaMarche, are wonderfully wrought. They complement the text, and beautifully illuminate traditional Japanese life, with the crafts, costumes, gardens and gabled homes. Submitted by Mary Pat Connors

• Uses for Little Oh: 1. This book is an excellent introduction to Japanese/Asian crafts, their history, meaning, and execution. It could be used in conjunction with non-fiction sources on these topics. 2. In collaboration with art class, for a unit on Japanese crafts; or a one-time activity of making origami dolls and/or cranes. An excellent resource for this is: Fiarotta, Phyllis and Noel Farrota. Papercrafts Around the World. N.Y.:Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 1996. This provides brief histories, colorful illustrations, and step by step instructions for many Japanese crafts including, the Ningyo Doll, which, like Little Oh, is a paperdoll dressed in a kimono. (According to tradition it has a magical purpose , if a person touches this doll, all the bad spirits in his or her body go into it. Once the doll takes the spirits, the person throws it into the river so that it is carried to sea.) 3. As part of a multi-cultural celebration, perhaps coordinated with guest demonstrations. 4. With other books such as Allan Say's Tree of Cranes, a fictionalized account of the author's first Christmas in Japan, where trees were decorated with paper cranes and candles. Mary Pat Connors