Not quite what I expected. But, I don’t think I was the _target audience. ( )

The middle grade-level book that is Miyazaki’s boyhood favorite and the basis for his latest film (although you may have to tilt your head, squeeze your eyes nearly shut, and then do a healthy amount of recreational drugs before making the connection). It was absolutely adorable and lovely and wholesome. Definitely recommended, whether you love Miyazaki or not. ( )

Really lovely, humanist middle grade for everybody. ( )

Creo que es un libro muy valioso del que se pueden extraer muchas enseñanzas. Escrito con una limpieza y una sencillez muy cálidas, te consigue acercar tanto a los primeros pinitos de madurez de Koperu, como a las reflexiones llenas de sabiduría de su tío. Koperu y Kitami, Urokawa o Mizutani, así como la hermana de Mizutani o la madre de Koperu, serán personajes que no podré olvidar. Esta novela entra de lleno a mis libros favoritos. Ha sido tan agradable como comprometido con hacer de la madurez un valor alcanzable para todos, lejos del rechazo a la responsabilidad de esa mirada reflexiva y valiosa que existe en nuestros días, donde se diluyen aquellos valores que demuestran la altura moral que debería ser aspiración para cualquier persona que se precie de serlo. ( )

This is a very unusual book for children. More of a philosophy book than a story. I liked the friendship between the characters and between Copper and his uncle. It did spend a lot of time on how one should be in the world. I might have liked it as a child. It seemed quite preachy to me as an adult. I could certainly feel for Copper when he made his big mistake. I think we've all been in his shoes. I was glad to have this insight into a Japanese classic for children. My copy didn't have the Gaiman intro. I'll have to see if I can find it in another edition. ( )