Nora's Castle

Satomi Ichikawa has a delightful way of capturing a child's openess and imagination. She offers this book with a very subtle detatchment which allows you to feel that you are participating in the story. A castle said by local folk to be haunted is discovered to be full of friends--birds, owls, a bat, and some rabbits. The joie de vivre of the little girl Nora and her fellow adventurers (her doll, teddy bear and pet dog) is utterly engaging.Best of all, in a very light handed manner the author makes the point that many "spooky" places and experiences are simply places we haven't yet been. If we approach the other with an open heart, we may find something very special.--Great wisdom for a children's book.