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Totto-chan, the Little Girl at the Window is a children book written by Japanese television personality and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. The book was published originally as Madogiwa no Totto-chan in 1981, and became an instant bestseller in Japan.^[1] The book is about the values of the unconventional education that Kuroyanagi received at Tomoe Gakuen, a Tokyo elementary school founded by educator Sosaku Kobayashi during World War II, and it is considered her childhood memoir.^[2][3][1]

The Japanese name of the book is an expression used to describe people who have failed.^[4]

Totto-chan

The book begins with Totto-chan’s mother coming to know of her daughter’s expulsion from public school. Her mother realizes that what Totto-chan needs is a school where more freedom of expression is permitted. Thus, she takes Totto-chan to meet the headmaster of the new school, Mr. Kobayashi. From that moment a friendship is formed between master and pupil.

The book goes on to describe the times that Totto-chan has, the friends she makes, the lessons she learns, and the vibrant atmosphere that she imbibes. All of these are presented to the reader through the eyes of a child. Thus the reader sees how the normal world is transformed into a beautiful, exciting place full of joy and enthusiasm. The reader also sees in their role as adults, how Mr. Kobayashi introduces new activities to interest the pupils. One sees in Mr. Kobayashi a man who understands children and strives to develop their qualities of mind, body and heart. His concern for the physically handicapped and his emphasis on the equality of all children are remarkable. In the school, the children lead happy lives, unaware of the things going on in the world. World War 2 has started, yet in this school, no signs of it are seen. But one day, the school is bombed, and was never rebuilt, even though the headmaster claimed that he looked forward to building an even better school the next time round. It was never done and this ends Totto-chan’s years as a pupil at Tomoe Gakuen.

A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift. A friend is someone we treasure for our friendship is a gift. A friend is someone who fills our lives with beauty, joy and grace. And makes the word we live in a better and happier place *unknown*

Best Friend Prayer

There isn’t a day that goes by when I dont think to myself,
“How’d I get so lucky to have you in my life” Every single day I’m filled with gratitude

I’ve sent you this note today to thankyou for making my life so much better…

I will always be the best friend to you  that I can be. I will lend a sympathetic ear n give advice if you ask for it or simply give you a hug n reassurre you that everything will be okay.

You are precious to me n I thank my lucky stars for each minute we spend together.  I pray we will always walk hand in hand down the road of life… Sending you love, happiness, n warm hugs to you.

A Friend Is
One of the Best Things in Life

Though we don’t see each other very much
nor do we write to each other very much
nor do we phone each other very much
I always know that, at any time
I could call, write or see you

and everything would be exactly the same
You would understand everything I am saying
and everything that I am thinking

Our friendship does not depend on being together
It is deeper than that
Our closeness is something inside of us
that is always there
ready to be shared with each other
whenever the need arises

It is such a comfortable and warm feeling
to know that we have such a lifetime Friendship

Poem by Susan Polis Schutz

 (www.bluemontain.com)

Alhamdulillah, finally I have a blog. Actually,I’ve learnt to create a blog,but the time was so limited so I never succeeded in finishing it. Today, my friends and I have a chance to create a blog in the computer laboratory of LPMP.

Mr. Abi trained us patiently.(Thanks a lot mr. Abi). I also would like to say thanks to mr. Budi from Kendal for his time to share his experience with us in creating blog. For my sister, Titik Setyowati, thanks a lot for intoducing me with blog.