LITTLE ONE-INCH
“Little One-Inch” was my favorite story growing up. My Dad, who was stationed in Okinawa during World War II, passed on to me his deep love of the Japanese language, people and culture. He read this story to me. I was enchanted by the magical elements, inspired by the idea that a little person could achieve great things, and reassured that love can blossom in unlikely circumstances.
Little One-Inch is the story of an old couple whose prayers are answered when they find a small baby by the side of the road. As the child grows in years, he remains very tiny. When he comes of age, Little One-Inch sets off on an adventure using a rice bowl as a boat and a chopstick as his oar. He is welcomed into the palace of a wealthy Lord and becomes the companion of his daughter, the princess. The two friends set off to visit a temple and are startled by a huge ogre who threatens the princess. Little One-Inch valiantly protects her using a needle as a sword to overpower the dumbstruck ogre. The princess uses the ogre’s magical hammer to cause Little One-Inch to grow. They marry and live happily ever after.
“Little One-Inch” was my favorite story growing up. My Dad, who was stationed in Okinawa during World War II, passed on to me his deep love of the Japanese language, people and culture. He read this story to me. I was enchanted by the magical elements, inspired by the idea that a little person could achieve great things, and reassured that love can blossom in unlikely circumstances.
Little One-Inch is the story of an old couple whose prayers are answered when they find a small baby by the side of the road. As the child grows in years, he remains very tiny. When he comes of age, Little One-Inch sets off on an adventure using a rice bowl as a boat and a chopstick as his oar. He is welcomed into the palace of a wealthy Lord and becomes the companion of his daughter, the princess. The two friends set off to visit a temple and are startled by a huge ogre who threatens the princess. Little One-Inch valiantly protects her using a needle as a sword to overpower the dumbstruck ogre. The princess uses the ogre’s magical hammer to cause Little One-Inch to grow. They marry and live happily ever after.
Below is a short video from the production ...
FINANCIAL SUPPORTERS
* This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources with additional funding from local arts councils in Avery, Buncombe, Madison, Mitchell, and Yancey counties.
* This production is funded in part by a grant from the Puppeteers of America's Endowment Fund
WHAT OUR AUDIENCE IS SAYING ABOUT "LITTLE ONE-INCH" ..........
"The children were mesmerized. Several parents commented that this was the best puppet show they'd ever seen, highly professional, and absolutely fabulous." - Pam Bloom, Rowan County Libraries
"I loved the story, puppets, scenery, moving water, your many voices…. I brought my mom who lived in Japan for a couple years and taught English after she retired. She’s 97 and is hard of hearing and she could hear it and enjoyed the whole show — so thanks for a lovely afternoon that’s not just for kids! " - Bette Bates, Warren Wilson College
" I have gotten lots of rave reviews about "Little One Inch" from our patrons and staff. I loved watching a fidgety group of kids sit completely still and mesmerized by your beautiful show. The sets, props, and puppets were amazing, as was the story. Thank you so much for the great experience."
- Wendy B. Rancier, Youth Services , Roanoke County Public Library
"I brought my children to the Handley Library in Winchester VA today and watched you perform "Little One Inch."
You did an awesome job and we were intrigued by your multiple talents (voice variation, props, color scheme). Keep up the great work! " - Robin Link
"Thank you SO much for coming to the Harrisburg Library with your puppets last week. I was not expecting the level of creativity and professionalism that you brought that day! Keeping all of those children's attention is not an easy task but you made it look easy! Your show was imaginative, creative, lively and funny. You are a very gifted puppeteer."
- Heidi Paternity
"The children were mesmerized. Several parents commented that this was the best puppet show they'd ever seen, highly professional, and absolutely fabulous." - Pam Bloom, Rowan County Libraries
"I loved the story, puppets, scenery, moving water, your many voices…. I brought my mom who lived in Japan for a couple years and taught English after she retired. She’s 97 and is hard of hearing and she could hear it and enjoyed the whole show — so thanks for a lovely afternoon that’s not just for kids! " - Bette Bates, Warren Wilson College
" I have gotten lots of rave reviews about "Little One Inch" from our patrons and staff. I loved watching a fidgety group of kids sit completely still and mesmerized by your beautiful show. The sets, props, and puppets were amazing, as was the story. Thank you so much for the great experience."
- Wendy B. Rancier, Youth Services , Roanoke County Public Library
"I brought my children to the Handley Library in Winchester VA today and watched you perform "Little One Inch."
You did an awesome job and we were intrigued by your multiple talents (voice variation, props, color scheme). Keep up the great work! " - Robin Link
"Thank you SO much for coming to the Harrisburg Library with your puppets last week. I was not expecting the level of creativity and professionalism that you brought that day! Keeping all of those children's attention is not an easy task but you made it look easy! Your show was imaginative, creative, lively and funny. You are a very gifted puppeteer."
- Heidi Paternity
| little_one-inch_studyguide.pdf |