Totoro!

In the late 1980s, Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli released Tonari no Totoro -- or, My Neighbor Totoro -- a Japanese animated film about two young sisters and their interactions with the forest spirits living in the area.

I personally love the film -- the artistry, the pathos, the magic, the downright plain cuteness of it all -- and now my own kids are huge fans as well. Beck sees herself in the older sister Satsuki, and of course it's easy to see Ro in the younger, 4-year-old Mei, who is just a little older than Ro herself. Mei's gleeful fearlessness when she first encounters Totoro is perfectly portrayed -- she is all the confidence, faith, innocence and goodwill of unspoilt childhood.

As I saw Ro hugging my Totoro this morning, I thought it would be neat to see what crafty goodness Totoro has inspired. What a lovely lot I found! Here are just some super cool Totoro picks -- enjoy!

1. Catbus hat by Akiseo
2. My Neighbor Totoro print by Kannaya
3. Totoro nesting doll set by Heartfeltplay
4. Totoro messenger bag by Pinka
5. Totoro & moustache mug by Mr Teacup
6. Crochet Totoro hat in baby to adult sizes by AmiAmigos

And on a moonlit night he plays a magic flute in the sky
There you'll be with

Totoro, Totoro
Totoro, Totoro

You only see him when you're very young
A magical adventure for you
It's magic for you