My Neighbor Totoro Picture Book HC
Publisher: Viz Media
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Price: $19.95
Creator: Hayao Miyazaki
Format: 112 pgs., Full-Color, Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-4215-6122-6
Age Rating: All Ages
ICv2 Rating: 4 out of 5
 
As part of the 25th anniversary of Hayao Miyazaki's classic film, My Neighbor Totoro, Viz Media is releasing both a novel written by Tsugiko Kubo with watercolor illustrations by Miyazaki as well as the My Neighbor Totoro Picture Book, an updated version of the original 2005 edition.
 
As a companion to the film, the rerelease of the Picture Book is a worthwhile addition to the Miyazaki catalog and sure to delight audiences familiar with the film.  Reproducing numerous screencaps from the movie, the Picture Book also includes short narrative and dialogue segments to accompany the visuals.  As such, it is an excellent resource for parents and children not only to relive the humorous moments of the film, but also to aid younger and novice readers. 
 
Along with a brief series of character sketches at the beginning and a map at the end outling Satsuki and Mei's adventures in their new homeland, the My Neighbor Totoro Picture Book also includes Miyazaki's 1986 Project Plan for the film, a justification and defense of his vision as well as the larger cultural significance the movie possesses. 
 
Only the addition of Miyazaki's original designs for the film could improve the Picture Book.  Furthermore, the Picture Book is not intended as an entry point into Miyazaki's world, but rather a companion piece to supplement it.  Audiences unfamiliar with the film will not appreciate the humor, grandeur, and subtlety of Miyazaki's world, nor the beauty and majesty of Totoro and his allies.  Yet, anything that expands the availability of Miyazaki's vision here in the United States is quite welcomed. 
 
--Nathan Wilson