Kindergarten-Grade 3-- In this story set in Japan, a strange redheaded dwarf arrives in the country of Prince Mainichi and Princess Ichinichi. With a magical flute he enchants the household and makes them dance to his music until the palace is a shambles. The bored prince, who behaves like an adolescent, is delighted and follows the dwarf in his destructive activities, while the alarmed princess goes to a farm family to collect her thoughts. Meanwhile, the dwarf"s excesses have frightened the prince, and the evil stranger reveals that he plans to take over the kingdom. In the end, the princess"s cleverness saves her husband and their land. The tale does present a lively and strong woman, but it is not perfectly realized. The story is slight, and the characters are not interesting enough to engage readers" sympathy. The conclusion is abrupt, and the informal language doesn"t seem appropriate to the courtly setting. The paintings are attractive and often graceful many are of Japanese art and architecture. Although this is not one of Lobel"s more memorable efforts, it may be useful in large collections because of the active female character and the exotic setting.