The best part about this show: Kikuko Inoue narrates. If Halko has cornered the market on the "cute younger sister" roles, one could say that Kikuko can easily cover the "loving older sister" and "perverted teacher" roles :-)

I also like how the show could so easily be quite tragic, but Bincho-tan chooses not to see her situation that way. I mean, there's a hole in her blanket, she lives alone in a broken down house in the woods, has to ride a duck to get to town, etc. However, these things are simply "inconveniences" for her and she tries to enjoy life to its fullest.

Beautifully animated, to boot!

Yeah no kidding about Kikuko. Even her official nickname is oneechan (although I love her mom characters much more). Also Mai Kadowaki appeals to me greatly, and is expected to appear in the show later on.

You make a really good point about Binchotan though. Now that I see it from the "girl in poverty" angle, it seems beautifully executed to me. And the animation is excellent..right down to the scenery which is so well painted.

I've just come across this site at this late of time, due to the fact that this particular anime is screening in my country later this month.

As I was searching through the web and happened to spot yer site, there was also another site that explains something interesting. As everyone who had watched or will watch in the future, is curious as to why the blue-haired chibi is wearing a piece of charcoal. Well, that other site I found clears up the mystery.

bincho tan is actually white charcoal in japanese. You can get more info in wikipedia. Just type in 'bincho tan'.