Children's Literature
- Michael Jung PhD.
Readers get to see different aspects of China in this picture book, which follows a young girl as she journeys from her rural home on the Island of Putuo Shan to Shanghai to visit her aunt. Traditional aspects of Chinese culture, such as tai chi (an internal martial art), mah jong (a game of strategy), and Kwan Yin (the female aspect of the Buddha), are touched on, yet King and Inglese also showcase examples of modern China—including its towering skyscrapers, cosmopolitan department stores, and global business practices (at one point the girl's aunt calls an American business partner to discuss work). Presented in both English and Mandarin Chinese, the picture book effectively showcases the many opportunities that exist in China's growing economy for people like the girl, who wonders how she will fit in among all the people and places she sees. Readers will also appreciate Inglese's artwork—a series of collages made from photographs, colored paper, and hand-drawn pictures—that are reminiscent of the award-winning art of Chinese illustrator Ed Young. Overall, the picture book offers an excellent way of introducing young children to aspects of modern Chinese culture, in striking contrast to many other American children's books about China, which tend to focus on ancient China or the Communist Revolution. Reviewer: Michael Jung, PhD
School Library Journal
K-Gr 2—Early one morning, a woman and her daughter catch a ferry from their small town on the island of Putuo Shan to Shanghai where the unnamed child will spend the weekend with her aunt. After eating lunch at Auntie's apartment, the two visit a mall and a park. In the evening they have dinner with Auntie's friends at a restaurant, walk along the Bund, and enjoy a foot massage. Back at the apartment, the youngster does her schoolwork while Auntie talks on the phone with her business partner in the U.S. At the end of the day, the child reflects on the choices she will have as she grows up. This bilingual book is one of a series of titles that looks at the cultures of various countries around the world. The glossary and notes give a bit more information about China and define specific items mentioned in the story. The Mandarin is an accurate translation of the English, which is awkward toward the end of the story in part because the use of commas is erratic. The illustrations are done in collage, a combination of cut paper, photographs, and line drawings. The quality of the photographs is uneven, and the overall design of the artwork lacks vigor. While the simple story is pleasing, the book has limited appeal.—Barbara Scotto, Children's Literature New England, Brookline, MA
