In this fantasy tale moved forward through the use of folktales, author Grace Lin has crafted
the story of Minli, a young girl who lives in the Valley of Fruitless Mountain, with her mother (Ma)& father (Ba). The world around her is dingy and difficult, full of struggle and disatisfaction. To her mother's annoyance, Minli's father spins fantastic tales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man in the Moon (who is a sort of Wizard of Oz-like, wish-granting character) to make their meager existence seem a little less harsh. These stories inspire Minli to go on a quest to ask the Old Man in the Moon to change her family's fortunes. On her way she befriends a dragon (who wants to be able to fly) and encounters all sorts of magical creatures and situations. The quest broadens to include her mother and father, who set out after her. All along the way, lessons are learned in that way of a good folk tale--not didactic hits on the head, but many "a-ha" moments that leave the reader nodding and saying "Of course!"
The author was inspired by traditional Chinese folktales and the narrative is spun sparely, yet effectively, creating an almost seamless flow between the personal situations and the fantastical explanations, arriving at a satisfying conclusion appropriate to the style of the story. As with all good folk literature, this story spans all ages and speaks a universal message.
Rating: 4.75 ot of 5
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A wonderfully inventive, beautifully told tale that is both modern in its sensibilities (Minli, our hero, is an adventurous and brave young girl) and ancient in its origins (at the end of the book author Lin gives us a bibliography of the Chinese folktales that inspired her). The writing is spare and graceful, the characters memorable (I loved the Dragon and the happy red-cheeked twins), the illustrations evocative. I think this is a Newbery contender!
I liked this one too. Quite a bit more complex than the other chapter books I know by this author, the Year of the Dog and sequels, but still a quick read.