{"id":509991976970,"title":"The Shadow in the Moon: A Tale of the Mid-Autumn Festival","handle":"shadow-in-the-moon","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/christina-matula\"\u003eChristina Matula\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/pearl-law\"\u003ePearl Law\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA unique blend of traditional folklore and contemporary customs brings the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival to life.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo sisters and their grandmother celebrate a popular Chinese holiday with family. Their favorite part? Mooncakes, of course--along with Ah-ma's story of the ancient Chinese tale of Hou Yi, a brave young archer, and his wife, Chang'E. A long, long time ago, Hou Yi rescued the earth from the heat of ten suns. The Immortals rewarded him with a magic potion that could let him live in the sky with them forever. But when a thief tries to steal the potion, what will Chang'E do to keep it out of dangerous hands? The sisters are mesmerized by Ah-ma's retelling and the fact that the very mooncakes they enjoy each holiday are a symbol of this legend's bravest soul.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.blogspot.com\/2018\/07\/charlesbridge-9-christina-matula.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eListen\u003c\/a\u003e to Christina Matula discuss \u003cem\u003eThe Shadow in the Moon\u003c\/em\u003e on Charlesbridge Unplugged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.com\/products\/goldy-luck-and-the-three-pandas\"\u003eGoldy Luck and the Three Pandas\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.com\/products\/the-ugly-vegetables\"\u003eThe Ugly Vegetables\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eWatch the Trailer\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" class=\"youtube-player\" type=\"text\/html\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/daQuYCIDrqg\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER SPREAD BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/shadow-in-the-moon-spread.jpg?6818001061219817287\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChristina Matula, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristina Matula is half Taiwanese, but raised in Canada and loves learning about her heritage through legends and festivals. She hopes her stories will spark in an interest in Chinese culture for readers of all backgrounds. \u003cem\u003eThe Shadow in the Moon \u003c\/em\u003eis her first picture book. Christina now lives in Hong Kong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePearl Law, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePearl Law is a budding children's book illustrator. She works with pencil, ink, gouache, and Photoshop, and is the illustrator of \u003ci\u003eClap Your Hands\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2019 Chinese American Library Association Best Book Award\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the Mid-Autumn Festival, a girl hears her Ah-ma tell the story of the lady whose image adorns the mooncakes. Long ago, Hou Yi the archer saved his people from the scorching heat of 10 suns, and was gifted an immortality potion. But his wife, Chang’e, swallowed the potion to prevent a thief from taking it. Realizing that she had become the Spirit and Lady in the Moon, Hou Yi honored Chang’e by presenting her favorite foods, including round cakes. One double-page spread features family members around a circular table, which emphasizes the motif of the full moon. The cartoonlike illustrations are reminiscent of Tomie dePaola, with warm reds and yellows effectively used to depict the heat of the 10 suns, while cool greens and blues show the earth’s relief under only one sun. Useful for introducing a significant festival celebrated in Chinese and other East Asian cultures. An author’s note includes a recipe for mooncakes with red bean filling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this title, a grandmother (aka Ahma) tells the story behind the Mid-Autumn Festival. Long ago, 10 suns became bored and decided not to shine individually but came out all at once, causing big problems on Earth. Hou Yi, a young archer, comes to the rescue by shooting down nine of the suns. He is rewarded for his efforts with a mafic potion that will let him live forever in the sky. He and his wife, Chang'e, hide it to keep it safe. When a thief breaks in, Chang'e swallows it, and becomes the Spirit and Lady in the Moon. Seeing her silhouette on the moon, Hou Yi realizes that his wide is now immortal. He is sad, but on the anniversary of when she became Spirit of the Lady in the Moon, he remembers her by putting out her favorite foods like small cakes. In addition to the story, there is more information about the Mid-Autumn Festival and a recipe for mooncakes with redbean filling. The engaging story within a story is well written and may be relatable to many children. For example, the mooncakes are described as being \"as small as my hand and as round as the moon.\" The cartoon illustrations are colorful and modern, yet complement the timeless tale. \u003cb\u003eVERDICT\u003cb\u003e: A good introduction to the Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese culture, perfect for classroom use or one-on-one reading.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/shadow-in-the-moon-cvr.jpg?6818001061219817287\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/shadow-in-the-moon-hires.zip?543074992588178926\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan\u003e978-1-58089-746-4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan\u003e978-1-63289-563-9\u003c\/span\u003e EPUB\u003cbr\u003e ISBN: \u003cspan\u003e978-1-63289-564-6\u003c\/span\u003e PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 5-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e8 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e4\u003c\/sub\u003e x 9 \u003csup\u003e7\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e8\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","published_at":"2018-02-26T15:16:00-05:00","created_at":"2018-02-26T15:24:36-05:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Ages 6-10","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Fiction","Browse by Format_Picture Book","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_Diversity","Browse by Subject_Holidays","fairytale","fall","family","girl"],"price":1699,"price_min":1699,"price_max":1699,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":2393239355402,"title":"Hardcover","option1":"Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"97464","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Shadow in the Moon: A Tale of the Mid-Autumn Festival - Hardcover","public_title":"Hardcover","options":["Hardcover"],"price":1699,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":8,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"978-1-58089-746-4","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/shadow-in-the-moon-cover.jpg?v=1586805674"],"featured_image":"\/\/charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/shadow-in-the-moon-cover.jpg?v=1586805674","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":"The Shadow in the Moon book cover","id":5804370755663,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.875,"height":686,"width":600,"src":"\/\/charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/shadow-in-the-moon-cover.jpg?v=1586805674"},"aspect_ratio":0.875,"height":686,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/products\/shadow-in-the-moon-cover.jpg?v=1586805674","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/christina-matula\"\u003eChristina Matula\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/pearl-law\"\u003ePearl Law\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA unique blend of traditional folklore and contemporary customs brings the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival to life.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo sisters and their grandmother celebrate a popular Chinese holiday with family. Their favorite part? Mooncakes, of course--along with Ah-ma's story of the ancient Chinese tale of Hou Yi, a brave young archer, and his wife, Chang'E. A long, long time ago, Hou Yi rescued the earth from the heat of ten suns. The Immortals rewarded him with a magic potion that could let him live in the sky with them forever. But when a thief tries to steal the potion, what will Chang'E do to keep it out of dangerous hands? The sisters are mesmerized by Ah-ma's retelling and the fact that the very mooncakes they enjoy each holiday are a symbol of this legend's bravest soul.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.blogspot.com\/2018\/07\/charlesbridge-9-christina-matula.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eListen\u003c\/a\u003e to Christina Matula discuss \u003cem\u003eThe Shadow in the Moon\u003c\/em\u003e on Charlesbridge Unplugged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.com\/products\/goldy-luck-and-the-three-pandas\"\u003eGoldy Luck and the Three Pandas\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.com\/products\/the-ugly-vegetables\"\u003eThe Ugly Vegetables\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eWatch the Trailer\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" class=\"youtube-player\" type=\"text\/html\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/daQuYCIDrqg\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER SPREAD BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/shadow-in-the-moon-spread.jpg?6818001061219817287\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChristina Matula, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristina Matula is half Taiwanese, but raised in Canada and loves learning about her heritage through legends and festivals. She hopes her stories will spark in an interest in Chinese culture for readers of all backgrounds. \u003cem\u003eThe Shadow in the Moon \u003c\/em\u003eis her first picture book. Christina now lives in Hong Kong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePearl Law, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePearl Law is a budding children's book illustrator. She works with pencil, ink, gouache, and Photoshop, and is the illustrator of \u003ci\u003eClap Your Hands\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2019 Chinese American Library Association Best Book Award\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the Mid-Autumn Festival, a girl hears her Ah-ma tell the story of the lady whose image adorns the mooncakes. Long ago, Hou Yi the archer saved his people from the scorching heat of 10 suns, and was gifted an immortality potion. But his wife, Chang’e, swallowed the potion to prevent a thief from taking it. Realizing that she had become the Spirit and Lady in the Moon, Hou Yi honored Chang’e by presenting her favorite foods, including round cakes. One double-page spread features family members around a circular table, which emphasizes the motif of the full moon. The cartoonlike illustrations are reminiscent of Tomie dePaola, with warm reds and yellows effectively used to depict the heat of the 10 suns, while cool greens and blues show the earth’s relief under only one sun. Useful for introducing a significant festival celebrated in Chinese and other East Asian cultures. An author’s note includes a recipe for mooncakes with red bean filling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this title, a grandmother (aka Ahma) tells the story behind the Mid-Autumn Festival. Long ago, 10 suns became bored and decided not to shine individually but came out all at once, causing big problems on Earth. Hou Yi, a young archer, comes to the rescue by shooting down nine of the suns. He is rewarded for his efforts with a mafic potion that will let him live forever in the sky. He and his wife, Chang'e, hide it to keep it safe. When a thief breaks in, Chang'e swallows it, and becomes the Spirit and Lady in the Moon. Seeing her silhouette on the moon, Hou Yi realizes that his wide is now immortal. He is sad, but on the anniversary of when she became Spirit of the Lady in the Moon, he remembers her by putting out her favorite foods like small cakes. In addition to the story, there is more information about the Mid-Autumn Festival and a recipe for mooncakes with redbean filling. The engaging story within a story is well written and may be relatable to many children. For example, the mooncakes are described as being \"as small as my hand and as round as the moon.\" The cartoon illustrations are colorful and modern, yet complement the timeless tale. \u003cb\u003eVERDICT\u003cb\u003e: A good introduction to the Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese culture, perfect for classroom use or one-on-one reading.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/shadow-in-the-moon-cvr.jpg?6818001061219817287\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/shadow-in-the-moon-hires.zip?543074992588178926\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan\u003e978-1-58089-746-4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan\u003e978-1-63289-563-9\u003c\/span\u003e EPUB\u003cbr\u003e ISBN: \u003cspan\u003e978-1-63289-564-6\u003c\/span\u003e PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 5-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e8 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e4\u003c\/sub\u003e x 9 \u003csup\u003e7\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e8\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]"}

The Shadow in the Moon: A Tale of the Mid-Autumn Festival

By: Christina Matula / Illustrated by: Pearl Law

A unique blend of traditional folklore and contemporary customs brings the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival to life.

Two sisters and their grandmother celebrate a popular Chinese holiday with family. Their favorite part? Mooncakes, of course--along with Ah-ma's story of the ancient Chinese tale of Hou Yi, a brave young archer, and his wife, Chang'E. A long, long time ago, Hou Yi rescued the earth from the heat of ten suns. The Immortals rewarded him with a magic potion that could let him live in the sky with them forever. But when a thief tries to steal the potion, what will Chang'E do to keep it out of dangerous hands? The sisters are mesmerized by Ah-ma's retelling and the fact that the very mooncakes they enjoy each holiday are a symbol of this legend's bravest soul.

Listen to Christina Matula discuss The Shadow in the Moon on Charlesbridge Unplugged.

Maximum quantity available reached.

Christina Matula, author

Christina Matula is half Taiwanese, but raised in Canada and loves learning about her heritage through legends and festivals. She hopes her stories will spark in an interest in Chinese culture for readers of all backgrounds. The Shadow in the Moon is her first picture book. Christina now lives in Hong Kong.


Pearl Law, illustrator

Pearl Law is a budding children's book illustrator. She works with pencil, ink, gouache, and Photoshop, and is the illustrator of Clap Your Hands.

  • 2019 Chinese American Library Association Best Book Award

Booklist

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, a girl hears her Ah-ma tell the story of the lady whose image adorns the mooncakes. Long ago, Hou Yi the archer saved his people from the scorching heat of 10 suns, and was gifted an immortality potion. But his wife, Chang’e, swallowed the potion to prevent a thief from taking it. Realizing that she had become the Spirit and Lady in the Moon, Hou Yi honored Chang’e by presenting her favorite foods, including round cakes. One double-page spread features family members around a circular table, which emphasizes the motif of the full moon. The cartoonlike illustrations are reminiscent of Tomie dePaola, with warm reds and yellows effectively used to depict the heat of the 10 suns, while cool greens and blues show the earth’s relief under only one sun. Useful for introducing a significant festival celebrated in Chinese and other East Asian cultures. An author’s note includes a recipe for mooncakes with red bean filling.

School Library Journal

In this title, a grandmother (aka Ahma) tells the story behind the Mid-Autumn Festival. Long ago, 10 suns became bored and decided not to shine individually but came out all at once, causing big problems on Earth. Hou Yi, a young archer, comes to the rescue by shooting down nine of the suns. He is rewarded for his efforts with a mafic potion that will let him live forever in the sky. He and his wife, Chang'e, hide it to keep it safe. When a thief breaks in, Chang'e swallows it, and becomes the Spirit and Lady in the Moon. Seeing her silhouette on the moon, Hou Yi realizes that his wide is now immortal. He is sad, but on the anniversary of when she became Spirit of the Lady in the Moon, he remembers her by putting out her favorite foods like small cakes. In addition to the story, there is more information about the Mid-Autumn Festival and a recipe for mooncakes with redbean filling. The engaging story within a story is well written and may be relatable to many children. For example, the mooncakes are described as being "as small as my hand and as round as the moon." The cartoon illustrations are colorful and modern, yet complement the timeless tale. VERDICT: A good introduction to the Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese culture, perfect for classroom use or one-on-one reading.

Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-58089-746-4

E-book
ISBN: 978-1-63289-563-9 EPUB
ISBN: 978-1-63289-564-6 PDF

Ages: 5-8
Page count: 32
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