Chinese Children's Favorite Stories - (Favorite Children's Stories) by Mingmei Yip (Hardcover)

About the Book

A collection of 13 timeless tales told and charmingly illustrated by Yip, whose inspiration for retelling them came from her father's nightly storytelling when she was a child, this lovely book of Asian folktales and legends is sure to help readers learn more about Chinese traditions and culture. Full color.

Book Synopsis

Chinese Children's Favorite Stories is a delightful selection of thirteen Chinese folktales as retold by author and illustrator Mingmei Yip. Inspired by her beloved father's nightly story-telling when she was a child, Yip hopes that by retelling some of these thousand-year-old Chinese stories she can pass along Chinese folklore and fables to international readers of all ages.

These beautifully illustrated tales give children in other countries a glimpse into the traditions and culture of China, while emphasizing universal lessons about being kind and successfully overcoming obstacles. Readers will encounter many delightful characters--from an angry dragon to a wise cow--in stories such as:

• The Dream of the Butterfly--A sweet tale about accepting who you are and fully appreciating the world around you
• Carp Jumping Over the Dragon Gate--A popular story about the rewards of hard work
• Playing the Qin for the Water Buffalo--A musical tale that highlights empathy and understanding
• And many more!

Recommended for children ages five to ten.

Review Quotes

"...I appreciate the simplicity and clarity of the stories in this book, making them suitable for reading aloud to my preschooler. [T]he watercolor illustrations are a modern take of traditional Chinese paintings. They are colorful and playful, which my preschooler enjoyed tremendously." --The Common List

"Beautifully illustrated, the book is geared towards children ages five to ten. For the younger set, parents can read the stories to them which are sure to stimulate their imaginations." -- Bicultural Mama blog

"Children will be drawn by the abundant colorful illustrations and the short, straightforward retellings." -- Booklist

"The book is well illustrated with beautiful pictures and the quality of all of Tuttle's books is there. The books are just simply gorgeous. I cannot say that enough...The illustrations help take the reader to the time and place of the story but also leaves room for the reader's imagination to complete it as well." -- Crafty Moms Share blog

"These beautifully illustrated tales give children in other countries a glimpse into the traditions and culture of China, while emphasizing universal lessons about being kind and successfully overcoming obstacles." --Midwest Book Review

"Yip's paintings emulate classic Chinese silkscreen renderings, especially the serene nature images of The Frog Who Lived in a Well." -- Publishers Weekly

"Yip's writing is clear and accessible to children, and the bright pastel illustrations are appealing. An attractive addition for larger collections." -- School Library Journal

About the Author

Mingmei Yip began writing and painting during her childhood in Hong Kong. Her first newspaper article was published when she was fourteen; the next year she was admitted to the prestigious Hong Kong Chinese Contemporary Artists' Guild, becoming its youngest member. For many years her paintings appeared regularly in Hong Kong exhibitions. She has also written daily columns for several newspapers as well as two volumes of short stories and essays, one of which was illustrated with her Zen paintings. Yip's painting has been praised not only for its striking colors and dynamic composition but also for making traditional Chinese motifs exciting and accessible to all ages. A one person show of her paintings of Guan Yin, the Chinese goddess of compassion, was held in New York City in Fall of 2002. Mingmei resides in New York. www.mingmeiyip.com