The Story of Noodles - (Amazing Chinese Inventions) by Ying Chang Compestine (Hardcover)

About the Book

Learn how the three fun-loving Kang brothers created noodles, one of China's most famous inventions! This colorfully redesigned edition features a new bilingual Chinese translation.

The three playful Kang brothers (Ting, Pan, and Kùai) discovered four of China's most famous discoveries in the series Amazing Chinese Inventions. Mama Kang needs her sons to help make her famous dumplings to win the annual cooking contest. However, this year the Kang brothers play with the dough, and soon, long strips fly everywhere.

With no time left, the family can bring only the strings of boiled flour. Will this new recipe wow the judges or will the boys find themselves in hot water? The story features an author's note on the history of noodles and a delicious noodle recipe.

"Compestine's almost tongue-in-cheek tale is a nearly unbeatable combination of slapstick humor, fast pace, and food."
- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Book Synopsis

Learn how the three fun-loving Kang brothers created noodles, one of China's most famous inventions! This colorfully redesigned edition features a new bilingual Chinese translation.

The three playful and creative Kang brothers (Ting, Pan, and Kùai) discovered four of China's most famous discoveries in the series Amazing Chinese Inventions. Mama Kang needs her sons to help make her famous dumplings to win the annual cooking contest. However, this year the Kang brothers play with the dough, and soon, long strips fly everywhere.

With no time left, the family can bring only the strings of boiled flour. Everyone in the village always expects Mama's delicious dish to win. Will this new recipe wow the judges or will the three boys find themselves in hot water? The story features an author's note on the history of noodles and a delicious noodle recipe, ideal for eating with chopsticks.

This fanciful blend of fact and imagination brings Asian culture alive for young readers. Children will enjoy the bright and bold artwork, created in the traditional Chinese style of hand cut, colored paper. Parents will enjoy the ingenuity of the main characters who teach adults a thing or two about inventiveness.

Teachers and librarians like the storybook's historical references and how it features a bilingual translation in simplified Chinese - ideal for language classes, programs, and schools.

"Compestine's almost tongue-in-cheek tale is a nearly unbeatable combination of slapstick humor, fast pace, and food."
- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Review Quotes

"Back from The Story of Chopsticks, the Kang brothers are in for another culinary misadventure."--Publishers Weekly

"This tale of the origin of noodles in China will be a welcome addition to multicultural units."

"This story may leave your mouth watering for noodles and your chopsticks at the ready.... The boys' humorous exploits are brought to life in Xuan's illustrations, created with vivid colors surrounded by the striking black lines of traditional paper cuts.... An appetizingly funny story..."

"Xuan's colourful illustrations with their thick, bold outlines are eye-catching and complement the text in both books by highlighting the specific situations that are currently occurring. In some instances, they contribute to the story's humour..."
- CM magazine

"Xuan's softly colored, cut-paper figures smile and stand in informal positions, reflecting the infectiously humorous tone. What will the young Kangs dream up next?"

About the Author

Ying Compestine: Ying's dozens of children's books have won many awards, including spots on the "best lists" from the ALA, Bank Street, Book Sense, and New York Times. She visits schools and teaches workshops internationally. She has written for magazines such as Cooking Light, Self, Men's Health, and Martha Stewart's Whole Living. Her website is www.yingc.com.

YongSheng Xuan illustrated the four volume "Story of" series. Educated at the renowned Central Arts and Crafts University in Beijing, China, he lives in Vancouver, Canada. His art has exhibited worldwide and appeared in Cricket magazine. His website is www.ysxuan.com.