FOLKTALES AND NURSERY RHYMES
Wang, Viola

Hello: How Nüwa Created the World

(2) K-3 This story (inspired by the Chinese myth of Nüwa, who crafted humankind) takes readers and listeners on a journey back to a time "when the world was still young," with Nüwa as the sole inhabitant yearning for a simple yet profound thing: someone to say "hello" to. After reaching out to the creatures around her with no response, she felt sad and "cried for three whole days," creating a gigantic puddle around her. She then molds a new friend from the mud, and they greet each other with a heartfelt "hello." Nüwa continues, creating more friends who spread across the world, building "homes and farms and cities" and raising their own families. This leads to a double-page spread with people saying "hello," each in a different language. The concise narrative beautifully conveys Nüwa's longing for companionship. The illustrations, rendered in bold neon colors, particularly a vibrant pink, bring this world playfully to life. This heartwarming and visually captivating book emphasizes the significance of reaching out and forging connections and underscores the enduring importance of communication and community.

RELATED 

Get connected. Join our global community of more than 200,000 librarians and educators.

This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?