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(1)
4-6
Twelve-year-old July Chen has lived a lonely life. Her classmates and teacher constantly forget her ("Are you a new student?"), and her father is too tired and preoccupied to pay much attention to her. Ghosts, however, can see her, and unlike most people, she is able to see and communicate with them. July finds an unexpected friend in William Xiao, a wandering soul of a boy who has already survived several near-death experiences. On the night of the Hungry Ghost Festival, the two are chased by a death god and several zombie-like ghosts; they travel to the Underworld to find a way to protect themselves permanently. This graphic novel adventure effectively highlights the importance of friendship, family love, and remembering lost loved ones. Lai weaves many aspects of Chinese folk religion and Taoism into the plot while also creating colorful, memorable characters in both the living and spectral worlds (monstrous and friendly spirits who look like animals; blob-like aliens). She also infuses plenty of humor into a narrative that deals with mortality and the supernatural. An entertaining, engaging read with echoes of Miyazaki's film Spirited Away.
Reviewer: Michelle Lee
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2023
40 pp.
| Tuttle
| March, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8048-4840-4$9.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
L. K. Tay-Audouard.
This adaptation of the sixteenth-century Chinese novel Journey to the West by Wu Ch'eng-en (itself incorporating Chinese legends and folklore) is beautifully and fancifully illustrated in a traditional style. Although a bit wordy for a picture book, the story of Tripitaka--a monk sent to India to get Buddhist scriptures from Lord Buddha himself--and his helpers (including the titular Monkey King) is amusing and exciting.
32 pp.
| Eerdmans
| July, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8028-5369-1$16.99
(2)
K-3
"The Stone Cutter" parable is here translated to a contemporary setting, one guesses South Africa. Stonemason Sivu wishes he could be a wealthy businessman--then becomes that man. Sivu next becomes the mayor, the sun, a cloud, etc., each time misusing his power. Daly's art, in a rich, clear palette, is quietly stunning, revealing the beauty both in harsh landscapes and mundane streetscapes.
48 pp.
| McElderry
| May, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4169-1206-4$21.99
(2)
4-6
Demi presents the legendary figure "who may or may not have been born; who may or may not have founded Taoism." Elegant, minimally limned figures and gold-colored text, all set on circles of lightly clouded blue sky, make a sumptuous package. Twenty verses from the Tao Te Ching are included. Many Taoist symbols (including the familiar yin/yang) are shown and defined.