Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a Newberry Honor book by Grace Lin that describes the epic quest that a young girl, Minli, undertakes in order to improve the fortune of her desperately poor family. Along the way she meets a dragon, a king, a ferocious green tiger and a host of helpful people. It's the most delightful children's book I've read in years.
Minli (whose name means "quick thinking") is inspired by the stories her beloved father has told her to start her journey to the Old Man of the Moon who lives on the Never Ending Mountain far from Minli's home. During her long journey she cleverly overcomes many obstacles and meets people both rich and poor who teach her important lessons about friendship and the secret of happiness. Interwoven with Minli's story are Chinese-style legends told by various characters along the way. The legends are fascinating and beautifully interwoven into the central story.
The story includes many lessons and morals that are handled very gracefully. There's nothing forced or heavy handed about it.
The publisher, Little Brown, has suggested the book is suitable for grades 3 to 6 but I believe its appeal is much wider. I read it aloud to my 5 year old who was enchanted by it. Before I read it to her I read it myself and loved it. The writing style is simple and clear yet manages to create an imaginary world that fully absorbs the reader. The illustrations are gorgeous.
Grace Lin, who not only wrote this magical tale but also illustrated it, has created a classic story of a brave, determined, and resourceful young girl who leaves her home to seek good fortune for her family and village and gains great wisdom in the process.
I recommend it without reservation to people of all ages. It can be read again and again and will leave a lasting impression on its readers.
No comments:
Post a Comment