Magical Rooster: A Tale in English and Chinese

by Jian Li (Illustrator)

Overview

This beautifully illustrated multicultural children's book tells the story of a young boy and his magical rooster in both English and Chinese—a great story for Chinese New Year!

Long long ago, there lived a boy named Tang Yun. He studied very hard and was ready to take the imperial exam in the Capital City thousands of miles away. Yun's mother was worried about him traveling alone. After working day and night, she finished hand embroidering a rooster on Yun's outfit, hoping the magical rooster would be her son's guardian angel.

During his trip, magic happened whenever Yun was in danger. With a crowing of "cock-a doodle-doo," the embroidered rooster jumped out of Yun's outfit. He was alive! He was brave, timely and kind. He helped Yun overcome many obstacles during his trip. Yun arrived at the Capital City safely and successfully passed his exam with honor. He eventually reunited with his mother. They lived happily together ever after.

Other books in the Chinese Zodiac Series (as well as the year of that animal) include:

• Little Pigs and the Sweet Rice Cakes—2007 & 2019
• Water Dragon—2012 & 2024
• Little Monkey King's Journey—2016 & 2028
• Snake Goddess Colors the World—2013 & 2025
• Horse and the Mysterious Drawing—2014 & 2026
• Sheep Beauty—2015 & 2027
• Bronze Dog—2006 & 2018
• Little Rat and the Golden Seed—2008 & 2020
• Little Calf—2009 & 2021

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781602209954
Publisher:	Shanghai Press
Publication date:	10/18/2016
Series:	Stories of the Chinese Zodiac
Edition description:	Bilingual Edition, Hardcover with Jacket
Pages:	42
Sales rank:	753,334
Product dimensions:	9.40(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	5 - 9 Years

About the Author

Li Jian used to be a middle school art teacher, an editor for kid's books, and a partner in an illustration studio. Currently he owns his own illustration studio.

Editorial Reviews

10/24/2016
In this addition to the bilingual Stories of the Chinese Zodiac series, an anxious mother embroiders a rooster onto her son’s clothing to protect him as he travels to the Capital City to take his exams. During Yun’s long journey, the magical rooster wakes him in the morning, keeps him warm during a snowstorm, and grows large enough for the boy to ride. Li uses muted shades of blue, gray, and tan for his modest paintings; in a lovely touch, the images of the rooster are actually embroidered. Details about the rooster, the 10th sign of the Chinese zodiac, round out this quiet, fable-like tale. Ages 5–10. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

"This charming story is told in English and in Chinese. The two languages flow together across the pages with their animated illustrations. A unique gift, the book is as much art as it is entertainment. A beautiful story, beautifully told." —Retailing Insight Magazine

"Li uses muted shades of blue, gray, and tan for his modest paintings; in a lovely touch, the images of the rooster are actually embroidered. Details about the rooster, the 10th sign of the Chinese zodiac, round out this quiet, fable-like tale." —Publishers Weekly

"…a wonderful and sweet tale." —Crafty Moms Share blog

"The story is beautifully told and illustrated and reflects Chinese culture and style, with the text written in both English and Chinese. Intended for children ages four to eight, it will be appreciated by all ages." —Foreword magazine

From the Publisher

01/01/2017
PreS-Gr 2—Before Yun leaves to take the imperial exam in the Capital City, his mother makes him a tunic with a rooster embroidered on its back. The road to the Capital City is far and long, but the embroidered rooster jumps off the tunic at key points to help Yun on his journey. After Yun gets an official post because of his high exam grades, the rooster fetches his mother so that the two can be happily reunited. Presented in simplified Chinese characters and poorly copyedited English, this original tale is timed to come out for the Year of Rooster, starting in late January 2017. The story lacks excitement and suspense owing to its English translation. The illustrations follow suit—with the exception of the rooster's bright red cockscomb, the large watercolor paintings mostly feature a subdued and muddy palette. VERDICT Only for collections where Li's previous works have a strong fanbase.—Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA

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