nwasianweekly.com
November 22, 2003

Editor's note: Join the Northwest Asian Weekly for its second-annual Rainbow Bookfest: Celebrating Authors of Color at Union Station, Fifth Avenue and Jackson Street in Seattle, on April 24, 2004. This year’s event
will feature a poetry slam.

A Quick Look at Books

By Ann-Marie Stillion

Moonbeams, Dumplings and Dragon Boats: A Treasury of Chinese Holiday Tales, Activities and Recipes, by Nina Simonds, Leslie Schartz and The Children’s Museum of Boston. Illustrated by Meilo So. Published by Gulliver Books, 2002.

Whether your family has celebrated these holidays and traditions for a lifetime or newly discovering the Chinese culture, this book could be both fun and invaluable. The principal author, Simonds, is a noted Asian cookbook author. The many activities on subjects like the lantern festival and dragon boats make this colorful book very educational. There are simple instructions on how to make puppets and a small stage, along with how to make bamboo clackers. You will enjoy reading about where moon cakes come from. The author even thoughtfully included a “Rabbit in the Moon” cookie recipe. The activities come from the Asian programming at The Children’s Museum in Boston. This book would be an excellent addition to any home or school library.


Favorite Children’s Stories from China and Tibet, by Lotta Carswell Hume, illustrated by Lo Koon-chiu. Published by Tuttle Publishing, 2002.

A collection of folktales collected by the author in the last 20 years, this book will appeal to young and old alike. There are stories of magic, talking animals, creation and even a Chinese Cinderella. The 120-page book is beautifully illustrated; some are classic Chinese brush-style, others are traditional Western and some are a blend of both techniques. Readers will find as much to look at as to read. The stories are thoughtfully identified by the regions from which they come, and Hume “translates” the stories in an engaging manner.


Sushi for Kids: A Children’s Introduction to Japan’s Favorite Food, written and illustrated by Kaoru Ono. Published by Tuttle Publishing, 2003.

This wonderful book is a cookbook, travel guide and history book rolled into a beautifully illustrated story. The distinguished author is a public artist and professor in Japan. The wealth of detail and a sincere appreciation for all things sushi shine through. In addition, the translation was done by two popular Japanese-to-English experts. Peter Howlett and Richard McNamara, who have translated the Guri and Gura books for the same publisher, are active in bringing environmental education to children. The story begins during a celebration for the grandfather of a young boy who loves sushi. Atsushi is so excited by all the varieties of sushi on the family table that his father decides to take him on a grand sushi tour. Yet another children’s book that will please young and old alike.

Ann-Marie Stillion can be reached at annmarie@nwasianweekly.com

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