Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace LinAR Reading Level: 5.5
On the library stacks: Children's fiction
Awards: ALA Notable/Best Books; E.B. White Award; NCTE Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts; Newbery Honor
Recommended for: Grades 3+
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I pulled this book out to read, both of my older kids said, "Hey! The librarian at school started reading that to us last year." I think this book would make an excellent read-aloud, but unfortunately, the librarian never finished it with either of them. That's a situation I plan to remedy now!
Minli is a girl who lives in a poor village in the shadow of the Fruitless Mountain. Every day she and her parents work hard to earn their rice. They have an extremely modest, but comfortable life together. However, Minli's mother is always sighing, wishing that life didn't have to be such a struggle. So Minli leaves on a journey to meet the Old Man of the Moon, who has answers to all of life's questions, to seek her family's fortune.
This is a sweet fairy tale with gorgeous illustrations. The author incorporates her spin on various Asian legends and fables throughout the book, tying them into Minli's story. It's a tale about finding true happiness regardless of our circumstances and extols the virtues of gratitude, kindness and selflessness. It's just a great book, and I can't wait for my kids to finish it.
Also reviewed by: Becky's Book Reviews ~ In the Pages... ~ Linus's Blanket ~ Your link here?
Source: Purchased
5 comments:
I think I might have mentioned to you that this was a good one. Glad that you enjoyed it!
That sounds so good! I can't help but wonder why the librarian never finished reading it to your children.
@ Kathy: I think they just ran out of school year! :)
Isn't it just gorgeous? Let me know how it goes with reading aloud; I did think of doing that with my girls but never got around to it. I should.
I really enjoyed her book Year of the Dog, which I read outloud with my then 8 year old. Great writing :)
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