Kids who are familiar with the European tale will recognize many familiar story elements. This ancient version of Cinderella retold by Ai-Ling Louie actually predates the oldest known European version of the classic tale. We actually believe they are important to share with your children because they give us glimpses of greater things. (The real ones, that is…not modernized re-tellings.) We’re the ones squirming in our seats as we read, while the kids hardly bat an eye.īut we don’t just think fairy tales are fine to read to kids. In our experience, though, this doesn’t tend to happen. So…not your average modern-day story.Īs adults, we may worry our kids will find these tales too weird and scary. In it you’ll find a chief with two wives, several untimely deaths, and magical fish bones. Take the Cinderella tale of Yeh-Shen, for example. Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China Ai-Ling Louie Penguin, Juvenile Fiction - 32 pages 24 Reviews Reviews aren't verified, but Google checks for and removes fake content.

You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.Sometimes fairy tales can be strange, and they’re not always easy to read aloud. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. *Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. Write a letter from Ya Shen to the magic fish, telling him what has happened to her since the end of the book, and illustrate. Make a mobile with items from the book - magic fish, gold shoe, etc. If you had a magic fish/ fairy godmother, what would you ask for? Tips for reading the book:? This book is a beautiful translation of a Chinese tale from the T'ang dynasty in China.? Be sure to talk about the concept of dynasties and to share the history of this story with the children.? You should emphasize vocabulary words like sage and azure.? Be aware that the book is somewhat long.? As with most fairy tales, this one ends with the good rewarded and the bad punished this may raise questions and curiosity in your group.? The teacher who selected this month's books advises that you acknowledge and discuss questions briefly as they arise.? Also, suggest that children discuss these issues in more depth with their parents after the Reading Clubs.ĭiscussion topics for during/after reading:ĭo you know the story of Cinderella? What is it?ĭiscuss the concept of different cultures telling the same story set within their own context. Over 1,000 years before the first European Cinderella story appeared, the tale of Yeh-Shen was part of China's storytelling tradition. Grade Level: 3rd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.) Volunteers needed in June! Click here to sign up.

Yeh-Shen by Ai-Ling Louie