An Old Folk Tale for the Chinese New Year

 

            A traditional tale, "The Seven Chinese Brothers," has been retold by Margaret Mahy in a book with engaging watercolor illustrations by Jean and Mou-sien Tseng. Available in paperback, it would be a fun read for the Chinese New Year, celebrated around February, and the most important holiday in China.

 

            The seven brothers all looked alike, walked alike and talked alike . . . but in the story, you find out that each one had a special power all his own. When the seven brothers worked together to combine their seven special gifts, they were able to vanquish a cruel emperor and save each others' lives.

 

            The illustrations feature many traditional Chinese elements, giving American kids a good glimpse at Asian art styles. There is wonderful expression in the emperor's ensemble, the soldiers' uniforms, and the whimsical facial expressions on the seven brothers.

 

            On a historical note, the "bad guy" in this story, the emperor Ch'in Shih Huang, was a real person who lived more than two hundred years before Christ. He was credited with bringing about the unification of China into one central government and for beginning the construction of the 4,000-mile Great Wall, the longest structure ever built. This book would be a good springboard for talking with your child about China, as well as the importance of teamwork and brotherly love.