From Publishers Weekly
"Once upon a time in old Vietnam," begins "The Raven and the Star Fruit," exemplifying the spell of enchantment cast over these half dozen stories. If the setting is exotic with its banyan trees and lotus blossoms, water buffalo and tigers the classic themes are universal. They include talking animals and beautiful princesses, requited and unrequited love as well as familiar human flaws. For instance, in the above-mentioned tale a raven rewards the generosity of a poor couple by leading them to an island of treasures, while the same opportunity has disastrous results for the husband's foolish elder brother and his greedy wife. Garland (Shadow of the Dragon) places each story within its historical, geographical and cultural context, enriching readers' understanding of Vietnam and its people. "The Legend of the Monsoon Rains" recounts the ongoing dispute between the Lord of the Mountains and the Lord of the Seas for the hand of the emperor's daughter followed by a discussion of Vietnam's crops and weather; the tale of "The Boatman's Flute" highlights the country's transportation and governmental systems. Hyman (A Child's Calendar) complements the richly embroidered retellings with jewel-like India ink and acrylic illustrations. From the fluid pattern of stripes on a tiger's back (for a pourquoi tale) to the dark sweep of a maiden's hair and lissome bend of a willow branch, the artist applies her signature flowing lines and graceful artistry; she captures all the romance and beauty of the stories and their setting. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Gr 3-6-This handsome volume gathers six well-told traditional tales not readily available elsewhere. Three legends explain the origins of the stripes on a tiger, the man in the moon, and Vietnam's wild monsoons. Three others address the consequences of unkind and rude acts. A proud princess rejects a boatman whose music has stirred her heart because he is poor and ugly. A greedy brother and a lazy sister come to a bad end when they try to replicate the good fortune gained by their generous, polite siblings. An introduction outlines the history of Vietnam, highlighting traditional literature and language. Long notes at the end of each story relate events and characters to aspects of Vietnamese culture. However, it must be noted that while Garland provides useful information, she does not give specific source notes. Libraries may already own The Brocaded Slipper (HarperTrophy, 1992) and The Golden Carp (Lothrop, 1993; o.p.), in which Lynette Dyer Vuong employs the techniques of fiction-dialogue and vividly described action-to retell her Vietnamese tales and provides specific sources and pertinent background information. Garland makes greater use of narration. Her offering is greatly enhanced by Hyman's strong color work, romantic sensibility, and dramatic characterizations. The artist contributes decorations, as well as half- and full-page illustrations for each story. With so few collections of Vietnamese folktales available, libraries in need of Southeast Asian folklore could overlook the lack of source notes and value this lovely new collection for its smooth writing and appealing format.
Margaret A. Chang, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, North Adams
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
