Cleversticks [Paperback]

Bernard Ashley (Author), Derek Brazell (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Illus. in full color. Ling Sung dreads going to school. There are too many things the other kids can do that he can't. When he discovers everyone admires his ability to use chopsticks, Ling Sung is empowered.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A Chinese American boy realizes his know-how with chopsticks is a special skill; lessons on eating with chopsticks are lagniappe. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Ling Sung doesn't like his new school: everyone else seems to be getting praise for their accomplishments, whether it's Manjit writing her name, Terry tying his shoes, or Sharon buttoning her coat. Ling Sung can't do any of those things; but after the teacher notices him picking up his broken cookie pieces with paintbrushes in lieu of the chopsticks he uses at home, she asks him to help everyone else learn his skill--and they share theirs with him. A pleasant, realistic getting-adjusted story, with a cheery multicultural class appealingly characterized in Brazell's colorful, unusually perceptive art. (Picture book. 3-7) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dragonfly Books (July 10, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517883325
• ISBN-13: 978-0517883327
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 0.1 x 10.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #274,724 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #55 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Multicultural Stories > Asian & Asian American

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book is a good portrayal of one's ability to learn, April 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Cleversticks (Paperback)

When reviewing the book Cleversticks, I feel that children will find this book very appealing. Many children can relate to the conflict that occurs in the story and find it comforting when they realize that other children go through the same difficulties. The pictures are also very vivid and bright, which is very eye catching for it's young readers.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cute story, July 28, 2009

By 

Julie "Julie" (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cleversticks (Hardcover)

This is an awesome story about a boy who can't seem to do anything right. He shows off his chopstick/eating talent with his preschool class. The pictures show people of diverse backgrounds, and the story is endearing.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A tale of differening abilities that really rings true, June 14, 2009

By 

I. Polt-Jones "twinfant mom at twinfant.com" (East Bay, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cleversticks (Picture Lions) (Paperback)

Ling Sung is a kindergartener who just can't seem to do what the other kids do. He's dejected and feeling left out, until he discovers he's the only one in the class who knows how to use chopsticks! Very cute, realistic story that acknowledges difficult feelings. You'll cheer for Ling Sung as he teaches the other kids his special talent and gets help learning new ones. Great for preschool and early elementary school grades.
My kids had to hear it three or four times in a row.

Charming and realistic pencil illustrations. The entire classroom and the teachers are matter of factly depicted as very culturally/ethnically diverse.