The Ghost Fox [Hardcover]

Laurence Yep (Author), Jean Tseng (Author, Illustrator), Mou-Sien Tseng (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1994 | Age Level: 8 and up

In an adaptation of an ancient Chinese ghost story, young Little Lee is determined to protect his mother from a vengeful ghost intent on inhabiting her soul. By the author of The Rainbow People.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Drawing on a classic Chinese ghost story, Yep delivers a lively, shivery tale in which a nine-year-old boy tests his wits against those of a powerful ghost fox. The stakes are high: the ghost fox is intent on stealing Little Lee's mother's soul. Prompted by his loving mother's seemingly inexplicable transformation into a harsh and distant woman, Little Lee pretends to be a ghost fox and gets the best of his adversary, restoring his mother to her former self. Little Lee--resourceful, persistent and remarkably self-sufficient--makes an appealing hero. His story, though simply told, spans an impressive range, from the tension of the supernatural to the humor of Little Lee's interactions with his mother's family to the darkness of the mother's estrangement. The Tsengs (who illustrated Yep's The Boy Who Swallowed Snakes , reviewed above) provide a visual grounding for the exotic 17th-century setting with historically accurate pen-and-ink drawings. Ages 8-11.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-Seeking revenge for an unintentional slight, a ghost fox attempts to steal the souls of both Little Lee and his mother while the merchant Big Lee has gone downriver to trade. They protect themselves throughout the spring, summer, and fall, but let their guard down in the winter. The fox sneaks into the house and begins to harden the woman's heart against her only son. Changing from a patient, kind, and adoring mother, she becomes angry and cruel and puts him out of their home. Realizing that he alone can restore her spirit, the tenacious boy devises a plan that succeeds because of his cleverness and courage. Detailed, full-page, black-and-white illustrations appear throughout and draw readers into the narrative, adapted from a collection of Chinese 17th-century tales of the supernatural. Readers of sophisticated fairy tales will enjoy this fast-paced story in which a physically and emotionally abandoned child defends himself and his loved one, and goodness is victorious.
Susan Middleton, LaJolla Country Day School, CA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 70 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Trade (January 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590472046
• ISBN-13: 978-0590472043
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,959,203 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Laurence Yep has been fascinated with tales of sibling rivalry from the day he was born. His older brother, Tom, chose his name Laurence - after a saint who died a particularly gruesome death. Laurence has been trying to get even ever since. Laurence Yep now lives in Pacific Grove, California, with his wife and is one of children's literature's most respected authors. His award-winning titles include Newbery Honor Books Dragonwings and Dragon's Gate.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very interesting story for young readers, May 18, 2006

By 

DONALD G. FOX "Santee Sioux" (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Ghost Fox (Paperback)

While helping his father load the family boat, Little Lee accidently bumps into a stranger. As the story goes on, the stranger turns out to be a "ghost fox," a nefarious spiritual threat to Little Lee's mother. Little Lee must figure out where the threat is coming from and then what to do in spite of many obstacles. Ultimately, Little Lee saves the day. This is a great story introducing kids to a bit of Chinese lore and culture. The story is exciting and fast-paced; a story that children will enjoy.