The Jade Stone: A Chinese Folktale [Hardcover]

Caryn Yacowitz (Author), Ju-Hong Chen (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1992 | Age Level: 5 and up

When the Great Emperor of All China commands him to carve a Dragon of Wind and Fire in a piece of perfect jade, Chan Lo discovers the stone wants to be something else.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This solid retelling of a traditional Chinese folktale concerns artistic integrity. A stone carver can't carve the dragon out of the "perfect piece of green and white jade stone," as the Great Emperor of All China has commanded, because a dragon is not what the stone innately "wants" to be. The entire kingdom is in an uproar, and still the craftsman insists on following his creative instincts--to his death, if necessary. Though this moral tale has a timeless--and somewhat timely--quality, its visual presentation is weak. Chen's authentic drawings, while subtle, lack dramatic power; the overall design of the book is bland and does not set off the illustrations; and the interior typeface does not complement the art. The story will read aloud well, and perhaps children will not notice the lack of artistry in the book's overall appearance. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- ``A dragon of wind and fire'' is what the Great Emperor of All China commands of the humble stone carver Chan Lo, as he gives him a perfect piece of jade. But Chan Lo can carve only what he hears in the stone. ``Pah-tah'' comes from deep inside. Next, ``bub-bubb-bubble.'' A third time, ``s-s-s-ah.'' Knowing that he has not heard dragon noises, Chan Lo works for a year and a day before setting off with his creation--three carp. No punishment is harsh enough for someone who has so defied the emperor, who says, ``I will let my dreams decide.'' In these dreams he sees the sources of Chan Lo's inspiration, and so rewards him with the title of Master Carver. With its rhythm and sounds, this adaptation of a Chinese folktale begs to be read aloud. Visually it advances like the unrolling of an Oriental scroll: watercolor-and-ink drawings on stone-colored handmade rice paper, made narrow by white top and bottom margins. Chen's device of outlining his drawings with a taupe band adds a sense of depth and makes them visible for group sharing. A very satisfying tale, whether read aloud or pored over alone to pick up the whimsical humor of the illustrations. --Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 36 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st edition (March 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823409198
• ISBN-13: 978-0823409198
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,253,650 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chan Lo is a stone carver who has a special assignment to carve a dragon from a lovely piece of green and white jade, December 14, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Jade Stone: A Chinese Folktale (Hardcover)

Chan Lo is a stone carver who has a special assignment to carve a dragon from a lovely piece of green and white jade - but there may not be a dragon in the stone. Indeed, the stone has other ideas of what it wishes to be, and Chan is faced with a dilemma: to please his emperor or listen to the stone's needs. Who will prove the most powerful? Lovely drawings by Ju-Hong Chen bring the traditional tale to life.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book to treasure and to pass on to future generations, January 30, 2010

By 

Emily I. Wong - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Jade Stone: A Chinese Folktale (Hardcover)

I used to read this book to my kids when they were young and now I'm buying this book for friends who have young children. This is a fun book to read to your kids. The entire family will enjoy the story and beautifully illustrated pictures. This story reminds the adults and teaches our kids to be true to our conscience and not give in to pressure even if it means risking our lives. I highly recommend this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a wonderful book, August 30, 2008

By 

Mary Anne Kadosh "avivan5" (los angeles, ca) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Jade Stone: A Chinese Folktale (Hardcover)

I bought this book for a Chinese child who was adopted by a family in the United States. The tale is lovely and the illustrations are outstanding. The book was a real hit with the little girl I bought it for, her parents, and her grandparents.