From Publishers Weekly
When Uncle Wu marries the beautiful Shell, who is of the sea and can assume the form of a seashell at will, he cannot resist bragging about her, and word soon reaches the realm's greedy, cruel king. The ruler imprisons Wu, vowing to kill him and marry Shell--unless she can perform three seemingly impossible tasks. Relying on both magic and wiles, she accomplishes all three feats and destroys the monarch forever. Yep's evocative yet gentle retelling emphasizes the story's romantic aspects as well as its supernatural qualities: Wu and Shell meet because both are lonely, and they establish their bond with mutual understanding and trust. Yang's exquisite pen-and-watercolor scenes have the simultaneous delicacy and strength of traditional Chinese art. His precise, graceful lines and soft colors capture both the mystery of Shell's transformations and the practical determination that underpins her eventual success, and evoke settings ranging from the solitary expansiveness of the South China shore to the cold, terrible splendor of the royal palace. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 6-Uncle Wu, a young man long faithful to a lost love, falls in love with a sea spirit named Shell, who is capable of shapeshifting into human form at will. They marry and live happily until news of the wonders she can perform brings her to the attention of the wicked king of the land, who orders her brought before him. Wishing to have her as his queen, the monarch imprisons Uncle Wu, threatening to kill him unless the young woman performs the three tasks he assigns her. Upon completion of the third task, the king declares that Uncle Wu shall not be free and that Shell herself will also be detained. The dog that brings "luck," the king's third request, now turns on him, spitting fire. He and his henchmen are engulfed in flames, while Shell and the young man escape on the dog's back. Though a tad grisly, this is certainly a gripping tale, well told in Yep's clear and lively prose. Yang's illustrations depict early China in great detail; always effective, they occasionally rise to brilliance. It is amazing that such vivid scenes as the burning palace could be rendered so wonderfully in watercolors. An excellent addition to any folklore collection.
John Philbrook, San Francisco Public LibraryCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
