Song of Mu Lan [Hardcover]

Jeanne M. Lee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 1991 | Age Level: 4 and up

Taking her father's place when the Emperor calls his vassals to war, Mu Lan serves so faithfully that she is received by the Emperor himself, and when she returns home, her comrades are astonished that she is a woman.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Reflecting a combination of delicacy and strength, this translation of an ancient Chinese poem tells of a girl named Mu Lan, who, disguised as a man, goes to war in her father's place, and fights for 12 hard years before returning home. The song-like text, epic in feel, is best read aloud: it attains a simple majesty, an eloquence that belies its spare words: "War drums ring in the brittle air. The cold moon shines on steel." Dominated by hues of amber and sandalwood, Lee's (Silent Lotus) glowing watercolor paintings bow to traditional East Asian artistry; the expansive desert sands and mountain ranges are dotted with soldiers' tunics, flags, horses and bonsai-like trees, striking a balance between war and nature's silent grace. Elegantly presented, the book pulses with striking touches such as the Chinese text (rendered in fine calligraphy by Lee's father) which appears on each page; and the Sung and Ming Dynasty versions of this poem that are handsomely reproduced on the end papers. Powerful and understated. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 5?The bilingual edition of a 1500-year-old ballad celebrates the bravery of a Chinese woman. When the emperor calls her ailing father to battle, Mu Lan, having no elder brother, answers the call herself. She buys a horse, puts on armor, takes up sword and spear, and leads the life of a male soldier for 10 years. When the emperor offers the warrior a rich reward, she asks for camels to carry her back to her village. Once home, she puts on women's clothes, convincing her former comrades that courage and fighting skills are not the province of men alone. The story is told through terse, rhythmic, unrhymed stanzas, combining narration with Mu Lan's own words. Lee's art, influenced by classic Chinese painting, illuminates and amplifies the spare poetic text. Character is suggested by gesture, not expression. Reminding us that the ballad has entered the repertoire of Chinese opera, Lee carefully composes each scene, setting the figures against a buff ground. The restraint of both art and text invites readers into the story, leaving space for imaginative interaction. This re-creation of a beloved Chinese poem is a valuable addition to the growing body of authentic Chinese literature for children.?Margaret A. Chang, North Adams State College, MA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Front Street Imprint of Boyds Mills Press (August 28, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886910006
• ISBN-13: 978-1886910003
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #932,347 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > Children's Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Asian

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Song of Mu Lan, July 25, 2000

By 

Mike Connelly (Beijing) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Song of Mu Lan (Hardcover)

In the US, most people came to the legend of Mu Lan via or following the Disney version, which was, for a change, amazingly close to the source material. In China, this story is as well known as George Washington and his cherry tree is in America. I was quite taken with the Disney movie, and went looking for books of the story. Many books later, in both English and Chinese, I have come to regard this version as the best of all. The translation is excellent, the drawings nothing short of captivating. My children, now four to fourteen, all enjoy hearing me read this book aloud, and I have not grown tired of reading it. There are many small true things in this book which may not be readily striking to the casual Western reader, but to those who have studied or lived in China, the story makes a great deal of sense, both in the details and in the broad message of the story.. I can't heap enough praise on this book. It is perfect in every way, all the details are just right.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars My favorite version of the Mu Lan legend, July 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Song of Mu Lan (Hardcover)

The illustrations are beautiful! This is an authentic presentation of the ancient folk ballad of Mu Lan. The translation adheres closely to the original Chinese text. This is simultaneously the great merit and the great fault of this translation, since the original text is allusive and elliptical in its phrasing. For example, the ancient text appears to have several speakers, but it is not always clear who is speaking at any moment. Because of this, the English translation is at times unclear. The imagery of Jeanne Lim's lean interpretation of this poem is nevertheless powerful and rich, comparable to Han Frankel's translation of this poem, and quite a relief from the excesses of Arthur Waley. I recommend it highly.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mulan , beautiful warrior princess, April 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Song of Mu Lan (Hardcover)

The story of Mu Lan is the chinese woman warrier fairy tale that describes a young girl that is capable and courageous. Her father has no elder son, so she disguises herself as a boy and joins up when they call her father's name. The original fairy tale poem is reproduced in poetry, both in chinese and english. The calligraphy is artfully done and the story rings genuine. The words are faithfully reproduced to convey the original meaning. It is a book you can display on your coffee table or read over and over to your children. The beautiful illustrations are done in watercolor on silk and are lush and expressive. Because of her service to the emperor, she is rewarded. But she only asked to go home after 10 years of valor. They welcome her like a lost child and hold a feast in her honor where she surprises family and comrades alike with her real identity. This is a wonderful book to teach girls that they can be anything they want and not lose their identity. And it is humerous when she reveals herself. The chinese proverb at the end states that when two rabbits run together, no one can tell which is male or female. The original text was written in AD 420-589, and it can be considered one of the first statements of female independence in a society that is proud of sons over daughters. I know it gave me and my daughters pride to be Chinese women and the sense that we can be both beautiful and strong. The book is a good teaching tool but it can also be enjoyed purely for the artwork and calligraphy. I would recommend this book highly to all girls everywhere and the action and surprise will surely delight young boys as well. It is no wonder that Disney chose this book.