From Publishers Weekly
Noted children's author Yep ( The Rainbow People ; The Star Fisher ) scrupulously culls numerous early Chinese American tales, most of them collected as part of a 1930s WPA project in Oakland's Chinatown, and gracefully retells them, weaving everything together with perceptive commentary on the stories' origins and intents. Many of the virtues and morals espoused are from familiar folktale territory--the importance of respect for parents ("The Little Emperor") and of kindness to others ("Waters of Gold") and the pitfalls of greed ("The Rat in the Wall"). The stories are liberally dosed with magic, and all praise the qualities--patience and diligence, for example--necessary to succeed in a foreign and often hostile land. Kudos to Yep for preserving and interpreting these important historical links in the Chinese American experience. Illustrations not seen by PW . Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-7-- Drawing on the same WPA project that provided the bare bones for his Rainbow People (HarperCollins, 1989), Yep has crafted a fine collection of short stories based in the oral Chinese-American tradition. Tongues of Jade has a distinctly more Chinese feeling than the previous title, and supernatural tales predominate. Organized under headings like "Roots," "Family Ties," etc., the stories are sometimes thoughtful, always effective, and usually point to some moral. The writing is replete with lush descriptions, witty asides, and crackling dialogue. Each story is a world of its own; each is successful and satisfying. All open with an attractive ink-and-wash illustration. The selections range from tragic to touching to richly humorous. The only peculiarities are the mini-essays that introduce the sections. While earnest in intent, they are not substantial enough to supply meaningful context and tie the pieces together by the slenderest of threads. This aside, Yep has gathered an excellent compilation of folktales that will be enjoyed by a wide audience of readers--and listeners. --John Philbrook, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
