"...A worthwhile addition to picture book collections." -- Booklist. "Executed with chromatic splendor--a unique combination of brillinace and restraint." -- The Horn Book "Every library will be enriched by it." -- School Library Journal
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Misty, jewel-like illustrations evoke the mythic past in this Chinese Cinderella story. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
94 of 94 people found the following review helpful
By slomamma
Format:Paperback
In almost every culture, parents tell children a story that resembles the European Cinderella. Scholars have collected more than 500 versions of the story. In the past couple of decades a lot of these multicultural variations on Cinderella have been turned into children's picture books. The familiar story gives kids a great introduction to people of the world. Several of these books are very good, but two are exceptional. One is John Steptoe's "Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters," an African version of the story. The other is this one.
"Yeh-Shen," a Chinese version of the tale almost a thousand years older than the earliest known European version, contains many familiar details - a poor over-worked girl, a wicked stepmother and stepsister, a magical helper, a king in search of a wife, and a lost shoe. But while Cinderella is simply handed gifts from her fairy godmother, Yeh-Shen earns her wishes through kindness to a magic fish. This one change makes a big difference in the ethical tone of the book. It also makes the reader feel much more sympathetic toward Yeh-Shen, who seems to deserve every bit of good fortune she gets.
The illustrations greatly add to the book's charm. Ed Young's style is striking and unique. There's a misty, ethereal quality to his art that makes everything look as if it were taking place in a dream - which is just perfect for the book.
60 of 65 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is the oldest known version of Cinderella. It dates back to 9BC China. Having taught a unit on the history of Cinderella to my class every year around Holiday time, I'm pleased to finally have a copy of the book -- the copy from the Minneapolis Public Library is missing -- because it teaches children that not every version is about pumpkin coaches and glass slippers. Beautifully illustrated by Ed Young, the theme of the fish/fairy godmother character plays throughout the book.
Enjoy this version, along with Shirley Chimo's Egyptian and Korean Cinderellas, The Turkey Girl, The Rough Face Girl, Sootface, and of course, the old classic versions.
This book is an excellent addition to your multicultural children's collection!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Amy Graham
Format:Paperback
Cinderella stories are practically a dime a dozen...they can be found in practically every culture known to man and are amoung the most frequently read to young children. So what makes Yeh-Shen worth reading...well, it's retold by Louie with it's origins in China and is probably based on the oldest known version of Cinderella in existence. Louie writes with few words, but manages to tell the story eloquently and in a way that is appealing to both children and adults. Additionally, Young's illustrations are exquisite and really evoke a feeling of ancient China. This story includes all of the classic elements that we Westerners are familiar with...the evil step mother, an unattractive step-sister, an emperor looking for a bride, the wayward slipper (though this one is golden, not glass)...but it also has its differences. In place of the fairy god-mother we are used to, there is a kindly old man who offers sage advice to Yeh-Shen (and he appears once about midway thought the story) and of course, there is the magical fish who makes Yeh-Shen's life bearable and makes her dreams come true in the end. I love that the author didn't sanitize the ending and that the reader is told the fate of the cruel and mean-spirited step-mother and sister. It was done in such a way that I don't think the young children this books is geared toward would be at all disturbed...plus it is in keeping with what is considered the traditional ending for most fairy tales (before they were sanitized for modern times)...the evil and unjust get what they deserve and I think that's the perfect ending! I give Yeh-Shen 5 stars, it's a lovely tale that is beautifully illustrated, it would make a lovely addition to any library.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Then Shen
My book was in good shape. I needed this book for my college class. Thanks will use the book in the future with school age children.
Published 2 months ago by beatrice savill
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chinese Cinderella
This is a beautiful Cinderella story. The illustrations are beautiful. I recommend parents to purchase this book for children who love Cinderella books. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Sylverdollar
5.0 out of 5 stars
Such a beautiful masterpiece of the original Cinderella
FORGET DISNEY (no offense to any die-hards out there). Even if you don't have kids, but are into world folklore and mythology--like me--then this is DEFINITELY worth the purchase. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Mr Groovy 70s
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dreamy and spare
Told in a series of illustrated panels that carry the story across the page, this book is a one-of-a-kind Cinderella. Read more
Published on March 29, 2011 by M. Heiss
5.0 out of 5 stars
Yeh Shen
Excellent service, prompt delivery, excellent conditon
as described, packaged well.
Would use again.
as described, packaged well.
Would use again.
Published on January 26, 2010 by Lenore Chicka
5.0 out of 5 stars
more realistic cinderella
Bought this for my 6-yo niece, who reads very well. It's a great version of the Cinderella story, set in China. Read more
Published on January 4, 2007 by murchie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Yeh-Shen
Both of my children have had this book read to them at school and loved it. We had to own it.
Published on October 26, 2005 by E. Talledo
2.0 out of 5 stars
china cinderella
did not liked the book, I thought the pictures were going to be brighter.Excellent delivery.
Published on August 5, 2005 by Maria E. Munoz
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not appropriate for young children
I am very enthusiastic about exposing my children to different cultures and ideas, and when I saw this book and read the reviews on Amazon, I was excited to get it for my girls. Read more
Published on October 11, 2003
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book
I think this book is very,very good. It was a great book about China also a good book for childrens around the world. This book is about a girl named Yeh-Shen that was a orpahan. Read more
Published on June 11, 2002
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