Message in the Mooncake

August 1, 2024
A young girl plays a part in resisting Mongolian occupation in Yuan dynasty China. As Su-Ling and her Ma-Ma shop in the market, Su-Ling excitedly tries out her kung fu Tiger Kick. Their experience is somewhat tainted by the presence of a Mongolian guard; to prevent revolts, a law forbids Chinese people from gathering. Back at home, Pa-Pa informs them that there is indeed a rebellion planned. The Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching, and messages with the time of the rebellion will be distributed inside mooncakes. Unfortunately, the guards might search adults carrying the traditional treats. So Su-Ling volunteers to make the delivery to her uncle Ming. Pa-Pa instructs Su-Ling to light a green lantern to signal a successful delivery or a red one to call off the revolt. Su-Ling sets out, but the same guard from the market soon spots her. Su-Ling plays it cool, though inside she's anxious, and her quick thinking saves the day and allows her to proudly carry a green lantern home. Throughout, tiger imagery symbolizes her inner strength and courage. Chow's well-paced narrative effectively builds suspense. Liu portrays characters with exaggerated proportions and uses bold colors and textures to make the pages pop with movement. Backmatter notes that the story is based on a well-known legend and discusses the Mongol occupation, the Mid-Autumn Festival, kung fu, and mooncakes. An appealing retelling of a notable folktale. (timeline, author's and illustrator's notes)(Picture book. 5-8)

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July 19, 2024

K-Gr 4-The thrilling legendary tale of why mooncakes are traditionally eaten during the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival comes to life in this colorful picture book. Su-Ling's village is planning a rebellion against its Mongolian rulers. Pastry shops put messages inside one of the four mooncakes in every box, spreading word about the time for attack. Su-Ling tells her father that she wants to help by transporting the cakes. With her wits and courage, Su-Ling successfully delivers the secret message without getting caught by Mongol guards. Charming illustrations add depth and whimsy to the story, capturing Su-Ling's bravery and wisdom. Back matter provides readers with insights into types of mooncakes, the celebration of Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Chinese martial art of kung fu. VERDICT Whether enjoyed as a bedtime story or incorporated into educational curricula, this is sure to leave an impression on readers.-Anna Ching-Yu Wong

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2024
Grades K-3 Su-Ling seems to be an ordinary child in long-ago China. But when her father needs someone to deliver a secret message, her inner tiger appears. The message, about a revolt against the ruling Mongols, is hidden inside a decorated mooncake, a traditional food of the Mid-Autumn Festival. On her way to her uncle with a box of mooncakes, Su-Ling is intercepted by a Mongol soldier. Her courage and quick thinking save the day--and keep the secret message safe. Coming home, she lights a green lantern as a sign of her success. In case readers are unfamiliar with elements of the story, Chow includes several pages of back matter providing explanations of the Yuan dynasty, the Mongol invasion, the Mid-Autumn Festival, kung fu, and mooncakes themselves. Liu draws on classic Chinese styles in her illustrations but also adds elements of modern comic books and graphic novels, effectively evoking a faraway place and a time long ago for young audiences. In both the story and the artwork, this is a fresh take on an old tale.

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