Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Boy learns to appreciate his heritage in universal story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
When his grandpa, a tai chi master, comes from China for a visit, Vinson, a young Chinese-American boy, is interested in learning a new martial art, but disappointed when he finds the slow movements and measured breathing a lot less exciting than kung fu. And he doesn't like Grandpa calling him by his Chinese name, Ming Da, either. But when he sees his grandfather save a woman by kicking away a board aimed at her head, then gets an important role in the Chinese New Year parade and comes home with a bunch of money-filled red envelopes, he begins to feel it's pretty cool being Chinese.
Is It Any Good?
CROUCHING TIGER has Ying's always-strong storytelling and exceptional illustrations by Yan Nascimbene. The art is stark and stylized, capturing the complex emotions of little Vinson as he goes from resistance to acceptance to pride and joy. From bold crowd scenes to delicate portraits of Grandpa and Vinson practicing tai chi in the backyard with leaves gently falling, the illustrations enhance every moment of the narrative.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it's like for kids who have two cultures. Is it double the fun, or doubly hard?
Families can also talk about ethnic traditions. Why is it meaningful to eat certain foods and celebrate holidays in the same way your family has for generations?
Is it sometimes tough to admire and respect a family member from "the old country" who speaks a different language or speaks English with an accent or dresses differently? Have you ever had mixed feelings about your heritage?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Yan Nascimbene
- Genre : Picture Book
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Candlewick Press
- Publication date : December 13, 2011
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 6 - 9
- Number of pages : 40
- Last updated : March 7, 2019
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