Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China

Bibliography:
Louie, Ai-Ling. 1982. Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China. Ill. by Ed Young. Philomel Books. ISBN 0-399-20900-x

Plot Summary:
Yeh-Shen, the main character, is born only a short time before her parents die. Her father was also married to another woman and has a child with her as well before he passed on. The stepmother is bitter because her daughter is not as beautiful as Yeh-Shen so she kills Yeh-Shen's most prized possession: her pet fish. Yeh-Shen discovers that the fish bones grant her wishes. During the village festival, Yeh-Shen wants to go to find someone to marry but is ordered to stay home while her Stepmother and Stepsister go. After praying to her fish bones, she magically was changed into elegant clothes and she went to the festival. She was spotted and ran off, when she lost her golden shoe and in turn lost all the magical powers of the fish bones. The golden shoe was found and eventually got into the King's hands. The King finds that Yeh-Shen is the owner of the shoe when she secretly claims it in the marketplace. She is followed to her home where he asked her to marry him. The King would not let the stepmother and stepsister in their palace to punish them for the way they had treated Yeh-Shen, and left them living in a cave where they died from falling stones.

Critical Analysis:
This book has many similarities to that of the classic Disney's Cinderella. However, this story gives some insight into the Chinese culture, such as the marrying of two women, marketplaces and annual festivals, Kings, and the belief that praying to certain items can have the ability to grant wishes. There are several short paragraphs per page and the text size is smaller, similar to that of a chapter book. Language within the story is fairly simple to read and comprehend, especially for one that has background knowledge of Cinderella stories. As with most Cinderella stories, this one has a predictable, happy ending.

The full-color illustrations give an imaginative feel to the story. They mostly contain soft, pastels and neutrals which portray the story as if it were in a daydream. The illustrations help visually describe what is happening within the story and they deliever the emotion to the reader through detailed, up-close facial expressions. The artist's style helps portray the chinese culture even more effectively than the text.

Review Excerpts:
Booklist: "A misty dreamlike air. A worthwhile addition to picture-book collections."
A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Award Winner
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
An IRA Children's Choice
An IRA Teachers' Choice

Connections:
*This book can be used as an introduction to folktales or fairytales.
*This book helps discuss morals and the golden rule.
*This book can also be used as an introduction into studies of China or the Chinese culture.