Review by Booklist Review
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.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
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) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
