Hello: How Nüwa Created the World

by Viola Wang

Lonely Nüwa makes friends (literally) in this heartwarming retelling of the Chinese myth about the creation of humankind.

Many years ago, when the world was still young, Nüwa was the only person on Earth. She loved to play with the fish and the birds, but she longed for someone to talk to. Then one day, Nüwa found a way to create a friend, and when this new little person said, "Hello," something magical happened....

This beautiful story demonstrates the importance of language, community, and communication.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Mythology, Friendship, Folklore

39 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2024

About the author

Viola Wang is a children's book author and illustrator. Born in China, Viola graduated from Tsinghua University with a major in oil painting. She then moved to London, where she completed masters in animation and illustration while working as a graphic designer. Viola is also a graduate of the Children's Book Illustration MA at Cambridge School of Art, and a winner of the Sebastian Walker Award.

Growing up in a family of printers, Viola developed a profound interest in printmaking, which has been a significant influence on her own practice. She is now working on her own authored/illustrated books with Hachette Publishing. Her work focuses on diversity and inclusion and aims to empower children through picture books.

Reviews

[Thomas Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

It says it's inspired by classical Chinese mythology, but that's kind of like Taco Bell saying that they are inspired by Mexican food. It's just not the same. The story felt very made-up to me, especially when the author tried to force it to relate to the entire world.

[Alyssa N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the Chinese creation myth, Hello is a wonderful story of the creation of the world. Nuwa is the only person on earth and while she is happy to spend her time among the animals, creatures, and nature in the world, she gets lonely without anyone to say hello to. She creates a friend and then more and more, until the world is full of people who make settlements, have families, and say hello to one another.
This book is a wonderful discussion on loneliness and the importance of having someone to speak to, laugh with, and explore with. I enjoyed reading the colorful pages, with illustrations that popped off the page.

[Mia Martinez]

I loved this book. It had a great twist with mother nature and also the foundations of the making of society. It was a little hard to understand the main point of the book until you read further in but once its understood, the book is super cute and fun. I love how Viola Wang used neon colors within the illustrations and the pictures took up the whole page. The sentences were smaller, some a little more dense than others but easy to read. The intended audience I would say is third grade and older. This book can be used within the classroom in a lesson on nature, science or even just exploration. "Hello" would be a great asset to a classroom library!

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

   Nuwa is a god and they are lonely. None of the animals will talk back or play games. What a god to do? I really loved this Creation story. I loved the black background making all the colors pop and also make the setting seem other-worldly. Nuwa is adorable with their little volcano-like hair and a love of play. Lastly, I love the idea of creating your own relationships by a simple "hello", no matter what language you speak. A great book to celebrate cultures and and life.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sweet and visually captivating creation myth storybook is a delight to look through. The artwork is stunning, with a beautifully chosen color palette and a distinctive style that I believe students will really appreciate. While the story itself carries a meaningful message, it feels somewhat disjointed at times, and the ending seems a bit abrupt—as if it needed just a little more to feel fully complete. Despite this, the book as a whole is a lovely read, offering a thoughtful take on creation with imagery that truly brings it to life.

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a wonderful book, a retelling/reimagining of the Chinese creation myth with bright dynamic illustrations with a message of communication, connection, human family.

Themes: Creation Myths, Communication, We're All the Same/We're All Different
Age range: Toddler-Elementary

[Cara Byrne · Rating 3 out of 5]

With its bold colors and intriguing creation story, this book was an engaging bedtime read for my kids. It's a cute myth, though how close this adaptation maps onto the story it's based is something I can't judge.

[Morgan the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the illustrations in this were delightful. I know the traditional folklore tale was spun into a new direction, but children's books tend to do that (and it says it was inspired, not a full depiction), so I wasn't bothered too much by that.

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such fun joyful illustrations

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Chinese creation myth with vibrant fun illustrations!

[feux d'artifice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not into this nuwa retelling

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published in the UK.
“Inspired by the Chinese creation myth author Viola Wang learned from her grandfather, ‘Hello’ is a gorgeous reminder of the power of connection.”

[Lydia Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, and a sweet story about the creation of people.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the bold neon illustrations, a creation and friendship story

[Elaine Fultz, retired librarian (38 years serving youth) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure if this is a legit folk/creation story, but it's lacking regardless. The best is the spread with the little clay/jelly people speaking Hello in all of their languages.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC from Edelweiss.