The Gale

by Mo Yan, Chengliang Zhu (Illustrator), Ying-Hwa Hu (Translator)

This contemplative, semiautobiographical picture book by Nobel Laureate Mo Yan, with illustrations by Hans Christian Anderson Award nominee Zhu Chengliang, is perfect for readers of A Different Pond and Watercress.

One morning, so early that fog still sleeps on the surface of the river, a young boy accompanies his yeye seven miles north to the grassy field behind their home to cut satintail to feed the livestock. But when a massive gale scatters the hay—and a whole day’s work—important lessons will need to be learned about endurance, impermanence, and how to let go and weather the storm in a world that can often feel overwhelming and uncontrollable.

In sparse, lyrical prose interpreted by critically acclaimed author-illustrator Ying-Hwa Hu, The Gale is the first-ever picture book by the Nobel Prize–winning author of celebrated classics like Red Sorghum and Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out. It is adapted from the novella of the same name.

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Family, Childrens, Aapi, Nature

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 6, 2024

About the author

Modern Chinese author, in the western world most known for his novel Red Sorghum (which was turned into a movie by the same title). Often described as the Chinese Franz Kafka or Joseph Heller.

Mo Yan (莫言) is a pen name and means don't speak. His real name is Guan Moye (simplified Chinese: 管谟业; traditional Chinese: 管謨業; pinyin: Guǎn Móyè).

He has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature 2012 for his work which "with hallucinatory realism merges folk tales, history and the contemporary". Among the works highlighted by the Nobel judges were Red Sorghum (1987) and Big Breasts & Wide Hips (2004), as well as The Garlic Ballads.

Chinese version: 莫言

Reviews

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking and very beautiful story of a young Chinese boy’s memories of his grandfather.

Lovely illustrations.

[Michelle Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for older kids.

[Tom McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a YeYe

I loved the rhythm of the story and reflected on my life as a boy. Soon I will share this story with my granddaughter who is twelve. Yan Mo, is one of my favorite authors.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gale is an absolutely gorgeous picture book, and I'm giving it five stars as a reader, although I feel like it definitely does not have universal appeal for its target audience (ages four to eight according to the inside of the cover).

First of all, the illustrations are breathtaking. The acrylic on cardboard paintings are magnificent, and they feel like something I personally would have loved as a child--with this in mind, children who enjoy painted illustrations will find this one particularly beautiful. I also think that the layout of these illustrations make for interesting reading as well, with most of the illustrations presented in a standard horizontal landscape style, while the climax is partially done in a vertical style requiring the turning of the book and partially with comics style paneling.

The story itself is bittersweet, showing a portrayal of a young boy and his hardworking grandfather doing a day of hard work together, only to have the work undone by a sudden windstorm. The story was adapted from a novella (which would be why it isn't exactly a traditional children's book story), and an excerpt is featured at the end that shows us a little more about the relationship between the boy and his hardworking, loving yeye. I think children who have done hard outdoor work with grandparents (I would have counted myself among them) will find something to identify with in this story.

Overall, I really loved this. It's beautifully illustrated, beautifully told, and offers up an overall unique piece of children's literature. I think 4-8 is on the young side for this one, but I definitely think that there is a niche audience among children for this one. Recommended for sure!

[Aolund]

An interesting picture book adaptation of a novella by Nobel Prize winning author Mo Yan, a portrait of one boy and his grandpa who go to harvest satintail grass one day in rural China and are then caught in a sudden, fierce gale. It didn't blow me away, but the illustrations are beautiful and it could be of interest to kids fascinated by storms and tornados.

Themes: Weather, Storms/Tornados, Grandparents
Age range: Kindergarten-Elementary

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Powerful, lovely illustrations, and somewhat dark -- but in a way made appropriate for young readers.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slice of memory comes to life when a young boy goes out to help his grandfather harvest grass. On their way home, with a full cart, a fierce gale whips up into a beast of a weather system. Terror strikes the young boy, while the grandfather stands strong and firm against the powerful wind. They come through the experience together.

After this episode, there is an excerpt from the novella this is drawn from, also called The Gale. In the excerpt, it seems as though the boy was not actually there with his grandfather, but was instead wishing he had been there before his grandfather passed away.

I wanted some further context in order to be fully satisfied. But this slice is full of drama, and an ode to a steady and strong relationship between a grandson and grandfather.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are never enough picture books for older readers in which a story unfolds that brings conversation starters and interesting life wisdom. Such is this book by Mo Yan, the first Nobel Prize for Literature winner from China.

A seven-year-old boy accompanies his yeye, his grandfather, to gather grass to feed their livestock. After a day of hard work, on the way home, a frightening storm ensues and the young boy is at first frightened and then disappointed as the gale winds whip up and scatter their day's work. But Yeye speaks wisdom to challenge and the young boy learns another way of looking at challenges set before him.

The abstract vernal illustrations give the story life and a sense of the power of nature.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mo Yan is the first citizen of China to win the Novel Prize in Literature, which he won in 2012 for Red Sorghum. This picture book comes from his novella of the same name, a poignant story of the time this seven-year-old boy rises early to go with his grandfather, Yeye, to gather grass for drying and animal feed. It's quite a journey, showing such courage and resilience, eventually in a huge windstorm, the "GALE". As you see from the cover, Zhu Chengliang's illustrations bring the story to life so that readers feel they are right there with this pair, too. An excerpt from the novella at the end adds a bit more of their life story. It's a special book!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lyrical picture book is from an original novella by Mo Yan. The story is set in rural China and is about a grandfather, Yeye, and his seven-year-old grandson going to gather satintail grass. It's a very windy day and this is the first time the child has joined his grandfather on this hard day's labor. It begins as an adventure for the child but all does not go well. However the grandfather accepts the results with a stoic grace and calm acceptance. A touching story with a bittersweet ending that will be appreciated by older readers.

[Juan Carlos López Domínguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libro extremadamente breve. Ilustrado de manera sencilla e inmersiva.
Es la historia de un abuelo sabio y trabajador, y su nieto despierto y dispuesto. El abuelo se lo lleva a segar el pasto en las praderas silvestres, le pide que se fije en cómo hace el trabajo, pero tolera que él se distraiga y juegue. De regreso, un tremendo vendaval los sacude y maltrata, haciendo que pierdan la cosecha. El abuelo no se inmuta, aunque por dentro sufre y llora en varios momentos.
Pasa el tiempo y el nieto regresa ya mayor. El abuelo ha muerto. Pero le deja una ramita de pasto que encontró, seguro que también se asombrará de verla.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely for older children......I found myself struggling to love, even like, this book. I have seen reviews comparing it to "Watercress" and personally, I like that infinitely better. It was more approachable in both style, contextually, and concept.

This book does address hard work (which is a message I think should always be shared). It also shares memories of a grandparent (another message that should always be shared)

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mo Yan in 2012 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. He was the first citizen in China to receive the honor. This is a story of a grandfather taking his grandson with him to harvest grass for the animals. A storm quickly descends and grandfather and grandson struggle together to survive the storm. The illustrations are watercolor creating movement and a sense of impending peril.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story about a grandfather and boy who collect grass for livestock, when a huge wind storm comes. The images support the text well and the story is ok. I felt like it ended abruptly but other than that it was a sweet story.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here's the thing....

This is a nice picture book; however, I think it would work well for older audiences instead of younger readers. Thematically, it's a bit much for the publisher's intended audience.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyrical and beautifully illustrated slice of life story about a boy and his grandfather. A tribute to the author’s grandfather.
“Everything that’s done is worth doing well, and everything that is done is worth doing with focus - “

[Victoria Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeous yet hauntingly dark for a children's book. I can imagine children looking at the illustrations for a long time.

Thank you to S&S for this digital review copy.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poetic language. Emotional story and afterword.

[Lbsantini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminds me a bit of The Old Man and the Sea

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and striking story of a boy experiencing a windstorm/tornado with his hard-working grandfather. Powerful stroy of determination and acceptance

For older kids

[Y.Poston]

a beautiful remembrance of a hard-working
farming grandfather, very touching

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful. And fraught with suspense.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant, quiet wisdom, teaching a lesson that may be accepted as a child, but then understood over time. Beautifully illustrated and written. A poem.

[Heather Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GORGEOUS slice of life book. I could feel the wind and smell the sweetgrass. A lovely and thrilling story. The illustrations are magical.

[Barbara Siegemund-Broka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by Snail on a Ladder.

[Raven Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and sad. Unique story and the backstory is as good, if not better. A lot of love went into this story.

[Crystal E. Fall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tyckte om djupet epilogen gav och illustrationerna. Annars gjorde den inte så stort intryck på mig. Kändes oklart om den riktade sig mot barn, vuxna eller både och.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, especially after reading the afterward. Not sure how much the kiddos will appreciate it - it may be a book more for the parents.