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Ten Blocks to the Big Wok: A Chinatown Counting Book
This charming bilingual English/Mandarin counting book uses a stroll through Chinatown to introduce readers to the numbers one through ten in Chinese ... and will leave you hungry besides!
As Mia and her uncle Eddie travel the ten blocks from their apartment to the Big Wok restaurant, Mia spies one giant panda ride, two lion statues, three swimming turtles, four bonsai trees, five tai chi practitioners ... There are so many things to see in Chinatown! And when they reach the Big Wok, they find ten yummy dim sum dishes to eat. But what route should they take back home?
This sweet story about a girl, her uncle, and a little cat they meet on the way accomplishes multiple fun and useful aims: It's a fully bilingual counting book that teaches readers the numbers one through ten in both simplified Mandarin and English. It provides a fun tour of a typical Chinatown--a beloved neighborhood in many cities around the world. Children will enjoy spotting the kitten in every illustration as it trails Mia and Uncle Eddie through the streets. And with each item that Mia encounters on her walk, the book introduces some fascinating new aspect of Chinese culture or myth, as explained in the friendly backmatter. Join Mia and Uncle Eddie as they wander Ten Blocks to the Big Wok!
As Mia and her uncle Eddie travel the ten blocks from their apartment to the Big Wok restaurant, Mia spies one giant panda ride, two lion statues, three swimming turtles, four bonsai trees, five tai chi practitioners ... There are so many things to see in Chinatown! And when they reach the Big Wok, they find ten yummy dim sum dishes to eat. But what route should they take back home?
This sweet story about a girl, her uncle, and a little cat they meet on the way accomplishes multiple fun and useful aims: It's a fully bilingual counting book that teaches readers the numbers one through ten in both simplified Mandarin and English. It provides a fun tour of a typical Chinatown--a beloved neighborhood in many cities around the world. Children will enjoy spotting the kitten in every illustration as it trails Mia and Uncle Eddie through the streets. And with each item that Mia encounters on her walk, the book introduces some fascinating new aspect of Chinese culture or myth, as explained in the friendly backmatter. Join Mia and Uncle Eddie as they wander Ten Blocks to the Big Wok!
40 pages, Hardcover
Published January 25, 2022
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 11, 2022
I loved this! It even held the interest of my nine-year-old, though it's geared for much younger readers. The illustrations are fun and full of detail, highlighting so many cultural elements of Chinatown (also, adorable story-within-the-illustrations of a little stray cat who follows the girl and her uncle along their journey; I did worry a bit about him out on the streets and hope he has a good home, or perhaps they will adopt him). The text is simple but effective and is bilingual in English and Chinese. The littlest children will come away with a fun counting book and some delightful glimpses into a fun day in Chinatown with a little girl and her uncle. Slightly older kids can appreciate the Author's Note, which includes further information on each cultural element counted in the text (dim sum, panda, stone lions, turtles, penjing, tai chi chuan, lychee, silk, goldfish, fortune cats, paper lanterns). There's also a pronunciation guide for the numbers 1-10, and perhaps kids can even practice writing their own age as a Chinese character if this is unfamiliar to them. Highly recommend!
February 28, 2023
Mia and her uncle count to ten as they experience many elements of Chinese culture on their walk through Chinatown in this beautifully illustrated book written in both English and Mandarin. I wanted to know more about each element as I read through the pages, and, happily, the author includes some lovely additional information about each in the back. Completely charming and informative in so many ways.
February 25, 2022
Identity: Chinese American (full Chinese and English text)
Mia and Uncle Eddie take a cheerful 10-block walk to the restaurant, counting objects and people from 1-10 as they stroll along. In the corner of every page, Hu provides a visual of the number in Chinese and English. This is an excellent educational tool to help children see the numerical representation of the numbers 1-10.
Reviewed by: Miss Kelsey, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Mia and Uncle Eddie take a cheerful 10-block walk to the restaurant, counting objects and people from 1-10 as they stroll along. In the corner of every page, Hu provides a visual of the number in Chinese and English. This is an excellent educational tool to help children see the numerical representation of the numbers 1-10.
Reviewed by: Miss Kelsey, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
March 28, 2022
The culture and the art are the big winners here, for me. The counting aspect was cute and a good excuse to introduce more details. Also the relationship between the niece and her uncle was adorable--I haven't seen that relationship highlighted in books much!
January 29, 2022
Each scene is super colorful and happy. I love the little girl’s relationship with the neighbors and her neighborhood, and it was so fun to recognize the food and Chinatown mainstays!
May 19, 2022
(3.5)
July 2, 2022
Loved the back matter providing insights into Chinese culture.
May 2, 2023
This picture book is printed in English but is a counting book, (up to ten), in the Mandarin language. Gorgeously illustrated, little Mia is taken by her uncle Eddie to their favourite restaurant, the Big Wok, to buy delicious dim sum. Her Grandma tells Mia and Uncle Eddie to make sure they bring back some soup dumplings.
Along each block on their Chinatown walk, they count things they see; animals, people, decorations etc. from one to ten, written in English on the page, with a fan icon in one corner that contains the Mandarin numeral and pronunciation. Also along the way, there is a kitten in each picture to find. Mia counts all the food items on the table when their order arrives. Mia and Uncle Eddie take a different route home so Mia can get ice cream.
The author has included two pages at the back as an author’s note, explaining the Chinese culture and food items the two have seen on their walk to the Big Wok. She has also included an illustrated page recapping the Mandarin numbers from 1-10. This book would be suitable for children learning to count in the 2-5 age group.
Along each block on their Chinatown walk, they count things they see; animals, people, decorations etc. from one to ten, written in English on the page, with a fan icon in one corner that contains the Mandarin numeral and pronunciation. Also along the way, there is a kitten in each picture to find. Mia counts all the food items on the table when their order arrives. Mia and Uncle Eddie take a different route home so Mia can get ice cream.
The author has included two pages at the back as an author’s note, explaining the Chinese culture and food items the two have seen on their walk to the Big Wok. She has also included an illustrated page recapping the Mandarin numbers from 1-10. This book would be suitable for children learning to count in the 2-5 age group.
August 9, 2022
Mister and I read this together and the best part of every page for him was the kitty. At the end of the book, he was very concerned with what would happen to the kitty and was not satisfied until we made a story with a happy ending where the kitty had a forever home. All the lovely, colorful illustrations and the counting were secondary to the kitty's fate.
When we arrived at the pages of the food, Mister picked out his favorite food on the pages and then picked out my favorite foods (in a thoughtful manner). He changed his mind several times as everything looked so delicious though he refused to believe that the cartoon animal food was actually food. It was too cute!
The informational pages at the back which I wanted to linger on were just too much by that time as he was tired and it was time for bed. Please don't miss them though as they have so much that is fascinating.
When we arrived at the pages of the food, Mister picked out his favorite food on the pages and then picked out my favorite foods (in a thoughtful manner). He changed his mind several times as everything looked so delicious though he refused to believe that the cartoon animal food was actually food. It was too cute!
The informational pages at the back which I wanted to linger on were just too much by that time as he was tired and it was time for bed. Please don't miss them though as they have so much that is fascinating.
December 28, 2022
I always appreciate a book that combines themes. That is more than one dimensional and has an actual story. In this case it was bilingual, introduced counting, and had an enjoyable story that introduces elements of a culture. Sometimes children's books introduce themes in a forced and boring way. However this one integrated everything in a smooth way. I especially love when books add details or context after the story. The explanation of each of the items mentioned and their cultural significance as well as the number chart with pronunciation guides set this as one of the best put together children's books I have read to my daughter.
February 6, 2025
This dual language book is absolutely adorable and incredibly informative of Chinese culture in such an easy to read format with soft beautiful illustrations!
“This charming bilingual English/Mandarin counting book uses a stroll through Chinatown to introduce readers to the numbers one through ten in Chinese... and will leave you hungry besides!
As Mia and her uncle Eddie travel the ten blocks from their apartment to the Big Wok restaurant, Mia spies one giant panda ride, two lion statues, three swimming turtles, four bonsai trees, five tai chi practitioners...
There are so many things to see in Chinatown! And when they reach the Big Wok, they find ten yummy dim sum dishes to eat. But what route should they take back home?
This sweet story about a girl, her uncle, and a little cat they meet on the way accomplishes multiple fun and useful aims: It's a fully bilingual counting book that teaches readers the numbers one through ten in both simplified Mandarin and English. It provides a fun tour of a typical Chinatown - a beloved neighborhood in many cities around the world. Children will enjoy spotting the kitten in every illustration as it trails Mia and Uncle Eddie through the streets. And with each item that Mia encounters on her walk, the book introduces some fascinating new aspect of Chinese culture or myth. “
As Mia travels the ten blocks to the Big Wok, she encounters many elements of Chinese culture in her neighborhood! You can learn more about these elements below:
Dim sum loosely translates to "touch the heart." These savory and sweet snacks do just that. Dim sum is a popular brunch consisting of small plates of steamed or fried foods from Guangdong, a province in southern China. Dim sum dishes are usually carried out from the kitchen on small carts that are pushed around the restaurant by servers. Diners order from the carts without having to leave their seats.
The panda is a bear native to south-central China. As one of the animals most at risk of extinction, the giant panda has long been a symbol of world wildlife conservation efforts. Pandas love to climb trees, so the Chinese people call them xiong-mao, meaning "bear-cat."
Stone lions are traditional guardians of both public institutions and private estates in China. They are seen as protectors of peace and keepers of good fortune.
Turtles are associated with long life and wisdom in Chinese culture. Turtle shells were used to predict the future in religious ceremonies in ancient China.
Penjing means "beautiful scenery in a pot." The Chinese people started creating petite landscapes over two thousand years ago. Artistically pruned dwarf trees and rock arrangements capture the beauty of nature on a miniature scale.
Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Ji Quan) was originally developed for self-defense but has evolved into a graceful form of exercise. With roots in both Taoist and Confucian Chinese philosophy, Tai Chi Chuan promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements, and is often described as meditation in motion.
Lychee (li zhi) is a tropical fruit native to China. Emperor Tang Xuanzong's favorite consort, Yang Guifei (719-756 CE), loved lychee. When the fruit was in season, the emperor had daily deliveries of fresh lychee brought in to please Yang Guifei. The fruit had to be carried by relay horses traveling hundreds of miles to reach the palace! Lychee has been closely associated with the beautiful consort in Chinese literature ever since.
Silk has been made in China for more than 8,500 years. As the Western Han dynasty (206 BCE-9 CE) expanded its trade routes west, the silk carried along by the traders reached as far as Rome and Africa. Centuries later, travelers dubbed this path the Silk Road.
Goldfish are a mutation of carp fish first bred in China over 1,700 years ago. The imperial color of China was golden yellow, so during the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE), only the emperor's family could keep the yellow fish. However, goldfish lovers continued to reproduce these beautiful fish in other colors. Over time, orange became one of the most popular hues.
Fortune cats were created in Japan, where they are known as maneki-neko or the "beckoning cat," but these lovely waving figurines have many adoring fans in Chinese communities around the world.
Paper lanterns were first seen in China shortly after the invention of paper, around 200 BCE. Lanterns are lit in the main entrance to each household and in temples to bring good fortune. The Lantern Festival is held at the end of Chinese New Year celebrations worldwide.
“This charming bilingual English/Mandarin counting book uses a stroll through Chinatown to introduce readers to the numbers one through ten in Chinese... and will leave you hungry besides!
As Mia and her uncle Eddie travel the ten blocks from their apartment to the Big Wok restaurant, Mia spies one giant panda ride, two lion statues, three swimming turtles, four bonsai trees, five tai chi practitioners...
There are so many things to see in Chinatown! And when they reach the Big Wok, they find ten yummy dim sum dishes to eat. But what route should they take back home?
This sweet story about a girl, her uncle, and a little cat they meet on the way accomplishes multiple fun and useful aims: It's a fully bilingual counting book that teaches readers the numbers one through ten in both simplified Mandarin and English. It provides a fun tour of a typical Chinatown - a beloved neighborhood in many cities around the world. Children will enjoy spotting the kitten in every illustration as it trails Mia and Uncle Eddie through the streets. And with each item that Mia encounters on her walk, the book introduces some fascinating new aspect of Chinese culture or myth. “
As Mia travels the ten blocks to the Big Wok, she encounters many elements of Chinese culture in her neighborhood! You can learn more about these elements below:
Dim sum loosely translates to "touch the heart." These savory and sweet snacks do just that. Dim sum is a popular brunch consisting of small plates of steamed or fried foods from Guangdong, a province in southern China. Dim sum dishes are usually carried out from the kitchen on small carts that are pushed around the restaurant by servers. Diners order from the carts without having to leave their seats.
The panda is a bear native to south-central China. As one of the animals most at risk of extinction, the giant panda has long been a symbol of world wildlife conservation efforts. Pandas love to climb trees, so the Chinese people call them xiong-mao, meaning "bear-cat."
Stone lions are traditional guardians of both public institutions and private estates in China. They are seen as protectors of peace and keepers of good fortune.
Turtles are associated with long life and wisdom in Chinese culture. Turtle shells were used to predict the future in religious ceremonies in ancient China.
Penjing means "beautiful scenery in a pot." The Chinese people started creating petite landscapes over two thousand years ago. Artistically pruned dwarf trees and rock arrangements capture the beauty of nature on a miniature scale.
Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Ji Quan) was originally developed for self-defense but has evolved into a graceful form of exercise. With roots in both Taoist and Confucian Chinese philosophy, Tai Chi Chuan promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements, and is often described as meditation in motion.
Lychee (li zhi) is a tropical fruit native to China. Emperor Tang Xuanzong's favorite consort, Yang Guifei (719-756 CE), loved lychee. When the fruit was in season, the emperor had daily deliveries of fresh lychee brought in to please Yang Guifei. The fruit had to be carried by relay horses traveling hundreds of miles to reach the palace! Lychee has been closely associated with the beautiful consort in Chinese literature ever since.
Silk has been made in China for more than 8,500 years. As the Western Han dynasty (206 BCE-9 CE) expanded its trade routes west, the silk carried along by the traders reached as far as Rome and Africa. Centuries later, travelers dubbed this path the Silk Road.
Goldfish are a mutation of carp fish first bred in China over 1,700 years ago. The imperial color of China was golden yellow, so during the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE), only the emperor's family could keep the yellow fish. However, goldfish lovers continued to reproduce these beautiful fish in other colors. Over time, orange became one of the most popular hues.
Fortune cats were created in Japan, where they are known as maneki-neko or the "beckoning cat," but these lovely waving figurines have many adoring fans in Chinese communities around the world.
Paper lanterns were first seen in China shortly after the invention of paper, around 200 BCE. Lanterns are lit in the main entrance to each household and in temples to bring good fortune. The Lantern Festival is held at the end of Chinese New Year celebrations worldwide.
August 16, 2024
"are you ready to wok and roll?"
what a delight! this was a bilingual children's book (english and mandarin) that utilized a brightly illustrated trip through chinatown to help children improve their counting skills.
there were so many strengths to this book! the variety of perspectives used for the entities the reader needs to count made the pages exciting and the counting experience stimulating. as we travel through each of the ten blocks, there is a corresponding number of entities, as well as the number in both mandarin and english in the bottom right corner. additionally, there are phonetic notations for the mandarin numbers (with bilingual phonetic notations in the back matter).
the cultural aspects of the book were executed in a wonderfully holistic way. the imagery was based around popular chinese culture and history, and for those of us who might not be fully versed, there is an author's note in the back explaining the significance of each entity. did you know goldfish are a mutation of carp first bred in imperial china? i always love a good author's note to learn more!
beyond all of that, the art style was soft yet pleasantly lively. the characters had great energy, and the cat sidekick was a wonderful little touch! as i do not know mandarin beyond a few basic numbers and popular phrases, i cannot attest to the quality of the writing in that way. but for everything i could understand, i greatly enjoyed (and would absolutely read with the kiddos in my life)!
AND the description was indeed correct, i am definitely hungry now...lol!
what a delight! this was a bilingual children's book (english and mandarin) that utilized a brightly illustrated trip through chinatown to help children improve their counting skills.
there were so many strengths to this book! the variety of perspectives used for the entities the reader needs to count made the pages exciting and the counting experience stimulating. as we travel through each of the ten blocks, there is a corresponding number of entities, as well as the number in both mandarin and english in the bottom right corner. additionally, there are phonetic notations for the mandarin numbers (with bilingual phonetic notations in the back matter).
the cultural aspects of the book were executed in a wonderfully holistic way. the imagery was based around popular chinese culture and history, and for those of us who might not be fully versed, there is an author's note in the back explaining the significance of each entity. did you know goldfish are a mutation of carp first bred in imperial china? i always love a good author's note to learn more!
beyond all of that, the art style was soft yet pleasantly lively. the characters had great energy, and the cat sidekick was a wonderful little touch! as i do not know mandarin beyond a few basic numbers and popular phrases, i cannot attest to the quality of the writing in that way. but for everything i could understand, i greatly enjoyed (and would absolutely read with the kiddos in my life)!
AND the description was indeed correct, i am definitely hungry now...lol!
October 9, 2024
"Ten Blocks to the Big Wok" is a picture book that was written by an Asian author named Ying-Hwa Hu . The book talks about a young girl and her father. They walk through ten city blocks to reach the Big Wok which is a beloved family restaurant.while they were walking they saw different markets, traditional shops, and colorful murals. The father and his son counted all of these things that they saw while they were going to that family restaurant. All of these items represent something about Chinese culture.
I really like the book, it taught me personally about how the Chinese neighborhood looks like. It shows me the style and the culture that the Chinese people have. I will definitely recommend it for all early childhood teachers because it not only teaches counting but also talks about the beauty and diversity of Chinatown. It will be an amazing book that kids will learn and enjoy reading.
October 7, 2023
One of the best counting books I've seen. The things they counted felt natural and not like it's a lesson. The setting looks like a Chinatown somewhere. A girl and her father are walking to dinner and they look at things on the way. All the things they encounter have a meaning in Chinese culture like stone lions or paper fans.
This is a bilingual book. I was able to recognize a few characters. I think it's time I take a class. Then I can come back and this should be more useful. I'm not smart enough to get it on my own.
I recommend this book. It's a good one. The art is wonderful. It's colorful, happy and just right. It makes me want to go to China town.
This is a bilingual book. I was able to recognize a few characters. I think it's time I take a class. Then I can come back and this should be more useful. I'm not smart enough to get it on my own.
I recommend this book. It's a good one. The art is wonderful. It's colorful, happy and just right. It makes me want to go to China town.
February 25, 2022
Age: Preschool-Kindergarten
Familiar Experience: Taking a walk outside
Family: Uncle and niece
Identity: Chinese American
Text: English and Chinese
Mia and Uncle Eddie take a cheerful 10-block walk to the restaurant, counting objects and people from 1-10 as they stroll along. In the corner of every page, Hu provides a visual of the number in Chinese and English. This is an excellent educational tool to help children see the numerical representation of the numbers 1-10.
As an aside, Uncle Eddie manages to slide in an English/Chinese pun at the end and it is glorious.
Familiar Experience: Taking a walk outside
Family: Uncle and niece
Identity: Chinese American
Text: English and Chinese
Mia and Uncle Eddie take a cheerful 10-block walk to the restaurant, counting objects and people from 1-10 as they stroll along. In the corner of every page, Hu provides a visual of the number in Chinese and English. This is an excellent educational tool to help children see the numerical representation of the numbers 1-10.
As an aside, Uncle Eddie manages to slide in an English/Chinese pun at the end and it is glorious.
May 28, 2022
Love this counting book!
Young Mia and her uncle take a trip to the Big Wok, and along the way count the many different things they see (that reflect different important Chinese cultural items).
Written in both English and Chinese and shows the English and Chinese number and pronunciation at the bottom of the page.
The Author's Note gives readers an understanding of each item that is counted.
Young Mia and her uncle take a trip to the Big Wok, and along the way count the many different things they see (that reflect different important Chinese cultural items).
Written in both English and Chinese and shows the English and Chinese number and pronunciation at the bottom of the page.
The Author's Note gives readers an understanding of each item that is counted.
August 16, 2022
In TEN BLOCKS TO THE BIG WOK, Mia and her uncle Eddie visits icons of Chinese culture as they stroll to the Big Wok restaurant. This bilingual book (in English and Chinese) is just delightful and so informative. C and I loved all the vivid and relatable illustrations plus the storyline is captivating. Definitely a charming picture book to be added to your collection!
[ I received a complimentary from the publisher - Lee & Low Books. All opinions are my own ]
[ I received a complimentary from the publisher - Lee & Low Books. All opinions are my own ]
December 17, 2022
This colorful, energetic picture book is completely bilingual, introduces different traditional Chinese foods, decorations, and beliefs, and totally works as a counting book. There are many ways that this book could have felt overstuffed or not fit with its young audience, but it's perfect. I also love the representation of an affectionate, involved uncle's relationship with his niece, and I cracked up laughing at his dad joke:
December 30, 2022
A sweet, fun picture book! Mia and her Uncle Eddie are on a counting journey through Chinatown. Beautiful images of the many items they see along the way show readers the rich Chinese culture within via the many sites they visit.
This bilingual book is written in English and Chinese and teaches numbers 1-10 in both languages. The back matter offers additional explanations and Chinese culture connections to the many items observed.
This bilingual book is written in English and Chinese and teaches numbers 1-10 in both languages. The back matter offers additional explanations and Chinese culture connections to the many items observed.
April 4, 2023
Uncle Eddie is taking Mia to dim sum at the Big Wok ten blocks away. On their way, they notice and count different parts of Chinese culture. The book is in English and Mandarin and includes a pronunciation guide to counting in Mandarin too. A nice bilingual counting story that also teaches you about a culture.
March 15, 2022
A fun little story about picking up takeout. The story is told in English and Chinese, and readers can also learn how to pronounce each number at the bottom right corner of each spread. Cheerful and fun. Backmatter explains the placement of each counted set of objects in this neighborhood.
March 24, 2022
I love everything about this book! It has great art, it's counting, it's about Chinatown, the text is in English and Chinese, AND there's back matter explaining the things they see on their walk and how to count in Chinese. And a bibliography too! Love it!
April 8, 2022
LOVE the vibrant artwork and the relationship between the little girl and her uncle. It's a sweet counting book that infuses Chinese culture at every turn. My own little girl, on her own, started copying the Chinese characters on the pages!
January 24, 2023
A fun counting book based in Chinatown and filled with Chinese culture. I really like that the words were in both English and Chinese. And that the numbers were highlighted so people can learn them in Chinese.
Want to read
January 8, 2022Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
January 28, 2022
3.5 stars.
February 28, 2022
A fun counting book written in Mandarin and English. The watercolor illustrations were beautiful.
March 22, 2022
A delightful counting book and celebration of all the wonderful sights, tastes, and community of Chinatown.
Themes: Counting, Chinatown, Community, Family, Food
Age range: Toddler-Kindergarten
Themes: Counting, Chinatown, Community, Family, Food
Age range: Toddler-Kindergarten
June 8, 2022
Really creative way to approach a counting book. Plus, I love that the text is also in Chinese!
July 27, 2022
A young girl goes to a dim sum restaurant with her uncle.
Backmatter provides further cultural information on things counted and pronunciation for Chinese numbers.
Backmatter provides further cultural information on things counted and pronunciation for Chinese numbers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews