Scroll

by Hui Li

  Lulu and her dog Dumpling enter a magical world where Chinese calligraphy comes to life in this beautifully illustrated, interactive picture book about family, tradition, and the importance of kindness. After Grandpa introduces calligraphy and Chinese characters to Lulu and her dog Dumpling, they find themselves magically transported to a world where the characters they draw come to life! Soon Lulu and Dumpling meet a bird, a zither-playing musician, and many other animated friends. But when they discover an angry dragon, Lulu is not sure how to draw them out of this tense encounter.

Spanning themes of art and history, this inventive story introduces children to complex Chinese characters, celebrates family and tradition, and shows how resourcefulness and kindness can save the day. 

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Art, China, Family, Cultural, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Liliana Perez]

This fantasy-science fiction book was recommended by professor Dora; I was able to get the hard copy from my local library. Scroll was written and illustrated by Hui Li. Every time I read a book, I always like to read the information at the end of the book since many times it has the author’s notes. There you can sometimes find how the author was inspired to write the book or special information that was written on the book. In this case, Hui Li shared some memories from her childhood; one was drawing Chinese characters with big paint brushes. She also shared that the Chinese language has over 50,000 characters, and something that I found interesting was how two characters (made by two trees side by side) stands for wood, and if you add one more it will mean forest. She provides more examples which makes me feel I want to learn more about.
Scroll is about a grandfather who introduces calligraphy and Chinese characters to her granddaughter Lulu and her dog Dumpling. Li started the story explaining how many years ago Chinese people carved picture-like characters on animal bones called oracle bones to record events or ask questions. Then, the author provided 48 examples of images the Chinese people carved with the meaning word. As I was looking at the pages, I was thinking teachers can provide this page to the students and allow them to create their own story using some of these images. This book truly highlights not only the culture of students who may not have the ABC’s alphabet letters, but also the diversity of different languages spoken around the world.
The illustrations are great; they give life and spotlight each Chinese character. Li did a great job putting these characters on the top of each page, so students can see them clearly.
I read this book inspired by one of my students who is from China. She arrived in the US at the beginning of the school year. I didn’t know much about the Mandarin language and these characters. I will definitely find a moment to read this book with her.

[Peaches “Sonny Boy” Googulash · Rating 5 out of 5]

So creative and such a rich story! I love learning about Chinese characters and how they have evolved, and the gorgeous tradition of writing on scrolls.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be the most interesting introduction to a written language I've ever seen. What a delight!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, fun, and imaginative adventure!

[soyun · Rating 4 out of 5]

talks about the origin of chinese characters (e.g. oracle
bones, writing on scrolls etc), calligraphy and relationship with pet dog and grandfather

[Regine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chinese characters are fascinating, and anyone memorizing them tries to learn the evolution from recognizable sketch to modern shape. Through a magic 門 that Lulu draws on a scroll, she and Dumpling the Dog enter a village of early characters. Lulu has a wonderful time adventurously wielding her brush. I enjoyed the fun the intrepid young calligrapher was having.

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lulu's Grandfather is showing her some ancient Chinese characters. While practicing her own calligraphy, Lulu and her dog Dumpling open a portal to a world populated by ancient Chinese characters and have an adventure with a dragon.

The dream portion of this is done in graphic novel style. The idea of turning ancient Chinese characters (which look a whole lot more like what they represent) into the animals, people, and setting of the story was brilliant. Readers get to learn a bit about the history and development of Chinese characters, and go along with Lulu on a fun story confronting a fire breathing dragon who turns out to be much more friendly than expected it was breathing fire because it was thirsty. A super unique and enchanting way to learn about Chinese language.

[Janet Squires · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scroll by Hui Li is a wonderfully imagined story of discovery and adventure.

When Lulu’s grandfather introduces her to Chinese calligraphy characters, she draws a door that accidentally opens a portal to a realm where the characters come to life. As Lulu and her dog, Dumpling, explore this magical world, she encounters a variety of animated characters—a bird, a man playing a zither, and eventually a fire-breathing dragon! Lulu must find the courage and skill to save herself and Dumpling.

This is Li’s debut author/illustrated book for young readers and it is a delight on so many levels. What a clever and fun way to introduce children and adults to the beautiful history and culture of this ancient art. A two-page introduction provides an easily understood background about Chinese calligraphy. The story that follows quickly immerses the audience in stunning illustrations combining water colors and flowing ink strokes that carry the story forward with Lulu’s remarks enhanced with speech bubbles.

Chinese characters labeled in English appear at the top of each page to provide context and challenge viewers to find their match in the story.

In an Author’s Note, Hui Li shares her memories of growing up in China. In particular, she discusses her experience learning the art and history of Chinese characters. In choosing to draw upon this special passion, she has crafted a marvel we can share.

The target age for Scroll is 4-8, but I would encourage both children and adults to take this opportunity to expand their cultural knowledge with this engaging read.

Recommended for homes, schools, and libraries.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a novel idea for a book! Hui Li uses the ancient Chinese characters to come up with a story about a little girl who opens the doors to a world where the ancient pictograms that used to represent the Chinese written language are very much alive and well. Together with her paintbrush, she deals with the magical land's dragon as she writes the characters representing objects in dealing with the dragon. At the end, she realizes that these ancient characters had served its purpose just as it did for her until she finally "opened" the doors back to her own world and reality.

I love that this part of the ancient Chinese writing is being kept alive in stories like these. The next generation Chinese, especially those who have moved away from the "motherland" and don't even have facility of speaking in basic Chinese anymore, could benefit from knowing a little bit more of their heritage.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never wanted as much as I do at this moment to learn Chinese. Or maybe I mean Chinese calligraphy, mainly. I think I have always known Chinese is the most difficult language (or, of course a set of different languages, actually). Scroll is written by a lifelong student of Chinese calligraphy, who helps us appreciate the art and history and nature of the language of Chinese characters (which like all language has changed over the years). Lulu and her dog Dumpling find themselves interacting with the characters as living representations of life, introduced by Grandpa to Lulu! When they discover an angry dragon, Lulu realizes she needs to draw herself out of this dangerous encounter. Rain, to douse the fire-breathing dragon?

This lively, informational book makes calligraphy and Chinese language look like fun. Celebrates family and tradition, as one might expect from a close look at any language.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really cool introduction to the Chinese language and idea of characters/pictograms and how they have changed over time. And a sweet intergenerational family story as well.

Appreciate the use of ink/calligraphy and interweaving of Chinese cultural elements in the illustrations. Several pages are divided into panels that give it a graphic novel type feeling that will add to the appeal for children and also add energy to the action of the story (the main character wants to draw them all!). Small red square at the sides show the Chinese pictograms.

Love how the character for door becomes a door and leads the character into a story.

Illustrations done in watercolor, colored pencil, and Chinese ink on hot press watercolor paper.

Author grew up in China.

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scroll functions as a bit of a "seek and find" with the styling of a graphic novel at times. The words are often simple speech bubbles, with the action of the imaginative story moving quickly. Many pages include Chinese characters in the corners, which are then used throughout the illustrations to bring the story to life. Matching the characters with the strokes used in the images helps the reader understand them and the way they are pictorial representations in the Chinese language. It's a great look at Chinese language study and an intro to a culture that has spanned generations.

Read as a nomination in the Fiction Picture Book book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This kid-friendly introduction to Chinese characters and calligraphy features a girl with a very active imagination and a keen desire to learn how to create them from her generous and kindly grandfather. A magical journey ensues, and the girl learns the power of language to shape reality. Interesting illustrations feature multiple Chinese characters integrated into each scene along with their ideograms at the top of the page, making the book a helpful primer for learning the basics about the art and history of Chinese characters along with a few words. The Author’s Note relates the backstory for the book and some history about the evolution of Chinese characters. “Imagine if every character you draw has its own story. . . .”

[Emma Ramos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. In the beginning we learn about ancient Chinese characters. It was used to record and ask questions back in the day. Lulu's grandpa was writing Chinese characters on a scroll and Lulu wanted to learn how to make the characters. As she is practicing writing the Chinese characters, she creates a magical world that turns the characters she drew into real life characters. She enters the world of the village that her grandpa drew. As she is going through the village, things start to happen and she tries to figure out what Chinese characters she needs to draw to help her through her journey. This teaches students about the ancient Chinese characters that were created long ago. It was used to communicate with others using scroll.

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Lulu's Grandfather teaches her Chinese characters which opens up the world of stories through the characters. I really loved this book. The art is beautiful and informative, the history behind the characters interesting, and the message of kindness always important. I also love that teaching Lulu the Chinese characters is also a way for Grandpa to take a nap which any parent can relate to. And I'm totally stealing Dumpling as a name for my next dog.

[Lannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated book showing the beauty of old traditional Chinese characters. I like that the author has included references in the top corners of the pages. Their idea to use the characters as objects in the drawings made for a fun side game of “where’s the character” on each page as well. The story is ok, it’s straightforward where I prefer a little more subtle messaging, but would be good for younger kids. the compelling part of this book is in its illustrations and use of old Chinese characters, sparking the question of how language evolves overtime and each has its own story.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lulu and her dog Dumpling watch Grandpa paint ancient Chinese calligraphy. When Grandpa let Lulu try it, she ends up opening a door (by drawing the character for "door") to a magical village filled with all the Chinese characters Grandpa just taught her. When they meet the dragon, will Lulu and Dumpling be ok?

I loved this book! There is so much to see and find in the illustrations as the Chinese characters are listed on each page of its first appearance. It's so fun to try to find the characters and learn them! I loved the fantasy element of it as well.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was practically a fantasy novel condensed into a 40 page picture book! "Scroll" introduces children to Chinese characters through the journey of Lula and her dog Dumpling, who get spirited away to a village made of Chinese characters, and have to confront a dragon using the powers of calligraphy that she learned from her snoring grandpa.

I now need an Avatar style TV adaptation where Lulu and Dumpling travel from village to village, harnessing the power of Chinese calligraphy to fight demons and help out people in need.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations capture the adventure when Lulu learns to create Chinese characters through calligraphy. Her grandfather teaches her some basic words and they continue to work together. When she draws door, it magically opens and she enters a world where the characters have come to life. She and her dog meet new friends and manage to stop the fire dragon. I appreciate the characters being drawn at the top of each page so readers can find them and flesh out the story. The twist at the end is delightful. A book full of love for each other and their language.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this beautiful and action-packed spin on informational fiction, Lulu uses calligraphy taught to her by her grandfather to face a fire dragon and interact with the imagined world around her. Lulu's charming dog, Dumpling, and of course the art and history of Chinese characters enhance every page turn. Author-illustrator Hui Li seamlessly weaves in dialogue and her personal experience, allowing the story to really resonate with readers long after the final scene.

[Ellen L. Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lulu’s grandpa teaches her how to draw Chinese characters. The character for door plunges Lulu and her dog Dumpling into a magic world where the Chinese characters come alive. The art on the scroll is like a magic carpet that pulls the reader into the story. The text and exquisite art make this a beautiful book to read over and over again. The Author’s Note includes additional information about some Chinese characters, like the characters for tree, woods, and forest.

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was a thrilling adventure through calligraphy and the history of Chinese characters. Lulu is learning about calligraphy with her grandpa when he falls asleep, and she steps through the character for "door" that she's drawn into a world made entirely of calligraphy. Very exciting and a wonderful homage to Chinese calligraphy and its history.

Themes: Chinese history, Writing
Age range: Kindergarten-Elementary

[Danielle T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute picture book that uses ancient Chinese characters (the precursors to traditional) to literally paint the story as Lulu and her dog Dumpling find themselves in a world of the scroll after painting the word for doors. Icons at the top of the pages show the characters featured in a scene and the pictographs are charmingly used. I consider this fantastical because of the dragon, of course!

[Jenna Beatrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this beautifully told inter-generational story, Lulu learns about ancient Chinese characters from her grandfather. This sparks an imaginative adventure through the scroll into a land where Lulu (and her sweet dog, Dumpling) fight a dragon and save the day! Full of information and fast-paced action. This story features gorgeous illustrations that pop off the page. A must read!

[Christine Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations take the reader on a journey as Lulu and her dog Dumpling learn Chinese calligraphy. As Lulu creates each character, it comes to life and the two friends embark on a magical adventure. A wonderful intergenerational story about tradition where kindness and friendship saves the day.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

SCROLL is a beautifully written and illustrated intergenerational story that highlights Chinese calligraphy. Children and adults will be transported to a magical world where adventure awaits and gentle messages of kindness and family prevail. A bright and fabulous book that deserves every accolade that is sure to come!

[Connie T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl is introduced to Chinese calligraphy by her grandfather. When grandfather nods off, a secret world opens up as Lulu continues drawing characters and a wonderful adventure ensues.

An author note, background information, and a list of Chinese characters add depth to this charming picture book.

[Cymiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book to win the 2024 CLEL Bell award in the category of Write. We follow imaginative Lulu and her companion Dumpling in their heroic journey to fight the mighty dragon. Finding the Chinese characters drawn throughout the pages is a fun way to learn, too!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little bit like Harold and the Purple Crayon but it's about the fact that the characters themselves can represent the adventure; Lulu doesn't draw a door but rather she draws the character for door. Delightful. But unfortunately I couldn't always see what I was meant to; I needed more guidance, more clues. Includes preface and Author's note.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl leans calligraphy from her grandfather and has a magical adventure with her dog in a world where calligraphy characters come alive and she has to draw her way out of trouble like Harold and the Purple Crayon.