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Lin Yi's Lantern: A Moon Festival Tale
Set in China, this story offers an opportunity to learn about Chinese customs through the accessible story of a young boy who has his heart set on buying a lantern for the festival. It includes informative notes about life in rural China and the Moon Festival, celebrated in October.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 12, 2018
The illustrator apparently has high skills, and the story is very sweet. While there are are several technical mistakes in this book, makes me wonder if has ever been proof read by any Asian-born asian. Looks like the pictures are imagination of Asia, instead of a real lesson of diverse culture.
1. There is a bike or a part of small motorcycle in this book, it does not blend in the other part of this book, in which people are totally wearing apparels from an ancient time. It makes me confused... like the boy somehow tunneled to another age ....
2.on one page, there is a bridge, suddenly all people on that bridge are wearing Japanese apparel ??? While in other parts people are wearing Han apparel... this could be really offense to Asians, their coutures are diverse. And it could be particularly offensive to make this kind of mistake. Think of the example white people dress up as native Indians..... this is essentially the same...as Japan invaded China in World War II.
3 there is a strong stereotype of facial characteristics in this book. Everyone has single eye-lid. While a lot of westerns believe that is Asian beauty, unfortunately we don’t believe so ....
4 the dessert with candy outside fruit is not toffee apple... it is not made from Apple ......and we never have it in green.... it is always red .....
5. Why uncle Hui dress up as a monk ???
6. Fish are often line dried instead of in baskets ....
Please publishers, have someone who know and truly understand Asian culture proof read and illustrate books about Asia....people read this book would think they are learning culture of Asia, but in fact it is the fantasy of this illustrator .....
1. There is a bike or a part of small motorcycle in this book, it does not blend in the other part of this book, in which people are totally wearing apparels from an ancient time. It makes me confused... like the boy somehow tunneled to another age ....
2.on one page, there is a bridge, suddenly all people on that bridge are wearing Japanese apparel ??? While in other parts people are wearing Han apparel... this could be really offense to Asians, their coutures are diverse. And it could be particularly offensive to make this kind of mistake. Think of the example white people dress up as native Indians..... this is essentially the same...as Japan invaded China in World War II.
3 there is a strong stereotype of facial characteristics in this book. Everyone has single eye-lid. While a lot of westerns believe that is Asian beauty, unfortunately we don’t believe so ....
4 the dessert with candy outside fruit is not toffee apple... it is not made from Apple ......and we never have it in green.... it is always red .....
5. Why uncle Hui dress up as a monk ???
6. Fish are often line dried instead of in baskets ....
Please publishers, have someone who know and truly understand Asian culture proof read and illustrate books about Asia....people read this book would think they are learning culture of Asia, but in fact it is the fantasy of this illustrator .....
November 2, 2019
Dispatched to the market to purchase the things his family needs for their annual Moon Festival picnic, young Lin Yi hopes that if he bargains hard enough, he will have enough left over to buy the red rabbit lantern that he longs for. Despite his best efforts however, when it comes time to get the final item on his list - peanuts for Uncle Hui - he realizes that he will not have enough left for what he wants himself. His generous decision to buy the peanuts is rewarded in the end, and he and his family enjoy a happy Moon Festival...
Like a number of other picture-books I have read featuring the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival - The Shadow in the Moon: A Tale of the Mid-Autumn Festival and Mooncakes spring to mind in this respect - Lin Yi's Lantern: A Moon Festival Tale includes both a story set at the time of the festival and a brief retelling of a folktale associated with that festival. Here the folktale is included at the rear, along with instructions on making a Chinese Lantern and a brief discussion of market life in China. I found author Brenda Williams' tale sweet, if a bit predictable. One never gets the sense that Lin Yi will truly be denied what he wants, so the reward at the end felt less satisfying. That said, I think it will please young children, and the artwork from illustrator Benjamin Lacombe is simply lovely. Recommended to anyone looking for stories about the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, of which there are still far too few.
Like a number of other picture-books I have read featuring the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival - The Shadow in the Moon: A Tale of the Mid-Autumn Festival and Mooncakes spring to mind in this respect - Lin Yi's Lantern: A Moon Festival Tale includes both a story set at the time of the festival and a brief retelling of a folktale associated with that festival. Here the folktale is included at the rear, along with instructions on making a Chinese Lantern and a brief discussion of market life in China. I found author Brenda Williams' tale sweet, if a bit predictable. One never gets the sense that Lin Yi will truly be denied what he wants, so the reward at the end felt less satisfying. That said, I think it will please young children, and the artwork from illustrator Benjamin Lacombe is simply lovely. Recommended to anyone looking for stories about the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, of which there are still far too few.
November 15, 2015
After reading Tales of the Macabre I was interested in seeing more of Benjamin Lacombe's illustrations. He's definitely a fantastic artist. This was also a cute story about a little boy who is sent to the market by his mother to get supplies for their picnic for the Moon Festival. He wants a red rabbit lantern to play with at the Moon Festival but he fears that he won't have enough money to buy everything so it's up to him to bargain and hope he'll have enough left. Very cute story for younger children with beautiful illustrations.
June 29, 2019
عنوان ترجمه فارسی: فانوس لین یی
(قصه های ماندگار-10)
(قصه های ماندگار-10)
December 23, 2011
I read Lin Yi's Lantern by Brenda Williams as part of that astronomy themed book project I did. It teaches children about the Chinese Moon Festival through a story, an art project and through the myth of the moon goddess.
Lin Yi is sent to town with money to purchase supplies for the night's Moon Festival by his mother. If he has any money left over he can purchase a red lantern shaped like a bunny. He goes through the entire market buying what his mother needs but just doesn't have enough for his lantern. His friendly demeanor though inspires someone else to get it for him as a gift.
The next section is a step by step art project that teaches children how to make a simple paper lantern. This is a great bonus for teachers, librarians or homeschooling parents looking for moon festival projects.
The final piece is a short retelling of the moon goddess legend. It teaches the background to the moon festival. I would recommend anyone teaching this book read the myth first and then the main story unless students are already familiar with the mythology.
Lin Yi is sent to town with money to purchase supplies for the night's Moon Festival by his mother. If he has any money left over he can purchase a red lantern shaped like a bunny. He goes through the entire market buying what his mother needs but just doesn't have enough for his lantern. His friendly demeanor though inspires someone else to get it for him as a gift.
The next section is a step by step art project that teaches children how to make a simple paper lantern. This is a great bonus for teachers, librarians or homeschooling parents looking for moon festival projects.
The final piece is a short retelling of the moon goddess legend. It teaches the background to the moon festival. I would recommend anyone teaching this book read the myth first and then the main story unless students are already familiar with the mythology.
September 15, 2020
The story itself is fairly sweet but predictable. Lin Yi wants a lantern for the Mid-Autumn Festival but there's not enough money. He has to haggle at the market in order to get enough money to buy his lantern, but he doesn't make it. His uncle decides to get him the lantern because he knew how much he wanted it.
It's a fairly good introductory book if you have no background to Mid-Autumn Festival and the traditions that surround it.
If you are like me and wanted something to teach your kids, it's disappointing. The book doesn't really cover any of the traditions surrounding the holiday. The one myth that is told by the uncle is an outdated version. I didn't really like the illustrations. The people in the background look like they're wearing kimonos, but Lin Yi and his family are wearing traditional Chinese clothes. Totally not accurate.
It's a fairly good introductory book if you have no background to Mid-Autumn Festival and the traditions that surround it.
If you are like me and wanted something to teach your kids, it's disappointing. The book doesn't really cover any of the traditions surrounding the holiday. The one myth that is told by the uncle is an outdated version. I didn't really like the illustrations. The people in the background look like they're wearing kimonos, but Lin Yi and his family are wearing traditional Chinese clothes. Totally not accurate.
May 19, 2010
This is a lovely picture book, perfect for multicultural lessons, about a young boy who is sent to the village market to get some items for his family. His mother tells him that if he bargains well, and has money left over, he may buy a red rabbit lantern for the festival. But in the end, he has enough left to either buy the lantern or the peanuts for his beloved uncle. What will he do? This sweet story is highlighted by gorgeous gouache paintings, which are imbued with the red color of the festival. The author also provides an afterword which recounts the legend of the Moon Fairy, and instructions on how to make Chinese lanterns. A nice read-aloud for elementary school classes.
September 15, 2011
This is a wonderful tale that not only describes a little bit of Chinese culture, but also depicts a young boy given a big responsibility to purchase items with the family's limited money, and making the right choices despite temptations to do otherwise. In the end, he is rewarded greatly, but we see that he makes the right choices without a hope for such a reward, and that makes it all the more special. The illustrations are terrific and very expressive. We really enjoyed reading this book together. We also liked the extra tale, craft and additional information about Market Life in China.
March 21, 2022
Lin Yi is so excited for the upcoming Moon Festival.
His mother sends him to the market with some coins to fetch moon cakes, star fruits, rice, yams and most importantly, peanuts for his Uncle Hui.
Lin Yi desperately wants to be able to have a lantern for the Festival, but his mother has no more coins to give him, so if he wants it, he must be able to barter well.
Lin Yi goes to town, but not before visiting his Uncle Hui and telling him about his trip.
As Lin Yi goes through the market, bartering, tempted by the sweets and delights for the festival, he must stick to his goal.
However, what if Lin Yi can't get a lantern (a very important aspect of the festival) Will the festival even be worth celebrating?
Full of beautiful illustrations by Benjamin LaCombe, the text by Brenda Williams spans the pages, and the sinking feeling of math/responsibility/Jack and the Beanstalk or Pinocchio loyalty and trust in question, draw the reader in.
Additionally, the book includes the traditional tale of who the Moon Festival is in honor of in Chinese folklore. It even offers a look into the markets in China and how to make your own paper lantern.
I really do enjoy seeing glimpses into other country's holiday or annual festivities. It offers a glimpse into the traditions, food, and celebrations in a fun way. This book was no exception.
His mother sends him to the market with some coins to fetch moon cakes, star fruits, rice, yams and most importantly, peanuts for his Uncle Hui.
Lin Yi desperately wants to be able to have a lantern for the Festival, but his mother has no more coins to give him, so if he wants it, he must be able to barter well.
Lin Yi goes to town, but not before visiting his Uncle Hui and telling him about his trip.
As Lin Yi goes through the market, bartering, tempted by the sweets and delights for the festival, he must stick to his goal.
However, what if Lin Yi can't get a lantern (a very important aspect of the festival) Will the festival even be worth celebrating?
Full of beautiful illustrations by Benjamin LaCombe, the text by Brenda Williams spans the pages, and the sinking feeling of math/responsibility/Jack and the Beanstalk or Pinocchio loyalty and trust in question, draw the reader in.
Additionally, the book includes the traditional tale of who the Moon Festival is in honor of in Chinese folklore. It even offers a look into the markets in China and how to make your own paper lantern.
I really do enjoy seeing glimpses into other country's holiday or annual festivities. It offers a glimpse into the traditions, food, and celebrations in a fun way. This book was no exception.
September 27, 2021
I picked this up from the library as I wanted to introduce the idea of the Mid-Autumn Festival to my daughter. While we live in the U.K right now, we spent a substantial portion of our lives in China before she was born and may go back at some point in the future. I am also actively trying to read books from around the world or depicting different cultures, languages etc, as I want her to develop her understanding.
When I flicked through it I was initially really drawn in by the illustrations, despite several 'errors' or oddities that I noticed (as mentioned by some other reviewers). However, the text seemed like it would be too long to hold my daughter's interest (18 months old).
This has been her favourite book from our library haul this week - despite the text being a little long, she has been utterly absorbed by the illustrations, choosing to sit a flick through the pages herself as well as requesting both of us (parents) to read it to her.
Things I like: Beautiful illustrations, topic of Mid-Autumn Festival
Even better if: Cultural representation was more accurate, there was more information about the actual festival and how it is celebrated.
3.5 stars
When I flicked through it I was initially really drawn in by the illustrations, despite several 'errors' or oddities that I noticed (as mentioned by some other reviewers). However, the text seemed like it would be too long to hold my daughter's interest (18 months old).
This has been her favourite book from our library haul this week - despite the text being a little long, she has been utterly absorbed by the illustrations, choosing to sit a flick through the pages herself as well as requesting both of us (parents) to read it to her.
Things I like: Beautiful illustrations, topic of Mid-Autumn Festival
Even better if: Cultural representation was more accurate, there was more information about the actual festival and how it is celebrated.
3.5 stars
August 23, 2019
Masquerading as a sweet story that teaches about selflessness and its rewards, Brenda Williams's Lin Yi's Lantern: A Moon Festival Tale cleverly introduces children to aspects of Chinese culture, namely market life in China's smaller locales, as well as the Moon Festival of the subtitle and traditions associated with it.
Lin Yi longs for a red rabbit Moon Festival lantern. His mother challenge's him to acquire one by shrewdly bargaining for the items on the shopping list so there's money remaining to purchase one. Try as he might, there's only enough money for the things he must buy, which includes peanuts for Uncle Hui.
Benjamin Lacombe's sensational illustrations are a beautiful accompaniment to the lovely story.
Lin Yi longs for a red rabbit Moon Festival lantern. His mother challenge's him to acquire one by shrewdly bargaining for the items on the shopping list so there's money remaining to purchase one. Try as he might, there's only enough money for the things he must buy, which includes peanuts for Uncle Hui.
Benjamin Lacombe's sensational illustrations are a beautiful accompaniment to the lovely story.
September 19, 2021
This is a story about a young boy who must practice self-control. He gets given money to buy some food for a picnic they'll be going on, and if he barters well, he'll have enough money to also buy a red rabbit lantern.
Set in China, this beautifully illustrated book, as well as promote good messages / themes, can provide an insight for children into another culture: the characters' dress; the architecture; beliefs, e.g., walking through a lucky arch that will add 5 minutes to your life each time you walk through it; an informational page on market life in China and; a page on 'The Legend of the Moon Fairy' (a Chinese legend). There is also a fun 'How to make a lantern' activity at the back.
I really enjoyed reading this book and the illustrations were so lovely to look at!
Set in China, this beautifully illustrated book, as well as promote good messages / themes, can provide an insight for children into another culture: the characters' dress; the architecture; beliefs, e.g., walking through a lucky arch that will add 5 minutes to your life each time you walk through it; an informational page on market life in China and; a page on 'The Legend of the Moon Fairy' (a Chinese legend). There is also a fun 'How to make a lantern' activity at the back.
I really enjoyed reading this book and the illustrations were so lovely to look at!
October 14, 2017
I notice that sometime children in my demographic area, often fail to realize that there are other cultures aside from ours. This book is a great representation to debunk that idea. I think the story is simple enough for enjoyment but the children often become intrigued by the Chinese culture. This would be an excellent addition to a culture unit in the classroom. It is an easy read for elementary readers and the illustrations are beautifully done. The bright colors and fun pictures always leave the children wanting more.
May 14, 2023
It's time for the festival, and Lin Yi must go to the market and get everything on the list. If he bargains well, he might have enough money leftover to buy a red rabbit lantern. There are so many things to tempt him at the market! He has his heart set on his goal, but when he must decide between caring for others or buying for himself, can he really say no?
A beautiful book with thoughtful prose and gorgeous illustrations. It was a bit long-winded at times, but it was still a pleasure to read.
A beautiful book with thoughtful prose and gorgeous illustrations. It was a bit long-winded at times, but it was still a pleasure to read.
May 27, 2017
When Lin visits the market to find materials and items for the night's festival she must overcome her temptations and selfish nature. Four out of five stars for being a new book for me about Asian culture.
July 31, 2018
Todo lo que sea de Benjamín Lacombe lo voy a devorar. Es un pequeño cuento muy agradable, que al final trae como es un mercado en china y una fábula. También trae como hacer una lampara. Libro chico pero substancioso.
November 8, 2022
A beautiful story about patience and responsibility. Do you take what you desperately want? Or do you put serving the elders in the family above personal desires?
Read more at MindfulMuslimReader.com.
Books Worth Reading
Read more at MindfulMuslimReader.com.
Books Worth Reading
November 12, 2019
Beautifully illustrated. A great story to celebrate Chinese culture.
October 3, 2020
😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 like anything Illustrated by Benjamin Lacombe
November 17, 2020
Lovely art and a fun story.
March 16, 2021
I talks about bargaining at the market. It has a sweet message of buying everything from your list prior to buying what you want. It also teaches to put others put ourselves.
December 2, 2022
Very unique art and a good message about being honest.
September 29, 2017
Love how so much is woven into this simple story -- a cultural celebration, local life in China, and the main character's dilemma in making choices. Beautiful pictures and colors too!
October 24, 2017
This is a beautiful, heart-warming tale of sacrifice and reward, and has stunning illustrations. It is a great introduction to Chinese culture. The Moon festival is the second most important festival in the Chinese lunar calendar after Chinese New Year. There is a section at the end of the book about the festival, life in rural China, and the legend of the moon fairy.
October 25, 2012
This sweet story carries a valuable message. When Lin Yi is faced with a choice, he decides to do the right thing. The story follows Lin Yi to the market where he does the shopping for his mother. He tries very hard to bargain well, all the while keeping his eye on the red rabbit lantern that he wants to buy. He has a couple of opportunities to disobey his mother, but chooses to follow his conscience.
Lin Yi's Lantern is an interesting book on many different levels. It was fun to learn about the Chinese holiday and their culture a little bit, and it was also nice to read a charming story about a boy who chooses to do what he knows is right.
The artwork is beautiful. I love this illustrator's style. It is so unique and different, all while maintaining the beauty that I associate with the Chinese culture. Allover a pretty good picture book.
Books for Kids
Lin Yi's Lantern is an interesting book on many different levels. It was fun to learn about the Chinese holiday and their culture a little bit, and it was also nice to read a charming story about a boy who chooses to do what he knows is right.
The artwork is beautiful. I love this illustrator's style. It is so unique and different, all while maintaining the beauty that I associate with the Chinese culture. Allover a pretty good picture book.
Books for Kids
April 5, 2010
This was a cute book about a boy who is sent to market to get a list of items for the Moon Festival. The boy really wants a red lantern and is told that if he bargains prices for the other items on the list, he will be able to buy a lantern. Unfortunately, the items on the list cost too much and he is unable to purchase the lantern. Luckily for him his uncle has a surprise waiting for him when he returns home a red lantern. As an adult, I saw this ending coming from a mile away, but I still enjoyed the story. I liked that the boy and the uncle made sacrifices for one another. The boy gave up the lantern so that he could buy peanuts for his uncle and his uncle spent money that was difficult to earn on the boy.
October 5, 2015
This is an incredible text that depicts the life of a small boy who lives in China who wants what any young boy could desire to play with, a beautiful lantern. However, it's an incredible story that depicts many cultural values that are really important in his culture and how he reacts to obeying them or not. One gets a taste and insight straight into Lin Yi's mind and allows us to experience all his thought process and his yearning to just do what any little boy would. It's an incredible book that could bring up heavy discussion with a classroom about the culture and how and why it plays a big part.
January 31, 2013
The illustrations in this book are clear and colorful. The story is a little long, but each page has abundant imagery and ambience to hypnotize a child reading with a parent's help. The book includes a two-page "How to Make aa Chinese Lantern" section and another two additional features: a retelling of the legend of Chang-E and a short explanation about market life in China. This would be an excellent resource for children's librarians who want to create a storytime kit about China, the moon festival, and the meaning behind Chinese traditions.
June 9, 2014
Lin Yi's Lantern is a beautifully illustrated book that incorporates a unique view of the moon festival. The book pushes to enlighten readers with intriguing information about Chinese culture. There is a page dedicated to the Legend of the Moon Fairy, how to make a Chinese lantern and market life in China. I appreciate the incorporation of the historical and culturally relevant information provided by the author. The book also exposes readers to some family values that are important to Chinese families.
March 11, 2015
The luminous book tells the story of young Lin Yi who is running errands for his mother before the Moon Festival. A lovely tale of the power of thinking of others ahead of ourselves. The book also includes The Legend of the Moon Fairy, directions on making a Chinese lantern, and a note on market life in China. The only oversight is that there is no specific information about the moon festival itself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews