  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 11/15/2016 While preparing for Chinese New Year, Xingling’s grandmother Po Po tells her about the Nian Monster, who ate entire villages until people learned his weaknesses: loud sounds, fire, and the color red. Later Xingling encounters the monster herself and outwits him three times by feeding him traditional New Year’s foods—long-life noodles, milkfish (the boniest fish in the sea), and an enormous rice cake. Finally, at the fireworks, Nian is rocketed away when he can’t extinguish the flames beneath his chair because his jaws are stuck with glutinous rice flour. Set in Shanghai, Wang’s story combines holiday customs, traditional lore, and a contemporary setting to create a festive story introducing this celebration to young children. Chau’s colorful, cartoon-style art makes generous use of red and includes a monster whose size is his most ferocious feature. Setting details appear in both the text and illustrations, and an author’s note clarifies many of the customs described. This reads aloud well, making it ideal for story hours or multicultural units. - Copyright 2016 Booklist. Loading...
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