Grace Lin weaves a story-within-a-story around the boy Rendi, the residents of the Village of Clear Sky and the mystery of the missing moon in this captivating companion to her Newbery Honor book Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.
Once again, Lin intertwines classic Chinese folklore with her own inventions. Rendi, a frustrated runaway, finds work at the Inn of Clear Sky. Encouraged by guest Madame Chang, Rendi discovers that he, like her, has stories to tell. Each story provides insight into the characters, and allows them to grow and to resolve their differences. As Rendi tells "The Story of the Dancing Fish," he reveals something of his own identity. The author revisits several characters, symbolism and imagery from the first book, but readers need no prior knowledge to enjoy this volume.
Jewel-like, full-page artwork resembling silk tapestries illustrates chapters filled with humor, drama and wisdom. A timeless treasure. --JoAnn Jonas, public librarian and blogger