The Runaway Rice Cake

January 1, 2001
Debut children's author Compestine crosses "The Gingerbread Man" with the traditional folktale of the bottomless rice jar for this story reinforcing the importance of giving. On the eve of the Chinese New Year, the Chang family prays to the Kitchen God, then prepares to make the holiday rice cakes, the ni n-gao. However, they have only enough rice flour for one, and when it's done, the ni n-gao pops out of the pan and runs away. Like the gingerbread man, the runaway cake leads a rollicking chase, evading livestock ("Ai yo! Pig's too slow!") and market-goers ("Ai yo! Away I go!"). Finally, it collides with a famished old woman, and, when the Changs offer to share the ni n-gao with her, she gratefully eats the whole thing. Upon their return home, however, a succession of neighbors greets the hungry family with what little they can share. Poppa Chang invites everyone to join in the sparse meal, and, in a magical ending, the bowls of food on the table expand to overflowing--a reward (from the Kitchen God, the text hints) for the family's kindness. Compestine's engaging tale brims with intriguing details of the traditions that surround the holiday (and, as the author of adult cookbooks, she also includes recipes for ni n-gao). First-time picture book artist Chau makes a splash with vibrant acrylics whose textured surface and controlled, sophisticated blending of shades mimic the look of pastels. His backgrounds, costumes and animals are more detailed than the characters' facial expressions, but he succeeds in communicating a warmth between family and neighbors. Ages 5-8.

February 1, 2001
K-Gr 4-A tale of tenderness and sharing. It is Chinese New Year's Eve, and the Chang family is preparing to celebrate the holiday. Although they have very little food, they have enough rice flour to make one New Year's rice cake. However, when the ni n-gao is cooked, it comes to life, pops out of the pan, and leads the Changs on a merry chase through the village. The errant cake is finally caught after it collides with an old woman and knocks her to the ground. When the family discovers that she hasn't eaten for several days, the youngest son suggests that they share the cake with her. Their generosity is later rewarded, as several villagers bearing gifts of food arrive at the Chang house. Magically, more and more food appears on the table, until there is enough for everyone to eat. Figurative drawings, while reminiscent of the art in various retellings of "The Gingerbread Boy," have a softer and more whimsical nature. Each page combines a vibrancy of color with more muted background tones. A brief pronunciation guide, along with information about the New Year and two recipes, extends the story. A welcome addition to stories such as Karen Chinn's Sam and the Lucky Money (Lee & Low, 1995) and Leo Politi's classic Moy Moy (Scribner, 1960; o.p.), which highlight other aspects of this holiday.-Tina Hudak, St. Bernard's School, Riverdale, MD

Copyright 2001 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2001
Ages 3-8. As part of the family's New Year's Eve celebration, Momma Chang has cooked the family's only" nian-gao "or rice cake. When she prepares to cut it, the rice cake comes to life, jumps out of the pan, and runs away. It runs by various animals and people, mocking them, until it collides with a ravenous old woman. Although hungry themselves, the Changs give her their lone rice cake, then discover their own feast, thanks to their neighbors' charity and magic. Although it contains a hodge-podge of familiar elements, this original story lacks the cohesiveness of folklore. Acrylic illustrations portray traditional Chinese clothing and background with mastery, but human faces are awkwardly drawn. Information about the Chinese New Year and recipes for baked and steamed " nian-gao "are appended. Despite weaknesses, many libraries will want to add this, considering the dearth of material about Chinese New Year.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2001, American Library Association.)