Jia and the Nian Monster

March 23, 2020
In this graphic novel based on Chinese legend, headstrong 10-year-old Jia lives with her grandmother. Every year, the monster that took Jia’s parents rampages through their mountain village. Jia and her friend Deshi are intent on discovering how to best the beast when a mysterious stranger offers his help. As explanation for the Nian Monster’s misanthropy, Richardson takes inspiration from “The Tale of King Mu, Son of Heaven,” portraying the beast as devastated when, after Mu of Zhou seeks Xiwangmu’s affections to steal a Peach of Immortality, the goddess fades away. While this fleshes out the monster’s backstory, it also makes him sympathetic, rendering Jia and Deshi’s pursuit less triumphant than might be expected. Still, Huang’s dynamic digital illustrations, in pinks, reds, and orange, effectively convey expressions, making this an engaging entry into Chinese folklore. Ages 10–up.