Goldfish and Chrysanthemums

By James Cheng, Michelle Chang
Paperback: $10.95

A Chinese American girl helps preserve her grandmother’s childhood memories of China by creating a special garden for her in America.

Description

Nancy is helping Ni Ni (Grandma) in the kitchen when a letter arrives from China. Ni Ni grows sad when she reads that her childhood home is being torn down, along with the chrysanthemum-filled garden and fish pond she has always loved.

After Nancy wins two goldfish at the summer fair, she comes up with an idea to keep Ni Ni’s memories of the garden alive. Nancy gets to work the very next morning, and as the surprise takes shape, the familiar beauty of home brings the entire family together.

Goldfish and Chrysanthemums shows us all how one young girl can make a difference in the lives of the people she loves. This tender story is a testament to the special bonds that tie us together within families and across generations.

About the Creators

James Cheng

Andrea Cheng was the author of several award-winning and critically acclaimed books for young readers. Her works range from picture books to young adult novels, and her stories often draw on the experiences of her Hungarian relatives or her husband’s Chinese family. Cheng was inspired here by Dave’s heroism, courage, and creative struggle. She taught English as a Second Language at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, and passed away in late 2015.

Michelle Chang

Michelle Chang is a full-time illustrator who earned her BFA degree from the San Francisco Academy of Art. Her work has appeared in numerous magazines including The New Yorker, Time, Rolling Stone, GQ, Forbes, and The Atlantic Monthly. She is also a first place winner in the annual competition sponsored by RSVP: The Directory of Illustration. Chang currently lives in LA making jewelry in her sunny Southern California studio. This is her first picture book. To find out more about Michelle Chang, visit her website: www.michellechang.com.

Reviews

  • "In this warm story of inter-generational love, a girl re-creates a piece of her grandmother's childhood home in China. This portrait of a caring family resonates with scenes of sharing and togetherness. The rich golds, greens, and browns of the oil paintings add to the spirit of warmth and security. Use this book in multicultural and family story programs."

    - School Library Journal
  • "Cheng's story of intergenerational connection is a sweet one. . . a good choice for older storytime audiences or collections in need of culturally different stories."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "The telling is direct, and the message about bringing happiness to those one loves is clear. Chang's artwork conveys both the action and the deep familial love without ambiguity. . . Best for larger libraries or ones with immigrant populations that can really appreciate ties to a faraway place."

    - Booklist
  • "The story is warmhearted. . . the obvious affection among the various family members make Nancy's efforts both touching and credible, and the not-so-far-fetched conclusion is quietly but solidly satisfying."

    - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781600608896
  • Publication Date Mar 26, 2003
  • Trim Size 10.3 × 8.25 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781584300571
  • Publication Date Mar 26, 2003
  • Trim Size 10.75 × 8.5 × 0.5 in
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Family / Multigenerational
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / People & Places / United States / Asian American
  • Themes Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Cultural Diversity, Empathy / Compassion, Environment / Nature, Families, Fiction, Grandparents, Holidays / Traditions, Immigration, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, People In Motion, Realistic Fiction, Sharing & Giving, Siblings
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 8
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 3
  • Guided Reading P
  • ATOS Book Level 3.2
  • DRA 38
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 3
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 610
  • Reading Level 2
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 46
      English Fiction Grades 3-6
      Collection of 46 books: $631.75

      703 in stock

    • 29
      Immigration Collection
      Collection of 29 books: $380.55

      718 in stock

    • 61
      English Fiction Grades PreK-2
      Collection of 61 books: $732.95</