The Nian Monster

Wang's story begins as Xingling and her grandmother hang red paper decorations for the Chinese New Year in Shanghai. Po Po explains that the Nian Monster once plagued China by eating whole villages. Since the monster is afraid of "loud sounds, fire, and the color red," the decorations prevent its return. The Nian Monster seems no more than a fantasy, but as Xingling cooks, he leaps onto the family's balcony. "I have come to devour this city!" he roars, causing buildings to shudder. Xingling turns out to be a cool-headed hero. "Have a bowl of long-life noodles first," she advises the monster. "If you live longer, you can conquer more cities." More crafty culinary thinking slows Nian down further (bony fish, sticky glutinous rice), and a fireworks scheme sends him packing. Wang's story thrills but doesn't threaten: Chau's wonderfully vivid watercolors give the monster doe eyes and a round body that make him seem like a cranky, overgrown teddy bear, and Wang shares cultural information about the Chinese New Year with the lightest of touches. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary. Illustrator's agent: Justin Rucker, Shannon Associates. (Dec.)

PreS-Gr 2—While decorating for Chinese New Year, Po Po tells Xingling about the Nian Monster, who used to eat entire villages. The New Year traditions involving loud sounds, fire, and the color red successfully scared him off. Unfortunately, that was thousands of years ago, and he's not afraid anymore! The Nian Monster returns and threatens to eat Shanghai. Using other New Year traditions of long life noodles, sticky rice cakes, and fireworks, Xingling successfully saves her city. Chau's watercolor illustrations are filled with warm colors and humor. In one spread, a crowd of people in Yu Garden flee the Nian Monster—except for one person, who would rather take a selfie with the mythical beast. The monster, who looks more adorable than menacing, spreads chaos at other Shanghai landmarks, such as People's Square and Oriental Pearl Tower, but the quick-thinking Xingling is never afraid as she enacts her plans. An author's note discusses language and some New Year's traditions seen in the story. VERDICT This tale of New Year's high jinks has enough information to be enjoyed by those who have never encountered the holiday, and the focus on Xingling's wits and the monster's antics will be a draw for those who have celebrated it their entire lives. A fun read-aloud that's sure to induce giggles.—Jennifer Rothschild, Arlington County Public Libraries, VA