From the Crow’s Nest

Although there are many non-fiction books on Chinese New Year, many times teachers want a great read for story hour. I have had Runaway Rice Cake by Ying Chang Compestine on display many years now, but this year it was a ‘runaway hit’ virtually by word of mouth. The Chang family has only enough rice flour for 1 nián-gäo/New Year’s rice cake but they want to make the best of their holiday treat. When Momma takes the cake from the steamer, it comes alive. Popping out of the pan, it rolls right out of their kitchen, crying, “Ai yo! I don’t think so!”, a perfect phrase for class participation. The chase is on! but that pastry eludes the family every step of the way. Eventually it runs smack into an hungry, old woman. The youngest son offers to share their nián-gäo but she consumes the entire rice cake, leaving nothing for the Changs. Their generous act, however, reaps them benefits they could never have imagined. Our sped class even recognized the similarities with The Gingerbread Boy.