In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Ryan O’Connor

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ting Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

Written by Ryan O’Connor

Illustrated by Xiang Minghui

Ages 6-10 | 48 Pages

Publisher: Xlibris Corp | ISBN-13 : 978-1664153189

Publisher’s Synopsis: Li Li Wang is enjoying Chinese New Year with her family when her grandparents ask her to sit with them. Before giving Li Li her holiday gift, they tell her the story of Ting Ting Wang, Li Li’s ancestor, and how she became a Chinese hero. Li Li carefully listens as her grandparents tell her about Ting Ting, the monster Nian, and the origin of the Chinese New Year celebration. Ting Ting, the Girl Who Saved China provides insight into China’s biggest holiday, gives a sense of its culture, and shows that girls are just as strong and brave as boys.

PURCHASE LINKS

https://amzn.to/2R1YdPv

https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781664153189

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryan O’Connor is a literature and writing teacher in Shanghai, China, and the author of the children’s book series Bobby the Bear. With a background in sports journalism and education, Ryan has turned his focus to writing children’s books. Through unique characters, Ryan provides children with moral and life lessons. Ryan has earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in education; he has also won numerous awards for sports writing. Ryan is a native of Pittsburg, Kansas, but has spent the past ten years living in Shanghai.

To learn more about Ryan and his books, visit his website at www.ryanoconnorauthor.com.

MY REVIEW OF THE BOOK

A FAMILY TRADITION

Ting, Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

Written by Ryan O’Connor

Illustrated by Xiang Minghui

Six-year-old, Li Li Wang is getting ready to celebrate Chinese New Year with her parents and grandparents. Her grandmother, Nai, Nai, and grandfather, Ye Ye, decide to tell her about the story of one of her ancestors, Ting Ting Wang.

Ting Ting lived on a farm with her parents and older brothers in the village of Tianyu many years ago. At that time no one paid attention to girls. Ting heard about the monster named Nian who was half unicorn and half dragon. Every year Nian would roam the countryside and attack the villages on New Year’s Eve. Across China, the residents hid themselves, their animals and possessions from the wanton attacks of the monster. But Ting Ting was not afraid. She knew if attacked she would stand and fight. When Nian appeared in her village, she dressed in red, decorated the house with red banners, and set out loud firecrackers. The monster became disoriented and fled. This legend has been handed down from generation to generation.

Elementary grade readers learn about Chinese culture, traditional foods, and customs like the tradition of the red envelope. The multicultural illustrations are charming and vibrant. This tale is a wonderful way to introduce students to Asian culture. Recommended as a read aloud for classroom discussion or a bedtime story for children ages three through eight.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a set of books by Ryan O’Connor, including Ting Ting, the Girl Who Saved China!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

• A copy Ting Ting, the Girl Who Saved China
• A Ting Ting Bookmark
• A copy of Bobby the Bear and His Missing Dinner
• A copy of Merry Christmas, Bobby the Bear

Two (2) winners receive:

• A copy Ting Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

The giveaway begins June 1, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends June 30, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY.

https://gleam.io/Wl38D/ting-ting-the-girl-who-saved-china-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, June 1, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-OffTing Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

Tuesday, June 1, 2021Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofTing Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

Wednesday, June 2, 2021A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofTing Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

Thursday, June 3, 2021Library Lady’s Kid LitA book review ofTing Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

Friday, June 4, 2021J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review ofTing Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

Sunday, June 6, 2021Feminist Books for KidsA book review ofTing Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

Monday, June 7, 2021Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofTing Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

Tuesday, June 8, 2021Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withRyan O’Connor

Wednesday, June 9, 2021Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofTing Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

Thursday, June 10, 2021Over Coffee ConversationA Beyond the Book ActivityTing Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

Friday, June 11, 2021The Fairview ReviewA book review ofTing Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

Wednesday, June 16, 2021Heart to HeartA book giveaway ofTing Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

Thursday, June 17, 2021The Momma SpotA book review ofTing Ting, the Girl Who Saved China

Friday, June 18, 2021Books Are Magic TooAn interview withRyan O’Connor

Flame and Sparkles: A Different Kind of Magic

Written by Issac Bowers

Illustrated by Kimber Bowers

This is the second book in a series that features two best friends, a fire-dragon and a unicorn. The two friends are off to a rock-hunting adventure on Lake Erie. They spot something floating in the water. When they move closer, they realize it is moving.

Flame and Sparkles meet Nessie, a Loch Ness monster who wants to be friends. Nessie invites them to her undersea home and teaches them how to swim. Nessie shows them that we all have a special kind of magic within us. If we believe and cooperate with each other, we can use that magic to create miracles. She gives Flame and Sparkles a special gift to remind them of their new friendship and the possibilities waiting to be developed with them.

I would classify this book as a chapter book rather than a picture book, even though the illustrations are delightful. Especially recommended for dragon and unicorn lovers in elementary grades. Hoping that this young author will use his imagination to take readers on many more inspiring adventures.

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Kai and His Magical Bobo (Kai Panducorn Book 2)

Written by Kathy V. Tran

Illustrated by Aiki Tran

Kai comes from a magical family. His father is a panda from a warrior family focusing on strength and bravery. Kai’s mother is a unicorn from a family entrusted with maintaining peace and balance. Today he is excited and nervous. Five-year-old Kai will begin school.

Kai stuffs Bobo, his blanket into his backpack. Bobo gives him courage and the strength to be a brave adventurer. Mrs. Kathy introduces him to the other children. When a handicapped fox walks into the room and falls, Kai does not join in the laughter of the other children. He decides to cheer him up. Kai will soon learn that the children have fears like his own. What does Kai find out about himself? Can Kai translate what he learns to the wider community in which he lives?

The illustrations remind me of Manga-style cartoons. The text is a combination of dialogue and character thoughts. I would recommend this book to parents of children beginning nursery school or kindergarten. Children a little bit older can use the discussion questions at the end to explore mindfulness concepts and read the text independently.

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Unicorn for Christmas: Teach Kids About Giving

Written by Sigal Adler

Illustrated by Abira Das

Christmas is nearly upon the castle. Princess Lily already possesses every material object she could want or need. When she decides to request a unicorn for a Christmas gift, the king and queen scour the kingdom to fulfill her request. Up to now, her demands have been met.

To their chagrin, the royal couple cannot fulfill her request. The king commissions the royal seamstress to make a unicorn costume. He places the costume on various animals to deceive the princess. She is not pleased. After many days pass, Lily realizes how hard her parents tried to please her. She hugs them and gives thanks to them for being wonderful parents.

The illustrations are vivid and expressive. They communicate the underlying message. My one criticism is that I would have liked to see her change in point of view explained more clearly in the text.

Parents of preschoolers and primary grade children who are exasperated with children who expect too much will love this holiday book. Suggested as a read-aloud or bedtime story.

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Ozette’s Destiny: Tales From Farlandia

Written by Judy Pierce

Ozette is a beautiful white squirrel marked with just a touch of gray down her back and on her head. She has come to the forest known as Farlandia on the advice of her grandmother, The Divine Miss Piddlewinks, who had given her a golden acorn. Ozette had been blamed for the encroachment of humans into their world because she was different from other squirrels. Upon reaching Farlandia, she planted a golden acorn. The forest bloomed with life, fairies, elves, nature, royalty, and all sorts of mythical creatures.

This book will entertain anyone from age seven through seventy. Its characters spin a tale of adventures that teach many lessons, cooperation, team work, loyalty, bravery, self-sacrifice and numerous others. At the beginning of the book we meet a scruffy white dog named Duchess Zorina who got lost while exploring outside the palace of Queen Beatrix. This turns out to be the beginning of Ozette’s adventures as she and her friends rescue “ DK.” Ozette gets to ride on a unicorn to visit the palace. The Queen insists on rewarding Ozette, giving her a crown and making her queen of the forest. Ozette has long been the humble caretaker of the forest, and her friends involve her in many of their foibles. She experiences life as a hummingbird, rides a parachute, and has her fur dyed pink! She remains a steadfast friend and never deserts a friend in need, even when he has been sprayed by a skunk! Like a true mother hen, Ozette feels a responsibility for all the creatures of the forest. She does not fear responsibility, but she is never overbearing nor does she want to impose her will upon others.

There are many touches of humor. Oliver’s boxer shorts disappear only to emerge as an elaborate bungee jump game for Ozette’s coronation festivities. The spiders weave an elaborate web parachute for her that has been dyed lavender. The Spice Squirrels are singing on stage, while birds and cicadas maintain a steady beat! Oliver, the elf has been busy in his kitchen baking all sorts of goodies. In fact, the author provides a list of delicious recipes that the reader will enjoy making and eating after reading the book.

Young children will enjoy the book if it is broken up into chapters as a read aloud. Older children and adults will fly through its approximately 160 pages as the fast paced story will compel you into quickly finishing it. I am looking forward to reading many more of Ozette’s adventures and the nuggets of wisdom that she drops for us.

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