 | |
| Author | Ying Chang Compestine |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's books |
| Publisher | Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers |
Publication date | January 1, 2001 |
| Publication place | United States |
| ISBN | 0689829728 |
The Runaway Rice Cake is a picture book written by Ying Chang Compestine and illustrated by Tungwai Chau. [1] The book tells the story of the Chang family and the sense of community that can be born from a simple act of kindness.
In the Runaway Rice Cake, the poor Chang family has hardly any food to celebrate the Chinese New Year. When they finally manage to put together a rice cake, it suddenly comes to life and leaps away. [2] The Chang family chases the rice cake all through the village until it comes across a hungry old lady. Realizing she is hungrier than they are, the Chang's offer the old woman some of the rice cake, but she eats all of it. [2] The community is moved by the Chang's willingness to give up their only meal, so when they return home, the family is greeted by a wheelbarrow full of what little food the community could gather for the New Year's celebration. [3] These acts of selflessness earn the praise of the Kitchen God who decides to award the village. [1] The story is similar to The Gingerbread Man . [2]
The book concludes with an author's note, including instructions on how to celebrate the New Years and a recipe for "Baked Nian-Gao" and "Steamed Nian Gao". [2] There is also a pronunciation guide for readers unfamiliar with Chinese words. [3]
The Runaway Rice Cake has been reviewed in Publishers Weekly , Booklist , Kirkus Reviews , School Library Journal , and Book Dragon. [4] [5] [6] Library Talk praised the full color, acrylic illustrations painted by Tungwai Chau. [7] School Library Journal called the illustrations "whimsical." [3]