It's the Chinese New Year, and the Chang Family has only enough rice
flour to make one nián-gão, a special New Year's rice cake, for the
entire family to eat. But this delicious little nián-gão has other
ideas. "Ai yo! I don't think so!" it cries, coming to life and
escaping.
Ming, Cong, little Da and their parents chase the nián-gão all over the
village until it runs into a hungry, old woman and sends her tumbling to
the ground. Though Da is a small boy, his heart is big enough to share
the treat with her, even though that leaves Da's family with nothing to
eat for their own celebration. But the Changs' generosity doesn't go
unnoticed. When they return home, they find the Kitchen God has left a
wonderful surprise for them.
Ying Chang Compestine's heartwarming story conveys an important and
poignant message about sharing and compassion. Tungwai Chau's soft and
evocative illustrations complete this tender holiday story.