I often go to my maternal grandmother's house to read.

Her house is a warm and quiet place, filled with the smell of old books and the memories of my childhood.

Whenever I step into her study, I feel a sense of tranquility and peace.

The bookshelves are lined with various kinds of books, from classic literature to modern novels.

I can spend hours lost in the pages of a good book, forgetting about the outside world.

My grandmother also loves to read, and we often share our thoughts and feelings about the books we have read.

It is a wonderful way to bond with her and to expand my knowledge and imagination.

Reading at my maternal grandmother's house is not only a hobby but also a precious experience that I will always cherish.

3.5 stars.

It's just a light, quiet, little story.

A grandmother is telling her grandchildren about an incident that happened when she was quite young.

The story is kind of sweet, but not in the overly saccharine "ow, my teeth hurt!" way.

It's a gentle tale that unfolds slowly, like a soft breeze on a warm summer's day.

The grandchildren listen intently, their eyes wide with curiosity.

As the grandmother speaks, they can almost picture the scene in their minds.

It's a simple story, but it has a charm all its own.

It makes them smile and feel a little bit closer to their grandmother.

Maybe it's a story they'll remember and tell their own children one day.

Overall, it's a nice little read that leaves you with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

This is such a delightful listen! The moment I started listening to it in Amy Tan's own narration, it felt so lovely. It truly brought back the delightful days of listening to mom and grand mom's story telling. ❤️

Although it is a very short story, only a 25-minute audio book, it is filled with charm and warmth. Amy Tan's narration adds an extra layer of authenticity and emotion to the story. It makes you feel as if you are right there, experiencing the events along with the characters.

Despite its brevity, the story manages to convey a powerful message and leave a lasting impression. It is a wonderful little gem that is well worth the listen. Whether you are a fan of Amy Tan's work or simply looking for a quick and enjoyable story, this audio book is sure to please.

This is a truly fascinating, yet somewhat lengthy, tale.

It is about a grandmother sharing a story of her youth with her grandchildren. What I really love is the way the story is presented from the perspective of a very young girl.

She experiences all the wonder and confusion that comes with seeing something for the first time.

The relief of the child and the family upon finally being reunited is palpable.

Moreover, Ying-ying's scary experience serves as a valuable lesson for both children and caregivers.

However, I think for the intended audience, especially younger children, the story might be a bit too wordy and could potentially lose their attention.

But our girls really took a liking to the story.

We also had a great time looking at the gorgeously illustrated pictures as we read the tale.

It added an extra dimension to the reading experience and made it even more enjoyable.

Overall, despite its length, the story has its charm and offers some important lessons.

Finally, here is a (possible) reason why we keep our wish secret when we blow out candles. According to Nai-Nai's nursemaid in this story, a secret wish becomes only a selfish desire when spoken out loud.

"How I loved my shadow, this dark side of me that loved all the things no one else could see."

The best kind of wish is the kind you make true yourself. And also the ones that become everyone's wish.

It's a long story. The main character is seven years old. The children listening to the framing story seem to be between 8 and 4. There are beautiful illustrations. It can be read over a couple of sessions, so there will be time to think about and talk about different bits.

For example, why was the actor a man? Why did Ying-Ying cover herself in eel blood? Why was Amah so scared of getting in trouble, but then left the girl unsupervised on the boat? Why did her rescuers not expect a reward? These are all interesting questions that can spark discussions and deeper understandings of the story.

By exploring these aspects, we can gain a better appreciation for the complexity and richness of the narrative, as well as the emotions and motivations of the characters.

It's through such examinations that we can truly engage with the story and make it a meaningful and memorable experience.

"More Thoughtful Than the Average Children's Book"

Children's books are often a source of entertainment and learning for young minds. However, some books stand out as being more thoughtful than the average.

These special books not only capture the imagination of children but also offer deeper insights and valuable life lessons. They may explore complex emotions, such as kindness, empathy, and perseverance, in a way that is accessible and understandable for young readers.

Authors of these more thoughtful children's books take the time to carefully craft their stories, using engaging illustrations and relatable characters to bring the message to life.

Parents and educators also appreciate these books as they can help children develop important social and emotional skills.

In conclusion, while all children's books have their merits, the more thoughtful ones have the power to make a lasting impact on a child's development and understanding of the world around them.

This book was a really nice and quick read. It was engaging from start to finish and kept my attention throughout.

However, I do wish it had been a little longer. There were moments when I felt that the story could have been developed further, and I wanted to know more about the characters and their adventures.

But then again, I have to remind myself that most stories that grandmothers tell their grandchildren aren't that long. They are usually short and sweet, just like this one.

Despite its brevity, this book managed to convey a powerful message and leave a lasting impression on me. It was a charming little tale that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a light and enjoyable read.

Overall, I'm glad I picked up this book and I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.

If you are a fan of Amy Tan and have kids, you'll definitely fall in love with this book. Let me enumerate the numerous ways in which I adore this book.

Firstly, it ingeniously teaches kids, through engaging storytelling, how to handle the age-old complaint of "I'm bored. There is nothing to do." It provides practical solutions and inspiration in a fun and relatable way.

Secondly, it effectively shares cultural information. This is achieved not only through vivid descriptions, such as preparing dinner, but also by telling a story within a story, like the enchanting Moon Festival. It broadens children's horizons and exposes them to different cultures.

Moreover, I'm truly impressed by how accurately children's emotions and thoughts are portrayed. It makes the characters come alive and allows readers to empathize with them on a deep level.

I also love how the book creates such a vivid sensory experience that I can almost smell, feel, and be present with the little girl. It draws you into the story and makes you feel like you're part of it.

Another aspect I cherish is that my kids now understand what it means to be a Tiger and know their own identities. The book imparts valuable life lessons in a gentle and accessible manner.

Gretchen Schield's illustrations are simply wonderful. They add another layer of charm and beauty to the book, enhancing the overall reading experience.

And most importantly, I love the profound lesson about secret wishes. It encourages children to dream big and believe in the power of their own desires.

There are likely countless more reasons why I love this book that I just can't recall at the moment. But one thing is for sure, it's not a book to be read hastily before bed. It's a book that should be savored and shared with your children. Take the time to sit down with them, read it together, and engage in meaningful conversations. You'll be glad you did.

Once upon a time, there was a nice tale that grandmother loved to tell. It was a story about making wishes and the rich Chinese culture.

Grandmother would sit by the fireplace, and the children would gather around her, eyes wide with anticipation. She would begin by talking about the ancient traditions of China, where people would make wishes during special festivals.

She told them how making wishes was a way to express hopes and dreams, and how it was believed that if a wish was made with a pure heart, it might just come true. The children listened intently, imagining themselves making their own wishes.

As the story went on, grandmother described the beautiful decorations and the joyous atmosphere during these festivals. She talked about the colorful lanterns, the delicious food, and the traditional dances.

The children were completely captivated by grandmother's story, and they learned a lot about Chinese culture. They understood the importance of making wishes and the value of holding onto one's dreams.

And so, the nice tale about making wishes and Chinese culture continued to be passed down from generation to generation, bringing joy and inspiration to all who heard it.

One of my all-time favourite books from my childhood has unexpectedly turned out to be written by one of my current favourite authors!

This discovery has brought an indescribable joy to me. As an Overseas Chinese, I find myself deeply relating to her stories.

Her words seem to touch the very core of my being, as if she understands the unique experiences and emotions that come with being an Overseas Chinese.

Her stories are filled with vivid descriptions and relatable characters that make me feel as if I am a part of the narrative.

It is truly a remarkable coincidence that my childhood love for this book has now been rekindled by my admiration for its author.

I am excited to explore more of her works and continue to be inspired by her beautiful writing.

Pretty interesting but a little drawn out.

This statement implies that while the subject matter or activity has its appeal, it may take a bit too long to unfold or complete.

Younger children, with their shorter attention spans, would probably not be patient enough to stick with it until the end.

They might become restless or lose interest along the way.

However, for older kids, who generally have more developed attention spans and a greater capacity for patience, it could be a better fit.

They may be able to appreciate the details and the slower pace, finding enjoyment in the process.

It's important to consider the age and developmental stage of the intended audience when evaluating the suitability of something.

What might be a great experience for older kids could be a frustrating one for younger ones.

By taking these factors into account, we can ensure that activities and materials are appropriately matched to the needs and abilities of the children involved.

Amy Tan's words about a grandmother telling stories to her granddaughters about the Moon Festival are truly lovely.

The grandmother's tales bring the magic and traditions of the festival to life for the young girls.

Through her words, they learn about the significance of the full moon, the legends and myths associated with it, and the importance of family gatherings during this time.

The granddaughters listen intently, their eyes wide with wonder and excitement.

They are transported to a world of ancient times and beautiful dreams.

The grandmother's storytelling becomes a cherished memory for them, one that they will carry with them throughout their lives.

It is a time of connection, of passing down cultural heritage from one generation to the next.

Amy Tan's description captures the essence of this special moment, making us feel as if we are right there with the grandmother and her granddaughters, sharing in the joy and wonder of the Moon Festival.